Some very specific predictions for the Apple event tonight
There's the usual rumours and hyperbolae swirling around Apple's event tonight and The App Business couldn't resist adding our forecast to the mix.
So, over to the The App Business' Chief Architect, Steve Wilson, for his technically-minded set of predictions:
A new iPad will be the focus of the event:
- It will be called iPad 2S and will be sold at the same price point as the iPad 2
- A smaller version of the iPad 2 hardware will be offered at a lower price point
- The new iPad will support LTE through a new Broadcomm chipset
- It will use the A5X SOIC package, still a dual core chip but with improved GPU and support for more graphics and system RAM
- The screen will be upgraded to Samsung's new 'retina' display, with a likely doubling of pixels over previous iPads
- Along with the A5X, which integrates Audience's 'EarSmart' technology, Siri will be enabled on the new iPad
An updated Apple TV might also be announced:
- A $99 device with a similar form factor to the current model
- It will use the A5 SOIC package allowing for Siri voice controls
- It will be capable of 1080p hardware accelerated playback for currently supported codecs
- An interesting differentiator could be integration with News Stand or the new interactive iBooks, this would be possible with the A5 and look great on a 1080p TV screen
- Bluetooth 4 support and a webcam peripheral will enable full integration with FaceTime as an 'HD' video conferencing tool and iMessage
- The two announcements will be linked by focusing on 1080p AirPlay mirroring with the new iPad 2S
Let's see where we get to when the event starts tonight at 18.00 GMT.
Stay tuned to The App Business at www.theappbusiness.com and @theappbusiness