The iPad is barely a week old, but it is never too early to start peering ahead to next yar and wondering what Apple might have in store for the iPad 2. One of the most requested features -- multitasking -- will come this fall when the iPad gains access to the iPhone OS 4. So what else would you want to see with the next generation iPad?
Here are six things I would add:
- Front-facing camera. This one is pretty obvious and will no doubt be at the top of most people's lists. A front-facing camera would make the iPad the ultimate videoconferencing machine.
- Mouse. It might sound a little crazy to add mouse support to a device with a touchscreen, but after seeing how nice the iPad functions with the wireless physical keyboard, I couldn't help but wonder how much nicer it would be with a wireless mouse. Most of the time, I'm fine with the on-screen keyboard and touch controls, but if I'm setting it up on a stand or docking station and using a wireless keyboard, it might be more ergonomic to use a mouse to control the iPad.
- Accept Tethering. It's hard to justify buying a 3G connection to the iPad if you already have a data plan on your smartphone, especially if that smartphone is an iPhone, which gives you access to most of the same apps. But if I could buy a special tethering plan for the price of that $14.99 limited plan, I would definitely be interested.
- USB. Another no-brainer, a USB port would not only give people access to expanded memory options, but would allow a number of different devices to hook into the iPad. But I won't hold my breath for this one as it would take away the ability for Apple to charge a premium for added storage space.
- 1080p HDMI Out. For a device that is touted for its ability to play video, the iPad sure is limited in sending that video to a television. Support for 1080p and an HDMI port would make the next iPad a great digital video player.
- Vibration Feedback. The iPhone is great for mobile gaming, and the iPad will definitely follow suit. One neat feature in consoles is the ability to get vibration feedback, which can really add to the intensity of games. Giving the sides of the iPad the ability to vibrate could definitely take it to the next level.
What would you add to the next iPad?
I would add phone functionality. It’s a big IPhone without a phone right now. USB is a huge deal too.
Hey ,
Great article!
I wondered if you can publish the top social sites that are suitable for ipad and other cell phones?
ThankS
Dawn.:)
Ipad is not a hype.Millions are sold in less than a month and demand will increase in a few month.
A mouse! LOL.
The whole point of a touch interface is to eliminate 20th century tools. You also gonna carry a mouse with you everywhere you go?
What iPad really needs right now is for Apple to keep polishing its OS and add more functions. Multitasking is coming in Fall and iSight camera sometime in future.
There’s no way for Apple to fill iPad with every possible feature, mouse, USB port, HD port and keep it $499 and 0.5inch thick.
Well, having used my iPad for a few weeks now, I could go for the wireless keyboard, and then a mouse would be mandatory – but all it would take is for someone to extend one of the air mouse apps to allow an iPhone or iPod Touch to work as a touchpad for the iPad – I’ll just set my phone next to my keyboard and voila – scrolling/cut&paste etc. No need for a ‘real’ mouse!