Next iPad to Add Five New Features including USB Port

NUTZZ

Digitimes relays a report from Chinese-language Economy Daily News which claims that Apple's next generation iPad will add 5 distinct new features. The newspaper cites industry sources for the information.

The five new features include "video phone, better mobility, USB port, new display technology and 3-axis gyroscopes."

The gyroscope, video phone (FaceTime) and better mobility (thinner/smaller) have been expected features of the new iPad. Meanwhile, the quote from the paper suggests the new displays will be "Retina Display" technology that will enhance "image and color output". Finally, the USB connector is perhaps the most surprising.

All of Apple's iOS devices have been based around the dock connector for charging and syncing. This proprietary connector also gives Apple some control over the accessory market for their devices. But, this isn't the first time we've heard that Apple will be adding a USB connector to their next iPad. Back in September, Goldman Sachs analysts described the next iPad as a lighter/thinner and with a mini USB connector. Apple's adoption of USB may be due to regulations passed in Europe requiring the adoption of a universal USB charging standard amongst mobile phone manufacturers including Apple.

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culabula

Allegedly.

vinnycoyne

I'd be very surprised to see a USB port on the next iPad.

aidan_walsh

Take specs of competitor device and current iPod Touch. Mash together. Claim unnamed "third party source." Watch impressions rise.

culabula

vinnycoyne wrote: »

I'd be very surprised to see a USB port on the next iPad.

Ditto.

banquo

Not a hope. It's not a laptop, et al, THAT'S NOT WHAT IT'S FOR.

Danbo!

vinnycoyne wrote: »

I'd be very surprised to see a USB port on the next iPad.

Absolutely. IF there is one I can imagine it would have extremely limited functionality, ie it would do away with the camera adapter and only work with cameras, and maybe printers. Although with AirPrint thats unlikely too.

Lighter/thinner/FaceTime/gyroscope, yes probably.

Improved screen, yes maybe, but unlikely to be "retina". The resolution would be too high. But it would be nice if they went to 1280 (it's 1024 now, right?) I think retina would need to be about 2000+ on the long side

Jimdagym

Apple's adoption of USB may be due to regulations passed in Europe requiring the adoption of a universal USB charging standard amongst mobile phone manufacturers including Apple.

Eh, it's not a phone!

ScrubsfanChris

Jimdagym wrote: »

Eh, it's not a phone!

Exactly, the new EU regulations are that all phones manufactured from January 2011 onwards must have a USB input,
But, it only has to be used for charging the phone,

NUTZZ

More speculation on iPad 2 new features and USB;

alex73

Yes, I think the ipad will get a USB port. its what customers want. If apple want to make the ipad a business device then there needs to be means of using portable storages devices.

The company I work for is looking at giving ipads to its 20,000 employees, but they are waiting to see if the next generation will have a USB port and intergrated camera.

for in my opinion to for sure there will be a USB port.

banquo

What... for? Things are moving toward the cloud. I just don't understand what you'd use a USB port for. Why not just get a computer if you're going to need those kind of features!?

The iPad deliberately doesn't do this, it's not a lacking feature. Apple doesn't want the consumer to put in a USB that needs to be defragged or has a virus, or dodgy files and file types. It's a different beast to a pc (pc being pc or mac.)

The iPad doesn't get better the more it becomes like a regular pc. In fact, it's a better product for the lack of them.

What that company wants is a pretty touchscreen pc that does all the things they already do but in a different form factor.

Blazer

banquo wrote: »

What... for? Things are moving toward the cloud. I just don't understand what you'd use a USB port for. Why not just get a computer if you're going to need those kind of features!?

The iPad deliberately doesn't do this, it's not a lacking feature. Apple doesn't want the consumer to put in a USB that needs to be defragged or has a virus, or dodgy files and file types. It's a different beast to a pc (pc being pc or mac.)

The iPad doesn't get better the more it becomes like a regular pc. In fact, it's a better product for the lack of them.

What that company wants is a pretty touchscreen pc that does all the things they already do but in a different form factor.

I'd definitely like a mini usb port on it...although it'll probably only be for charging..
cloud computing is great if you have 100% coverage but we know that's a pipedream in this country.

cornbb

alex73 wrote: »

Yes, I think the ipad will get a USB port. its what customers want. If apple want to make the ipad a business device then there needs to be means of using portable storages devices.

The company I work for is looking at giving ipads to its 20,000 employees, but they are waiting to see if the next generation will have a USB port and intergrated camera.

for in my opinion to for sure there will be a USB port.

