New hardware
While this year's iPad looks almost identical to the iPad 2, the under-the-hood technical improvements promise to make significant enhancements to the overall user experience, thus making this machine a more effect learning tool. First off is the killer new Retina display. In short, it's going to be gorgeous to look at. Photos and video will look even better than they do now, and text will be easier to read. While this does not directly impact its efficacy as a language learning tool, the new display will have a subtle yet powerful overall effect. The "wow factor" of the device should continue, making it even more exciting to use for students and teachers alike. The faster processor and ability to use more advanced data networks (such as 4G) will also help improve usability in practical ways. For example, look forward to not having to wait so long for a Google Map to render or for a video to start running. For sure, a faster, zippier machine will be a big plus. Next, the new iSight camera promises to improve the quality of projects involving photos or video. The five mega-pixel camera will take better photos and be able to shoot full high definition (1080p) video. It will now be possible to create more ambitious projects with the device, a theme we'll be revisiting frequently in future posts on this blog. Finally, in addition to the new iPad, Apple announced a new version of the Apple TV, that little back box you attach to a big-screen TV. The Apple TV offers teachers the ability to stream video at full HD resolution and wirelessly mirror your iPads display on your classroom's big-screen TV. This will open up some powerful capabilities, again something we'll be writing more about on this blog. Finally, if you're happy with the current iPad 2 and money is an issue, then you'll be glad to note that Apple will continue to sell the 2nd generation device at a reduced price (US$399).
New software
While the new iPad's hardware is exciting enough, the real benefits of the device manifest through the software. Most exciting were the updates to iLife apps GarageBand and iMovie, and the introduction of iPhoto. All of the iLife apps are now available for the iPad. Let's take a look at what's new in each one. First up, GarageBand. As before, this is a powerful and fun tool for creating music. It can also be used as an audio editor for recording and editing spoken interaction, creating podcasts, or just for mucking about and having fun. The new key improvement is Jam Session, the capability of recording up to four people playing at the same time. Check it out:
Next up is the refresh to iMovie, the video editing app. Combined with the new and improved camera and display, this update promises to make video editing projects easier and more fun to create. I'm especially looking forward to the new "movie trailer" feature, which will help students new to video editing create high quality video clips right off the bat. Check out this product run through to see what the new iMovie can do:
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