Suppliers back next iPad's dual cams and sharp LCD

Four sources today slipped details of what's expected to appear in the next iPad. Supporting case leaks, one mentioned that it would have dual cameras. Two told Reuters that Genius Electronic Optical and Largan Precision had newly secured camera contracts with Apple likely attached to the project, although they couldn't directly link the work to the new iPad.

Another insider also backed claims that the revamp would have a higher resolution display, although it wasn't said how sharp this would be. To mimic the resolution increase from the iPhone 4, Apple would need a 2048x1536 display that hasn't been seen so far. Wintek has been named as the supplier for the touchscreen controller and has been involved with most Apple touchscreen devices in the past.

The design would also be thinner and more importantly lighter, the same contact for the display leak said. All four of the total contacts named Simplo as the battery supplier and AVY Precision as a cover maker. Extra part listings at Kodawarisan have alluded to an SD card slot and shown a space in third-party cases (below) for one just behind the usual speaker area.

Shipping timeframes weren't mentioned, but a prior tip had Foxconn delivering in February for an April debut. Component designers often need to start making parts in advance for final assembly.

The new model is expected to be crucial for Apple. Unlike the iPhone or iPod , the iPad is facing major competition just months after it arrived. Samsung is already having modest success with the Galaxy Tab, but Motorola's upcoming Android 3.0 tablet and a slew of comparable models from HTC, LG and others are due to show as soon as early next year. RIM has also planned to establish the BlackBerry PlayBook as a major contender when the first versions ship in late winter.

By Electronista Staff

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industry, gadgets, htc, Android, LG, BlackBerry, Motorola, Samsung, Research in Motion, Wintek, Apple, Largan Precision, iPad, Genius Electronic, Galaxy Tab, PlayBook, Kodawarisan, Simplo