Apple CEO Steve Jobs made his return to the public spotlight this week to unveil the long-awaited, much-anticipated follow-up to his company's popular iPad.
Launched at an invite-only event in San Francisco, the new iPad 2 is thinner, lighter and faster than its predecessor, Jobs said. Additionally, Apple has loaded the tablet with a handful of new features not included in the original.
Among the highlights of the iPad 2 include both rear- and front-facing cameras and a dual-core processor that runs twice as fast as the original iPad and improves graphic performance by nine times, Jobs claimed.
Additionally, Apple is rolling out a new iMovie app, which enables users to shoot and edit videos from the tablet, as well as view video using AirPlay and Apple TV. iPad 2 users can use the app in conjunction with an HDTV, LED monitor or HDMI projector to watch video in pristine quality.
The iPad 2 will be available in the United States starting March 11 for $499. Apple will release the device internationally on March 25.
