Apple has launched the second generation of its iPad tablet computer at an event in California.
The company said the machine featured a faster processor, improved graphics, and front and rear cameras.
Apple has led the industry in sales of tablet devices since the launch of the first iPad in April 2010.
However, it has been losing market share to a raft of rival devices from manufacturers such as HP and Samsung.
The event was hosted by Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, who has been on medical leave from the company since January.
It had been widely speculated that he would not appear owing to his ill health.
Mr Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004.
Speaking on stage, he said: "We have been working on this product for a while and I just didn't want to miss today."
Declining share
Up until September 2010, Apple iPads accounted for 95% of tablet computer sales, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.
By the end of 2010, that figure had fallen to 75%, said Strategy Analytics.
The loss of share was down to the release of scores of tablet devices, mainly based on Google's open-source Android system.
Ovum analyst Adam Leach predicted a two-horse race in the tablet market over the coming year, between the iPad and Google's Android operating system.
"The platform dominance of Apple and Google will continue through 2011 and beyond," said Mr Leach.
"However, devices based on Google's platforms will only overtake those based on Apple's platform by 2015, when we forecast 36% and 35% market shares respectively," he added.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12620077
The company said the machine featured a faster processor, improved graphics, and front and rear cameras.
Apple has led the industry in sales of tablet devices since the launch of the first iPad in April 2010.
However, it has been losing market share to a raft of rival devices from manufacturers such as HP and Samsung.
The event was hosted by Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, who has been on medical leave from the company since January.
It had been widely speculated that he would not appear owing to his ill health.
Mr Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004.
Speaking on stage, he said: "We have been working on this product for a while and I just didn't want to miss today."
Declining share
Up until September 2010, Apple iPads accounted for 95% of tablet computer sales, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.
By the end of 2010, that figure had fallen to 75%, said Strategy Analytics.
The loss of share was down to the release of scores of tablet devices, mainly based on Google's open-source Android system.
Ovum analyst Adam Leach predicted a two-horse race in the tablet market over the coming year, between the iPad and Google's Android operating system.
"The platform dominance of Apple and Google will continue through 2011 and beyond," said Mr Leach.
"However, devices based on Google's platforms will only overtake those based on Apple's platform by 2015, when we forecast 36% and 35% market shares respectively," he added.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12620077
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