Gaming A Primary Focus In Apple's New iPad

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has unveiled the latest gadget to be wildly speculated upon as the iPad, a tablet computer that features keyboardless controls.

At the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco, Jobs informed the audience that consumers will be able to play video games on the new device by utilizing the touch interface.

As a demonstration, Gameloft's Halo-esque N.O.V.A. was shown in iPad form, complete with customizable and fully movable control templates.

Afterwards, EA Mobile Vice President Travis Boatman demonstrated a tablet version of Need for Speed SHIFT. Boatman then offered enthusiastic remarks on developing for the new platform.

When Apple invited us to come on site, we couldn't have been more excited. But we wanted to check out this device's performance as gamers. Building for the iPad is a little different it's kind of like holding an HD display up to your face. It's really cool.

Existing iPhone apps will be compatible with the iPad, with the option for users to upload their existing app libraries without needing to re-purchase or download.

The Apple iPad is set to launch in late March within the U.S., in the standard 3G and WiFi forms. The 3G version will cost $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB, and $829 for 64GB. The WiFi version will cost $499, $599, and $699 respectively.

[El33tOnline]

(11)

Brian Shirk

January 26, 2010

Yowza, that's pricey. They still don't have me convinced that I need one.

Rachel Jagielski

This is something that I feel like I should be excited for but I'm not. It doesn't seem very portable for one thing, I can't imagine lugging that thing around in my purse.

Juan Letona

Need to her my hands on time, going to be difficult to demo at the store, to really gauge my interest. The design does look slick and Macworld is just around the corner.

Demian Linn

I'm surprised and disappointed that this thing is basically a large iPod. Now I'm really wishing the CrunchPad hadn't died. (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/30/crunchpad-end/)

Jon Cole

How was the CrunchPad that much better for you, Demian? I suppose if you thought the $300 pricetag was actually feasible, it might be more exciting. But even without camera, multitasking, etc, the $500 iPad is still a much more full-featured product.

@demian I agree,l. There are netbooks for less that can do the same as the ipad.

Well, the CrunchPad was an open platform tablet computer, capable of doing all kinds of stuff. The iPad is a big content funnel controlled by Apple. For someone who has a smartphone and a netbook, all the iPad offers is basically an ebook reader.

January 27, 2010

Did Apple actually say that the iPad won't have Flash support? I know that the current iPhone OS doesn't have it, but who's to say that iPhone OS 3.3/4.0 doesn't launch with Flash support between now and then?

Jason Wilson

I have no interest in the iPad, and I hope it doesn't become the "new console" for gaming. I see it as just a big iPod. I already have an iPod. I do not need another one. I'd rather have a more functional, upgradeable laptop.

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Richard Moss

@Jon: here's why Flash support is unlikely to be added any time soon.

It may be unlikely, but I imagine that Adobe is feeling the pressure now with the quickly advancing HTML5 format. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they came to Apple with their tails between their legs trying to muster as much market share as they can, because HTML5 looks pretty damned impressive.