iPad 2 Rumors Include FaceTime, USB And Jan 11th Release Date

The holiday season is here and many of the Android Tablets have landed so what better time for rumors about the iPad 2 to heat-up and spread across the Internet like wildfire.

The first, and most commonly re-posted rumors comes via DigiTimes which cites Chinese-language Economy Daily News who in tern cites "industry sources" that claim Apple will add five new features to the iPad 2: video phone (Face Time), better mobility, a standard USB port, new retina display technology and 3-axis gyroscopes.

The video-phone feature (probably Face Time) is expected to benefit Apple iPad's webcam suppliers, while iPad 2 may adopt smaller size panels featuring thinner glass. The USB feature will allow the device to be more connection friendly, while Apple's "Retina Display" technology will enhance image and color output performance. The 3-axis gyroscopes will enhance gaming, added the paper.

Most of these claims seem relatively in-line with what most industry insiders are expecting after all many of the features such as the USB port are items many users have been requesting since the release of the original iPad. As for the front facing camera and Face Time capabilities during the teardown of the original iPad, it was shown that there was a space for placement for a front-facing camera, so that is also a likely addition.

The last feature leaked is the 3-axis gyroscope. This is a feature currently used in the iPhone 4 and iPod touch and Apple has been pushing gaming on the iPad so it just seems a natural evolution. So again despite these being rumors this is a likely addition.

The next major rumor involves release date. EdibleApple.com is claiming that Apple might be gearing up for a January 11th release date for the iPad 2. Citing Three Guys and a Podcast the site claims that Apple has two special events planned for the first quarter of the new year.

First, and this should come as no surprise, Apple will reportedly hold a special even this coming January where the company will introduce the iPad 2. Apple, of course, first introduced the iPad last January and the scheduling is in line with Apple’s typical release/upgrade cycle.

It'll be interesting to see if that rumor holds true. Just this week Apple release iOS 4.2 and a number of new rumors claim that Apple is planning to release its next major mobile operating system update -- iOS 4.3 -- in December, with recurring app subscriptions. It would be a bit surprising to see another set of major announcements for the iPad coming that quickly, however I wouldn't put it against Apple.

Several other sites speculate that the iPad 2 could see an April 2011 release, possibly available in multiple sizes. (smaller iPads anyone?) Again this is all pretty much speculation so Apple fans will have to wait and see!