Apple’s next-generation version of the iPad, presumably due in early 2011, should ship with improvements that make up for the first generation’s shortcomings.

Now that the iPhone 4 is out in the wild, and Apple customers are now enjoying the benefits of iOS 4 and the hardware capabilities of that device, it is only natural that the armchair tech industry quarterbacks, yours truly included and have been wondering about what enhancements the iPhone 4’s big brother, the iPad, is going to get in 2011.

We think we can immediately assume that the current generation iPad will get its iOS 4 update in the fall, bringing it to software parity with the current iPhones. But in terms of hardware improvements, what should and what can Apple realistically deliver in the next model?

Firstly we can say that right off the bat, the new iPad will almost certainly have the same built-in gyroscope that the iPhone 4 has in addition to the accelerometer. This is a no-brainer addition, as it vastly improves responsiveness and precision control for games and also will permit the creation of even more immersive augmented-reality applications on the tablet.

The second is the question of a front-facing camera and FaceTime. While FaceTime is undoubtedly one of the best features of the iPhone 4, it may prove difficult to implement in the iPad without radically changing the existing hardware design.

The reason being that with the much larger form factor, aiming the camera towards the subject is going to be a lot more difficult unless the camera itself is on an adjustable swivel mechanism or is much higher resolution (higher than VGA, such as 2-5Megapixels).

A higher-res fixed position camera would work more like a desktop webcam and could electronically adjust the field of view and track subject head movement, much like Logitech’s webcam software does on the PC.

This could also possibly be remedied by supplying a snap-on, adjustable webcam accessory for current and future iPad designs through the connector port, but an integrated camera would be a much more desirable feature and more consistent with Apple’s streamlined approach.

It should also be stated that the next-generation iPad should be brought to parity or exceed the memory capabilities as its flagship phone counterpart. The iPhone 4 has 512MB of main memory in its A4 Package on a Package (PoP), but the iPad currently only has 256MB, the same as the iPhone 3GS.

Even a typical Android phone such as the Motorola Droid has 512MB of RAM, and it is expected that larger-format Android tablets that will compete with the iPad when they are released will have even more.

Number of iOS developers, the 256MB of RAM hard limit on the iPad has made it difficult to code and debug highly exploitable applications for the device, often resulting in system crashes in multimedia apps which use a lot of graphics and sounds and has been probably the largest bottleneck in iOS programming.

While I can understand Apple’s desire to keep iOS application code tight and not succumb to the potential bloatware nightmares of Windows, I don’t see 1GB at a bare minimum being an outrageous amount of memory to supply in the next iPad.

The current 1Ghz A4 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) processor in my opinion, interestingly enough, has been more than ample, but a dual-core and/or higher-clocked version of the chip with more integrated cache and improved integrated PowerVR graphics is probably in the works.

Wouldn’t consider these processor improvements a necessity in the next iPad, but it would certainly be nice to see. Certainly, more cores with a higher clock and better graphics performance would allow for more exploitative multitasking iOS 4 apps and better games.

The next is the issue of the display on the next-generation iPad, and this is where I think Apple could go down two different paths, depending on what market segment and what features they feel is more important.

It would certainly be possible to do a 9.7″ display using the high-density 326 pixel-per-inch “Retina” technology, allowing for the display true HD video at 720p or higher with an SXGA/UXGA resolution, but doing this would probably be hard to keep the entry-level version of the device at the $499.00 price point unless volume manufacturing of this technology improves significantly.

However, even should the “Retina” technology become affordable to use in a larger format device, Apple might want to go in an entirely different direction with the next iPad — such as by using “Transflective” color LCD technology.

Widespread use of Transflective technology would allow the iPad to be used outdoors in bright sunlight, consume significantly less power and would completely replace E-Ink displays, effectively heralding the end of dedicated e-Reader devices such as the Kindle and the Nook.

