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http://www.macnn.com/articles/10/08/10/functionality.to.match.iphone.4/

Next iPad likely to integrate gyroscope component

updated 10:35 pm EDT, Tue August 10, 2010

 

Functionality to match iPhone 4


Apple is likely to integrate a three-axis gyroscope in the next iPad, according to a UBM TechInsights analyst. The company allegedly tested a component from InvenSense, however the production model is likely to use a similar component from STMicroelectronics.

An iPad teardown revealed an empty 24-pad spot next to an STMicro accelerometer, according to an EE Times report. The empty spot could have fit a three-axis gyro offered by InvenSense. Engineers also found similarities in the signal paths of the iPhone 4's gyro and the empty spot on the iPad.

“It seemed strange at the time that a product like the iPad would have been designed to not include a gyroscope but an iPhone 4 that was being designed at around the same time would,” said UBM TechInsights product manager Steve Bitton.


by MacNN Staff

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  1. Constable Odo

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2007

    +8
    08/11, 12:02am | report spam | Reply |

    The base iPad is less costly than

    an iPhone which is now the flagship device of Apple. Apple didn't even suspect how well the iPad was going to sell. I'd think that Apple was trying to hold down component costs on the iPad since it's not being subsidized. I'd think it would be more likely to add these features to the iPod Touch. I'm doubting Apple can keep the same price for the iPod Touch if it comes with the Retina Display and two cameras. I'll bet the top Touch also stays with 64 GB memory this time around.

    These analysts are really something when it comes to second-guessing Apple. They're very critical in judging what Apple should have done when most of them didn't even think the iPad would become the hit product it is.

  1. wrenchy

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Nov 2009

    -8
    08/11, 12:04am | report spam | (1 reply) Reply |

    Is this so you can


    twirl around like an iDiot whilst playing Jenga?

  1. evansls

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Oct 2004

    +1
    08/11, 07:03am | report spam | Reply |

    you are correct sir!

    can't we just assume, it will also include the retina display, iOS4, gyroscope, front facing camera, etc? it's most likely that whatever is in the iphone will eventually make its way to the touch and ipad models or visa-versa.

  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    0
    08/11, 12:00pm | report spam | Reply |

    Re: The base iPad is less costly than

    These analysts are really something when it comes to second-guessing Apple. They're very critical in judging what Apple should have done when most of them didn't even think the iPad would become the hit product it is.

    Where is the second-guessing? The only thing here even mildly critical is the remark that it seemed 'odd' that it didn't include it. And, yes, it did seem odd, did it not? There are probably good reasons for lots of things like that (different development schedules being a prime one). Doesn't make it less 'odd'.

  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    -1
    08/11, 12:08pm | report spam | Reply |

    Re: you are correct sir!

    can't we just assume, it will also include the retina display, iOS4, gyroscope, front facing camera, etc? it's most likely that whatever is in the iphone will eventually make its way to the touch and ipad models or visa-versa.


    I wouldn't make that assumption. Everyone assumed up through last September that the iPod was getting a camera. Never got it. Everyone was also expecting a GPS.

    The high-resolution display is probably a must-be-included on the next iPod. But I doubt it will make it to the iPad on the next revision (based on costs and size). The front-facing camera will probably make it to the iPad, but I doubt the iPod. The gyroscope will go in both, since it basically is replacing an older model part. So it isn't a big deal.

    The thing you have to remember is that Apple likes to tier their products. They aren't going to include in the touch all the non-phone features of the iPhone, for it will diminish the need/want of an iPhone.

    So, for the Touch, if Apple adds a front-facing camera, that means they'll need to get FaceTime to work. Which also means adding a microphone. But adding a microphone adds a lot more possible functionalities (like Skype), which reduces the iPhone advantage. So I predict no front-facing iPod camera.

  1. rombe3jr

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2010

    +1
    08/11, 12:44pm | report spam | Reply |

    The new iPod Touch

    Just see what features and how much they sell the new iPod Touch for. If they are going to include two cameras, retina display and gyroscope at similar price points then you can reasonably assume they are going to load up the next iPad with at least a front facing camera and gyroscope. I do wonder if a retina display on a larger iPad would cost a lot more or harm battery life much?

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