Apple to launch next-gen iPad in Q1 next year--analysts

Though the consumer electronics giant Apple is still silent and has yet not confirmed the launch, analysts predict that the company will roll out the second-generation iPad sometime in April.

The new iPad is expected to have a front camera and will support GSM and CDMA networks.

An analyst of Wedge Partner, Brian Blair, has detailed some features of the next generation iPad in his research note.

He said that the new iPad will be thinner and will be made from a single piece of metal which requires no pins.

Partner was quoted by ‘AllThingsDigital’ as saying, “We understand it requires a new type of manufacturing process as a result, similar to the company’s uni-body approach seen in MacBooks.”

“Apple has quickly leveraged its famous brand, an extensive retail presence and user friendly design to develop the tablet market into a multibillion-dollar business. Android, Microsoft, MeeGo, WebOS, BlackBerry and other platforms are trailing in Apple’s wake, and they already have much ground to make up.”--Neil Mawston, director of research firm Strategy Analyst

Rumors and speculations
The iPad rumors have surfaced amid speculations about the launch of CDMA iPhone, not only for leading U.S. carrier Verizon, but also for China Telecom and some other telecom companies.

Other analysts have also been hinting at the new device for quite some time now. Similar speculations also preceded the launch of the original iPad, much of which turned out to be incorrect later.

These rumors have partly fueled by the burgeoning tablet market and the increasing competition that Apple has to face in this segment.

Reportedly, Apple has a 95.5 percent share in the global market but the competition is growing. Samsung has started offering its Tablet Galaxy through five different carriers in the United States.

Neil Mawston, director of research firm Strategy Analyst wrote in a statement, “Apple has quickly leveraged its famous brand, an extensive retail presence and user friendly design to develop the tablet market into a multibillion-dollar business. Android, Microsoft, MeeGo, WebOS, BlackBerry and other platforms are trailing in Apple’s wake, and they already have much ground to make up.”

Apple iPad is expected to be available in limited numbers at the discount store TJMaxx this holiday season. It is already available at Wal-Mart and Best Buy.

Reports say that Apple might be willing to reduce inventories before the launch of iPad 2. So, this could be the time to look out for some good bargain.

Next gen iPad will have additional features
The next generation iPad is expected to have Face Time, Apple’s mobile video chat standard.

Face Time would need a front facing camera on the device. It is being speculated that the iPad will also have a rear camera.

Some analysts have predicted that next iPad can have a 5 megapixel rear camera.

The analysts at the Goldman Sachs say that iPad 2 could have a mini USB port which would replace the present 30 pin connector in the iPad.