Portable USB storage is a feature that big enterprises prefer not to have, generally. Moving files around on insecure and highly loseable thumb drives isn't considered good practice.

I'd consider all of these features apart from the USB connection to be likely additions.

Blazer

cornbb wrote: »

Portable USB storage is a feature that big enterprises prefer not to have, generally. Moving files around on insecure and highly loseable thumb drives isn't considered good practice.

I'd consider all of these features apart from the USB connection to be likely additions.

but again who cares what big enterprises think?
The majority of the ipads will be bought by normal consumers so it makes sense to have a usb port for such...
The ipad is not marketed to enterprise but to normal consumers..
I think the main thing Apple would have against a usb port (it will have a mini usb for charging I'd reckon) is why bother buying a 64gb model when you can get the lower one and just access movies etc from a usb drive..Apple definitely wouldn't want this happening so I don't see a storage usb being introduced.

banquo

There *is* talk about different phone companies reaching (in layman's terms) basically a standard way of charging your phone. Apple is involved in the discussions, so we'll see. If it changes, then iPad prob will change also.

cornbb

Sc@recrow wrote: »

but again who cares what big enterprises think?
The majority of the ipads will be bought by normal consumers so it makes sense to have a usb port for such...
The ipad is not marketed to enterprise but to normal consumers..
I think the main thing Apple would have against a usb port (it will have a mini usb for charging I'd reckon) is why bother buying a 64gb model when you can get the lower one and just access movies etc from a usb drive..Apple definitely wouldn't want this happening so I don't see a storage usb being introduced.

If they won't introduce a USB port for storage (and I agree that they won't) then why would they bother introducing one just for charging? It'd need to be in addition to the dock connector, not instead of it, as the dock connector is needed for docking stations, audio output etc.

Anyway people are missing the the point that the dock connector IS a USB connection, in addition to other things. Syncing is done over a USB protocol already.

Blazer

cornbb wrote: »

If they won't introduce a USB port for storage (and I agree that they won't) then why would they bother introducing one just for charging? It'd need to be in addition to the dock connector, not instead of it, as the dock connector is needed for docking stations, audio output etc.

Anyway people are missing the the point that the dock connector IS a USB connection, in addition to other things. Syncing is done over a USB protocol already.

because the ipad would be classed as a phone device if they introduce a camera on it to allow facetime and as such as per EU ruling they must use a universal micro usb to charge it...Apple have backed the plan so they will follow through with it.

Gregor Samsa

Sc@recrow wrote: »

because the ipad would be classed as a phone device if they introduce a camera on it to allow facetime and as such as per EU ruling they must use a universal micro usb to charge it...Apple have backed the plan so they will follow through with it.

MacBooks have cameras and can run Facetime. Are they phones now too?

Blazer

phutyle wrote: »

MacBooks have cameras and can run Facetime. Are they phones now too?

interesting question actually
technically the ipad isn't a pc or mac but would be interesting to see how EU views it...
besides it's not a big deal anyway...I'm just praying the 2nd gen has a retina display...I'll be happy with that

banquo

iPad + camera is classed, in the EU, as a phone. It's a mobile communications device (unlike a webcam, which is not mobile, and a laptop with a camera is a computer first).

Personally I think the line has gotten so blurred that these kind if classifications are dumb. As soon as the first handheld device with 3G and no sim - think iPod touch with 3G - comes along, it's the beginning of the end for the phone networks.

Johnmb

banquo wrote: »

iPad + camera is classed, in the EU, as a phone.

Where have they listed this? Given that there is currently no iPad + camera (unless you attach an external one), I can't see why they would have made such a decision already.

Danbo!

banquo wrote: »

As soon as the first handheld device with 3G and no sim - think iPod touch with 3G - comes along, it's the beginning of the end for the phone networks.

Who'll provide you with 3G then?

whiterebel

banquo wrote: »

iPad + camera is classed, in the EU, as a phone.

Even though it can't make calls like a phone? I'd also like to see where the Eu have classified it as a phone.

banquo

Sorry, it specifically is not classed as a phone. But with a camera it would fall into that category.

banquo

(and built in 3G/edge/GPRS)

Earthhorse

Regardless of what it's classed as Apple have shown their wish to standardise across their mobile devices, as evidenced by their recent change to the switch orientation lock (now the mute button). If USB comes to the iPhone it'll come to the iPad.

The iPad is a media device. Simple.

waynegalway

I had a chat with an Apple dealership owner (not just an "outlet" where you can buy Apple stuff, I mean a proper dealership only selling Apple) recently about iPad 2.

