New Apple iPad and Apple iLife software suite announced

Apple has announced a new iPad and an update of the iLife software suite. The new iPad, which has yet to be officially dubbed the ‘iPad 3’ by Apple, features an updated 5MP sensor, enhanced display and far faster processor.

The major talking point of this new tablet is undoubtedly the display, which uses the same Retina technology as the iPhone 4 and 4s. This has enabled the screen resolution to be increased up to 2048 x 1536, which equates to around 3.1 million dots. This should allow for some impressively sharp image reproduction, especially when reviewing images taken with the internal camera or an external device.

The supplied camera once again takes inspiration from the iPhone 4S, featuring the same 5 element lens but dropping the resolution to 5MP. This, alongside the likes of autofocus and auto white balance, makes the new iPad an improved imaging device but is still a touch unwieldy for taking snaps. 1080p HD movie recording is also possible, with software-based stabilization.

The faster Quad Core A5X processor can do some impressive graphic work, and is able to run the latest incarnation of iPhoto. This first foray onto the Apple tablet may seem like an odd inclusion, as iOS devices offer both a photo organiser and camera app. iPhoto does offer a number of tools for simple editing, as well as some impressively powerful features.

This includes one-touch exposure adjustment with regional control, the ability to alter white balance and a variety of brush and share tools. For those with an iPad, or who are thinking of buying the new version, this new app could be perfect for on-the-move photo editing.

The new iPad will be available on the 16th of March from £399, and iPhoto can be found on the App store for £2.99. For more information head to Apple’s website.