Recently, Pixel Qi, the most well-known manufacturer of Transfective LCD screens, released 10.1″ 1024×600 parts at developer pricing for $275.00 each. While such pricing at low volumes still makes tablets like the iPad prohibitively expensive, the target price for Q1M is probably around $100.00 or less per part if Apple and other manufacturers (such as those working on Android tablets) were to make substantial commitments with Pixel Qi or another manufacturer in Asia working on similar technology.

Still, even with such commitments, ramping up production of these Transflective screens (and it’s clear the iPad would probably stick with it’s current 4:3 form factor, requiring a completely new part) would take at least another refresh cycle, so we might not see this technology in tablets from Apple until 2012 should the company go this route. So “Retinized” iPads or ones which use a variant of OLED are probably more likely in 2011.

While a subject that is largely ignored in relation to the iPad, we think that the device needs a serious audio upgrade. Although we use the device with headphones, we find the speakers to be anemic in terms of their overall volume and dynamic range, hopefully the next version will have nicer built-in speakers.

We also think that given the capabilities of the latest generation of Android smartphones and impending tablets, the next iPad should definitely have a way to output HDMI video, be it using an updated video output accessory (the current VGA kit is next to useless, even with Netflix support in the current software) or even with an actual integrated HDMI port.

Apple are preparing an iPod touch refresh with a 5-megapixel camera, front-facing webcam for WiFi FaceTime video calls, and the same accelerometer and gyroscope updates as in the iPhone 4, claims UK retailer John Lewis.  The predictions – sourced, John Lewis told Electricpig, from “noises we’re hearing from suppliers” suggest that the traditional September refresh of Apple’s touchscreen PMP will see it targeted as an all-round multimedia device for the youth market.

The 5-megapixel camera, the retailer has heard, will support HD video – presumably the same 720p HD as the iPhone 4 together with using an LED flash for low-light photography.  The iPod touch will also get direct YouTube uploads; we’ll have to see whether its processor is updated so that it can comfortably run iMovie for iPhone.

Meanwhile gaming will be emphasized with the new motion sensors, and Apple will continue to push their video calling functionality by bringing FaceTime into the iPod touch fold.  None of this is official, of course, and we’re not sure who John Lewis’ sources are exactly, but then neither does it sound especially outlandish considering the moves Apple has been making in recent months.

Relatives and friends can watch videos of newborn babies on their phone as part of a “babycam” trial in several Perth maternity hospitals.

St John of God Hospital in Murdoch is one of the first to offer the Look My Baby service to new parents, allowing friends and family around the world to make a “virtual visit” to see their bundle of joy.

The Australian-developed service uses a small webcam attached to the baby’s cot which can stream live video of the new baby over the internet to a mobile phone or computer. Parents subscribe to the service for the length of their hospital stay and a security access code allows them to choose who is given access to the virtual baby visit.

Friends and family can watch the video of the baby free apart from the usual cost of their internet access.

SJOG Murdoch director of nursing Robyn Sutherland said the new service not only helped connect families who lived long distances apart but could also be a useful way to avoid tired mothers having too many visitors.

“Our new babies receive many welcome visitors, but this service can give friends and family the option of enjoying a virtual visit instead, giving our new mums a little more time to relax before going home,” she said. 

Ms Sutherland said several mothers have taken the opportunity to use the service for free during the trial period.

To protect the privacy of parents, other patients, staff and visitors, there was no audio transmission and the camera was in a fixed position which showed only a view of the baby while in the cot.

The hospital said it would assess the results of the trial and then consider providing the service permanently.

Do you always want to be up to date on what’s happening at your favorite places and keep an eye on nearby weather or traffic conditions? Then WebcamIphone is the perfect application for your iPhone or iPod touch. Using WebcamIphone, you can get pictures of your favorite places anytime you want. You can easily add webcams using the integrated webcam directory 123cam.

123cam.com is the largest and fastest growing webcam community in the world wide web. With WebcamIphone, you can be part of it. From over 17000 webcams around all the world, you can view the newest, most popular or even nearby webcams. The location of any webcam can be easily viewed with the Google Maps application.