He reckons that iPad 2 will not have a usb connection, that it will have a facetime camera, that it probably won't have retina display and that there's a good chance it will have a smaller screen (7inch).

The usb port regulations in the EU are for "mobile phone manufacturers" which Apple is. The iPad will probably fall under the bracket of a mobile phone for this regulation, based on the fact that it has a sim card, a speaker, a microphone and is capable of making calls via the 3G network (albeit facetime calls, although I'm sure more apps will appear to make it function more like a phone). So for that reason, I personally think it will have the usb port.

whiterebel

waynegalway wrote: »

I had a chat with an Apple dealership owner (not just an "outlet" where you can buy Apple stuff, I mean a proper dealership only selling Apple) recently about iPad 2.

He reckons that iPad 2 will not have a usb connection, that it will have a facetime camera, that it probably won't have retina display and that there's a good chance it will have a smaller screen (7inch).

The usb port regulations in the EU are for "mobile phone manufacturers" which Apple is. The iPad will probably fall under the bracket of a mobile phone for this regulation, based on the fact that it has a sim card, a speaker, a microphone and is capable of making calls via the 3G network (albeit facetime calls, although I'm sure more apps will appear to make it function more like a phone). So for that reason, I personally think it will have the usb port.

Anyone who's not working in the top tier in Cupertino has as much idea as the rest of us what any new Apple product will contain. Unless he found one left in a bar , of course........

Jimdagym

waynegalway wrote: »

I had a chat with an Apple dealership owner (not just an "outlet" where you can buy Apple stuff, I mean a proper dealership only selling Apple) recently about iPad 2.

He reckons that iPad 2 will not have a usb connection, that it will have a facetime camera, that it probably won't have retina display and that there's a good chance it will have a smaller screen (7inch).

The usb port regulations in the EU are for "mobile phone manufacturers" which Apple is. The iPad will probably fall under the bracket of a mobile phone for this regulation, based on the fact that it has a sim card, a speaker, a microphone and is capable of making calls via the 3G network (albeit facetime calls, although I'm sure more apps will appear to make it function more like a phone). So for that reason, I personally think it will have the usb port.

Only half the range carries tthis function.

Johnmb

waynegalway wrote: »

I had a chat with an Apple dealership owner (not just an "outlet" where you can buy Apple stuff, I mean a proper dealership only selling Apple) recently about iPad 2.

He reckons that iPad 2 will not have a usb connection,

I'll be surprised if it does have a usb connection. As far as I am aware, that deal with the EU was voluntary, so unless they have changed and introduced regulations, Apple (nor any other manufacturer) are not bound by it. Plus, it is only for power, not data, so it would be well within the agreement to have a usb port that only recharges and cannot work with anything other than a charger.

that it will have a facetime camera,

That's a no-brainer at this stage.

that it probably won't have retina display

The only way it will have a retina display is if a different measurement is used. Retina display is not static, it depends on how far away the device is expected to be when being used. If they show that the iPad is usually further away from the user when being used than the iPhone is on average, then they could use something lower than the 300psi and call it Retina display. Whether or not it has a retina display, it definitely won't have a 326psi display like the iPhone 4, unless there is a new, high end version sold along with the more mainstream versions.

and that there's a good chance it will have a smaller screen (7inch).

There is no chance of a 7 inch screen. Jobs criticised them too much, and the screen size is what will differentiate the iPad from its rivals to a lot of people (along with iOS). Maybe in the future if the competitors small models take off, Apple will introduce a mini iPad, or maxi iPod Touch, but it definitely won't happen this time around. I'm very surprised that anyone with regular dealings with Apple would think there would be to be honest.

The usb port regulations in the EU are for "mobile phone manufacturers" which Apple is. The iPad will probably fall under the bracket of a mobile phone for this regulation, based on the fact that it has a sim card, a speaker, a microphone and is capable of making calls via the 3G network (albeit facetime calls, although I'm sure more apps will appear to make it function more like a phone). So for that reason, I personally think it will have the usb port.

There's a few things here, some already stated above.
USB port as stated in this agreement is for recharging purposes only, there is no requirement on any manufacturer to make it work as a connection port to anything else.
Have the EU actually made this a legal requirement or is it still a voluntary requirement?
Even if it has legal standing at this stage, the iPad is not a phone, regardless as to how it could be used for VOIP etc, so Apple don't have to put the usb port on it. If the EU were to class it as a phone for these purposes, they can't do it retroactively, so the iPad 2 won't require it even then, the repercussions would be for the iPad 3.

hsi

whiterebel wrote: »

Even though it can't make calls like a phone? I'd also like to see where the Eu have classified it as a phone.

