iPad 2 Rumors Heat Up

Apple iPad was released just a few months ago and has already been quite a successful product for Apple. The company has sold millions of iPad units and is expected to dominate the tablet industry for the next few years. It took blogs only a few weeks after iPad 1 launch to start talking about iPad 2. Fast forward to now, and we may be actually close to seeing what Apple has  in store for all of us. According to DigiTimes (which has been a hit or miss when it comes to rumors), Apple iPad 2 will have a better, smaller screen, a USB port, and 3-axis gyroscopes.

The video-phone feature (probably FaceTime) is expected to benefit Apple iPad’s webcam suppliers, while iPad 2 may adopt smaller size panels featuring thinner glass. The USB feature will allow the device to be more connection friendly, while Apple‘s “Retina Display” technology will enhance image and color output performance. The 3-axis gyroscopes will enhance gaming, added the paper.

The improved screen is something to be expected here. But we can’t quite buy the rumored USB feature. We have heard about this feature from Goldman Sachs and other sources in the past. We will believe it when we see it.  It was only a short while ago that Steve Jobs berated smaller tablets. Will Apple opt for 7 inch tablets despite Steve Jobs’ criticism of them? According to CNET Australia, the decision may have already been made and these devices could make their debt in Q1 2011.

Apple iPad is a tad bit behind iPhone when it comes to new features. iPhone 4 has had FaceTime capability for quite some time. iPad 2 is expected to have up to two cameras (one front-facing). Considering that FaceTime is supported over WiFi, it is the perfect feature for iPads.

At this point, it is not clear whether Apple plans to introduce larger screen iPads or even discontinue its 10 inch iPads. From all the rumors that we have heard, iPad 2 should be a thinner device with a better housing and retina display. The release date seems to be sometime in the early 2011 (unless things go horribly wrong for Apple). Will Apple offer 7 inch iPads for even less than $499? That alone makes iPad 2 worth waiting for.

What features would you add to iPad 2?