Apple emailed invitations to members of the press for what is expected to be the launch of iPad 3, which is faster, better-equipped version of its popular iPad tablet to thwart increasing competition from deep-pocketed rivals such as Amazon. The company has been widely expected to reveal the third version of the iPad soon, close to the anniversary of the launch of the iPad 2.
The invitation did not divulge details of the event beyond saying, “We have something you really have to see. And touch.” The invitation featured a partial picture of the touchscreen of a device resembling an iPad.
The invitation-only event will be held at 1 pm EST (1800 GMT) on March 7, 2012 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco where it also introduced the last two generations of iPads. Apple launches are some of the hottest events on the tech calendar, scrutinized by fans, investors, the media and industry insiders alike.
The iPad has dominated the emerging tablet computer market, but Amazon’s Kindle Fire, which sells at half the cost, has chipped away at the lower end of the market. The third model of iPad tablet that has helped put pressure on demand for traditional laptops and computers is expected to boast a faster, quad-core processor, and a higher-definition screen.
Chief Executive Tim Cook has often said that he expects tablets to outsell personal computers eventually. Cook, who took the company’s helm after visionary Steve Jobs died in October, will likely lead the event, with ample help from marketing chief Phil Schiller and other executives.
Another important aspect to be watched closely would be price of new version. iPad2 price starts at $499 and for taking on challenge of Kindle Fire, Tim Cook may have decided to rejig the price of iPad 3. Wait and see what Apple has in store for prospective customers of iPad 3!
