Apple just posted today’s iPad 2 keynote on iTunes, available for download. Interestingly enough, there’s no online streaming option yet. Go download the keynote here.
Update: and here’s the streaming version.
iPad 2 Keynote Now Available for Download [Update: And Streaming]
Firemint Announces Real Racing 2 HD with Enhanced Graphics for iPad 2
Just in time for some truly magical iPad 2 hands-on videos featuring games being played on the new device, developer Firemint has announced that the brand new version of award-winning game Real Racing HD will take advantage of the more powerful graphic capabilities offered by the iPad 2.
Firemint says they were not aware of the detailed specs of the iPad 2, but they had a fairly accurate idea that turned out to be good for what they’ve been building. That means gyroscopic controls, faster graphics, lighter form factor easier on gamers’ hands when holding the device.
Real Racing 2 HD has been significantly enhanced beyond what could work on existing devices, and our efforts have definitely given us a head start on iPad 2.
All these attributes combined with our enhancements to Real Racing 2 HD will create the most precise and intuitive car racing experience on any device. The 1080p HDMI output also opens up some great possibilities.
We can’t wait to see more developers jumping on board with great-looking games built specifically for the iPad 2. March 11 can’t come soon enough.
Just How Big Is The iPad 2 Battery?
Good question. This big, compared to the first iPad:
We’re not entirely sure about the 1.8x figure provided by our friend Nils, but taking a look at another photo from the Engadget liveblog seems to confirms we have three bigger battery packs now built right into the (thinner) iPad.
Apple’s tech specs page says it’s a “built-in 25-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery” with up to 10 hours of usage.
The “Mystery Port” On The iPad 2? It Wasn’t Thunderbolt, It’s The Microphone
In the weeks that lead to the official iPad 2 announcement today, you might remember some leaked case designs for the new device suggested there was a new “mystery port” at the top of the device. Some speculated it was USB, some said Mini DisplayPort, some even guessed it could be a port for the new Thunderbolt technology Apple launched with the new MacBook Pros last week.
Well it turns out, the case manufacturers were right, the rumors were not. There is indeed an opening in the top part, but it’s for the iPad’s internal microphone that’s been relocated in the middle instead of next to the headphone jack.
So, no Thunderbolt. But that mic sure must be beautiful to look and whisper at. [MacRumors via Engadget]
Apple’s Digital AV Adapter Works With 1st iPad
If you’re looking for HDMI out video on devices other than the iPad 2, you might be happy knowing Apple’s Digital AV Adapter works with your iPhone 4, iPod touch 4th gen, and first iPad if you’re inclined to hold onto it for another year. These devices will only output 720p video, however, but keep in mind that’s still technically HD quality. If you’re looking for video mirroring, it appears to only be supported by the iPad 2. The Digital AV Adapter is available for $39.00 in the Apple Store.
[via Engadget]
New iOS 4.3 Feature: iTunes Home Sharing
At today’s iPad 2 event, Apple said iOS 4.3 will be available next Friday, March 11. A new feature mentioned was iTunes Home Sharing, so let’s dig in.
iTunes currently has Home Sharing between Macs or PCs on the same Wi-Fi network, but now iOS 4.3 is letting you stream all your music, movies and TV shows from your Mac or PC to any iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. After installing iTunes 10.2, tap and enjoy all your media in your iTunes library anywhere in your home. Imagine, you can stream a movie from your Mac to your iPad anywhere your Wi-Fi range can reach. Want to listen to an excellent new podcast, connect and go!
Current iOS 4.3 GM users, the iTunes Home Sharing feature is now in the beta. Others, it will definitely be in the public release on March 11.
UPDATED WITH SCREENSHOTS BELOW: Read more
Apple Releases iTunes 10.2 with iOS 4.3 Support, New Home Sharing
Just as we expected after seeing a brief mention of iTunes 10.2 on Apple’s website, the update is now available for download. You can find it on Apple’s iTunes page or Software Update on your Macs. The new version of iTunes officially introduces support for iOS 4.3 and brings an improved home sharing feature to share libraries with iOS devices running iOS 4.3.
Changelog below:
What’s new in iTunes 10.2
• Sync with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.3.
• Improved Home Sharing. Browse and play from your iTunes libraries with Home Sharing on any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.3.
iPad 2 Gets A New Apple Dock
As noted by iLounge, Apple announced a slightly modified version of the iPad dock to fit the new model unveiled today. What’s changed since the first version? Well, the iPad 2 dock seems to have a “small lip at the front” (perhaps to hold it better as it’s so thin?) that makes it a little bit different from the previous one. The usual 30-pin dock connector is included with support for charging and other accessories, as well as a 3.5mm audio line-out port.
It’ll look gorgeous next to a white iPad 2. [via iLounge]
Samsung Galaxy Tab Sales Not So Small→
Samsung Galaxy Tab Sales Not So Small
Hey, remember all the fun last month when Samsung’s Lee Young-hee said that Galaxy Tab sales were “quite smooth” but everyone heard “quite small?”
Before unveiling the iPad 2 today the man in black and denim listed that early misquote – which was widely and officially corrected – as evidence to prove that the iPad’s competition was floundering.
I’ve never seen the Galaxy Tab break any headlines or get a full day’s worth of coverage. Misquote or not, I don’t exactly see Android tablets flying off the shelves either. And now they’ll have to play catch up. Again.