You’re in your car on your way home and want to know which roads have little traffic? Adding all traffic cams from your area to WebcamIphone could help you avoiding any traffic jam. Your winter vacation will be more beautiful if the weather plays along. That’s why you should inform yourself about the latest weather conditions in your skiing region before you leave your hotel. Is the sun shining or is there a raging blizzard outside? With WebcamIphone you’ll know!

The iPad is great. The iPad is amazing. Yes, but what about a webcam? Well, Apple did think about this and found a temporary solution for this camera tool currently missing on the iPad.

Thanks to hribovsek JP, a universal application is now available on the Apple Store for only 79 cents. It is a bad thing that turned out to be good; indeed this new application not only does support images but can also be linked to the iPhone that becomes the iPad tablet’s wireless camera. The application is called “Wireless Camera”, it shows on the bottom left of the iPad screen what the Iphone is currently recording; the image can be modified afterwards by using dedicated tools.

The iPad doesn’t have a built-in camera, but you can give it something better. By putting an app onto each an iPad and an iPhone, you can connect the two via bluetooth and have a wireless camera for your iPad.

All you need to do is download the Camera A and Camera B apps onto your iPad and iPhone respectively—note that Camera A will set you back a buck while Camera B is free. Once you’ve got the apps on your devices, make sure bluetooth is switched on, and open the apps. Ta da! You’ll see everything your iPhone’s lens sees on your iPad.

To take a picture you’ll tap the camera icon at the bottom of your iPad’s screen. A pop up prompt will ask you if you really want to save the photo and that’s it, you’re done. Oh, and if you want photos to save to both your iPhone and your iPad each time, then you can flip the little toggle switch in the lower right of the screen:

How does this witchcraft work? Based on the fact that I just saw my iPhone lock screen twice moments ago, I’d say that the apps are allowing your iPad to mirror your iPhone’s display. I guess that means that you could also use this app setup to truly turn your iPad into a gigantic iPhone. [Camera A and Camera B]

Update: Keep in mind that this app will only work with an iPhone 3Gs and not other models. Try Webcam Iphone

Webcam Iphone: View Live Webcams from around the World on your Iphone!

“I enjoy using the weather app on the iPhone a lot, but I always felt something is missing. Ok, I can see the forecast with temperature values and an icon illustrating if it is raining, snowing or whatever. But this isn’t enough for me, I want to see how the weather is. Well, there is a good app Webcam Iphone

WebcamIphone brings the world into your pocket. Watch places all over the world in fullscreen on your iPhone or iPod touch when connected to the internet. Search for a place, for webcams nearby, or take a look at popular webcams from around the world with webcam Iphone. There are thousands of webcams taking pictures of places, streets, landscapes and whatever else. All of them providing impressive views of the world!

iphone webcam view

Iphone WebCam is undoubtedly one such website that will never leave your iPhone once visited. At first the website might seem to be unworthy, ordinary and simple, but as you go through its varied features and unique functionalities, you will simply fall in love. IphoneWebCam is by far one of the best Utilities website that any iPhone user has ever experienced. IphoneWebCam is basically a video streamer and pictures uploaded directory through which you can watch live webcam around the world to your iPhone – it’s convenient, fun, free and extremely cool!
The way the IphoneWebCam website works is also very simple. You will find a website screen displaying quite a few numbers of different choices. The first thing you should do is select the place you want to see, you will find a webcam working perfectly on your iPhone.
One of the best features of the iPhoneWebcam is that it allows you to see live videos from a maximum number of different webcams over the world…

 To visit IphoneWebcam website,  visit here.

The “mini album” was released last month, and it’s their fourth official release. The three piece band is set to play at Tokyo’s Neutral Nation 09 festival on July 12. Check out the new music video after the jump: Each person does their part, and the glow-in-the-dark concept makes an interesting effect. Support the band at the SOUR’s official website. The video was probably inexpensive to make, which adds to the growing list of DIY music videos by indie bands, like BJSR’s recent video shot with an iPhone. Sour went one step further and let their fans participate. Can you imagine any other creative ways artists might include their fanbase in their work?