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.

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iPad 2 Roundup

What a day! Apple has not only exceeded our expectations for an iPad 2, but has introduced a whole slew of new apps that bring iLife to the touchscreen. Are we completely blown away? Shocked? I think all of us are going to have a hard time coming off of this one, at least until we get the iPad 2 (in black or white) in our own hands. If you’re looking for the summary of all things iPad 2, you’ll find it right here.

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iPad 1: Available at $399, For Now

With the iPad 2 about to hit the shelves, what’s going to happen to the original iPad? Well, Apple is apparently getting rid of remaining stock with a discounted price. In the “clearance” section of the Apple Online Store, you can see the 16 GB base model is now available at $100 off the original price. Other models come with a similar discount.

Again, this seems to be a temporary offer until iPad 1 stock runs out. So if you really want one, be quick! [Thanks, Luke]

iPad 2 Requires iTunes 10.2

Straight from Apple’s just-updated website, here comes a screenshot that confirms the iPad 2 needs a new version of iTunes, 10.2.

iTunes 10.2 still isn’t available for download and will likely be released in the next few days.

Update: and iTunes 10.2 is out.

iPad 2 Gets GarageBand

The second app Apple announced for the iPad 2 is GarageBand. It’s got touch instruments (but apparently you can plug in a guitar if you really want to), more than 250 loops and multitrack recording and mixing. Finally Apple has deployed its own app to turn the iPad into a music instrument, following the runaway success of music app developers in 2010.

An interesting detail: the piano demoed on stage recognize pressure on keys thanks to the iPad’s accelerometer. That’s very neat. The graphics looks really beautiful and you can switch between lots of instruments including organs and synths. You can toggle octaves and the sustain pedal on the piano. Engadget also reports you can tweak the vibrato with your finger as you slide on screen. Plus, drums!

Apple Announces iMovie for iPad 2

The iPad 2 isn’t just about new hardware and Smart Covers (which we already love). Apple has been busy building some exclusive apps for it, and a new version of iMovie is the first one. A precision editor with multi-track audio recording, AirPlay streaming to the Apple TV, universal app for iPhone and iPad (free upgrade for existing customers!) and new themes. The new iMovie takes advantage of the iPad 2’s faster processor and RAM to do some crazy video editing and HD sharing.

Over 50 new sound effects are available and music automatically switch with themes. The UI looks completely new and redesigned for the bigger screen which, we assume, should bring way better portable video editing. New sharing options for Facebook and Vimeo as well.

$4.99 0n March 11.