You can make calls from Ipad, Just download the Skype app.

rivalius13

Waynegalway, the guy in Galmac doesn't know ANYTHING about the next iPad and if he claimed to he is talking out his arse. His rumours are WAY behind too, the 7" one is from AGES ago, he needs to catch up if he wants to keep tricking people into thinking he knows what's going on.

whiterebel

hsi wrote: »

You can make calls from Ipad, Just download the Skype app.

So can my laptop, its still not a phone.

cornbb

waynegalway wrote: »

I had a chat with an Apple dealership owner (not just an "outlet" where you can buy Apple stuff, I mean a proper dealership only selling Apple) recently about iPad 2.

He reckons that iPad 2 will not have a usb connection, that it will have a facetime camera, that it probably won't have retina display and that there's a good chance it will have a smaller screen (7inch).

The usb port regulations in the EU are for "mobile phone manufacturers" which Apple is. The iPad will probably fall under the bracket of a mobile phone for this regulation, based on the fact that it has a sim card, a speaker, a microphone and is capable of making calls via the 3G network (albeit facetime calls, although I'm sure more apps will appear to make it function more like a phone). So for that reason, I personally think it will have the usb port.

I don't see the logic in shoehorning the iPad into the category of "mobile phone" when it is clearly not a mobile phone. Facetime doesn't work over 3G. So from this POV there's nothing to make the iPad more mobile-phone-like than any laptop/netbook. Given that the definition boundaries between phones/laptops/netbooks/slates/tablets have been smashed in recent years, I don't see the point in attempting such categorisation at all.

I'd take any rumours like this with a hella big pinch of salt. Whoever your "friend" is, chances are one in a million that he's got access to reliable first-hand information. Claiming that Apple resellers have access to information about unannounced products is just plain wrong.

People are somewhat missing the point that the iPad DOES have USB connectivity (all iDevices have had it for many, many years), albeit over a proprietary dock connection rather than a standard USB port. Syncing/restoring etc are all done over a USB protocol. You guys have all noticed that your iDevices get plugged into a computer over a USB port, right?

So I guess the real question is not whether the iPad will "get USB", it is rather "will Apple support doing more stuff over USB?". I think the answer is probably no. Camera connectivity is already provided. Keyboard connectivity is via bluetooth. Mouse connectivity is out of the question. External storage might be possible, but that's just not Apple's style. And there's no way they're going to add support for a million other arbitrary USB devices.

Things I think we're likely to see:
- Front-facing facetime/skype camera. They might add a rear camera too, a little glass anus just for the sake of it, although I think it would be pointless.
- Decreased weight. I think this is essential. It's just too heavy.
- More welly. Maybe a new architecture. I don't think clock cycles will be pushed too high as they impact too much on battery life.
- Better display. The iPad doesn't look as sharp as it should when compared to the retina display. I don't know if they could/would put a retina display on an iPad - the pixel count would be through the roof and a lot of processing power would be needed to drive this. Quadrupling the pixel count would be the most elegant way to accommodate developers, but its simply many. Maybe they'll increase the line count by 1.5 each axis, or something like that.

Things we're unlikely to see:
- A major change in form factor, aside from the front-facing camera (screen size, construction materials, button layout, ports, etc). A non-slip body might be nice, but unlikely I think.

Look at the way Apple's various product lines have tended to evolve over the years and all of this makes sense.

brianhickey

Johnmb wrote: »

USB port as stated in this agreement is for recharging purposes only, there is no requirement on any manufacturer to make it work as a connection port to anything else.
Have the EU actually made this a legal requirement or is it still a voluntary requirement?
Even if it has legal standing at this stage, the iPad is not a phone, regardless as to how it could be used for VOIP etc, so Apple don't have to put the usb port on it. If the EU were to class it as a phone for these purposes, they can't do it retroactively, so the iPad 2 won't require it even then, the repercussions would be for the iPad 3.

Further to this, the current iPad uses a special high power USB charging mode (1000mah v the standard 500mah iirc), which I doubt is covered by the EU phone charger directive. It won't charge properly on a standard USB port, which is the whole point of mandating microUSB ports on all phones.

banquo

The retina display is impossible at the same price point, and I don't see them releasing different tiers like that.

Thor

Smaller bezel!!

banquo

Ah no, the massive bezel is necessary! Or so I would have thought anyway...