Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the next version of its game-changer tablet iPad, the iPad 2, and the sequel is certainly tantalizing with a slimmer and lighter frame.

The unveiling confirmed earlier reports of a possible iPad 2 beef up. And though the iPad 2 certainly didn't usher in a revolution the evolution has been significant.

As forecasted the iPad 2 dons a slender figure which equates to 15 percent less fat than its older sibling. The iPad 2 is 15 percent lighter than the older iPad and 33 percent thinner.

The iPad 2 brings in a faster processor, the A5 which, according to Engadget, makes the iPad 2 insanely fast. It also brings a front-facing VGA camera and a rear-facing camera. The rear camera supports 720p video capture. This upgrade brings FaceTime and PhotoBooth features to iPad 2. The iPad 2 brings the latest version of iOS, the iOS 4.3, which brings enhancements to AirPlay, faster Safari browser experience and iTunes home sharing features. iPad 2 retains the same 9.7-inch form factor with 1024x768 screen resolution.

The tablet also brings Accelerometer, Gyroscope and Ambient light sensors for developers. It has a built-in gyroscope and also the accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, and compass all work together.

iPad 2 also has a special cover called the Smart Cover which was specifically crafted for the tablet to protect it's screen. It is called Smart because once the Smart Cover is opened the iPad wakes up instantly and when the cover is closed the iPad goes to sleep automatically. The cover can also be used to make a stand for iPad.

Here is a slideshow of some of the major updates brought to iPad 2:

Lighter and Thinner
The iPad 2 weighs 1.3 pounds compared to the original iPad’s 1.6 pounds weight. Also the iPad 2 is 0.34 inches thick while the older iPad is about .52 inches thick. Reuters
Faster
iPad 2 uses the new A5 dual-core 1GHz processor which makes it “insanely fast” thus making multitasking and loading of apps faster. Apple filled the speed gap created by Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor which most of the Android 3.0 or Honeycomb-based tablets currently employ. Also the new processor in conjunction with iOS 4.3 returns the same battery life of 10 hours as its predecessor. Apple
Vide conferencing
In the last few years, videoconferencing has been adopted increasingly due to globalization, productivity benefits, mobility and the need to save travel costs Apple
FaceTime
Courtesy the VGA camera a user can now connect with friends with a tap, enabling users to make video calls from iPad 2 to other Apple devices like iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Apple
PhotoBooth
VGA camera brings Apples’ Photo Booth feature on iPad 2 as users can now take their own snapshots. The app enables users to modulate the pictures to create slideshows. Apple
Airplay
iPad 2 also brings the virtues of AirPlay as it runs on iOS 4.3 allowing users to transmit HD videos from iPad to an HDTV screen. A user has to merely touch the AirPlay icon to make the feature effective provided the iPad and Apple TV are connected to the same WiFi. Apple
Mirroring
Also iPad used in conjunction with a Digital AV Adapter makes it possible to project content from an iPad to a bigger screen. The feature is called Mirroring. The Digital AV adapter is sold separately. Apple
Sensors
Apple also brings Accelerometer, Gyroscope and Ambient light sensors for developers. It has a built-in gyroscope. Also the accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, and compass all work together which will enrich the quality of games, maps and other apps which are dependent on the position of the tablet. Apple
Smart Cover
Apple has also created a Smart Cover specifically for the iPad 2. The Smart Cover provides the needed protection to the iPad screen. However, it is called Smart because once the Smart Cover is opened the iPad wakes up instantly. Close the cover and iPad goes to sleep automatically. Also the cover can be transformed into a stand for iPad . Apple
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