One of the features missing from the iPhone and related devices has been a front-facing camera to allow video calls or video chat.

While video calling is not as popular as some telcos might like, video chat and video conferencing is used quite widely. The difference largely comes down to cost: video calling is a premium service (eg, Telstra charges 55c per 30 seconds compared with 37c for voice), while video chat comes out of the user’s Internet quota for the month.

9to5mac has noted the presence of various resources in the iPhone SDK 4.0 that signal the addition of video chat or conferencing.

In particular, the Conference framework includes a number of strings such as “Creating video conference call” and “Finalizing video conference call”.

Video chat/conferencing is pretty pointless on a handheld device that lacks a front-facing camera, so it is a reasonable assumption that this year’s iPhone and iPod touch – plus the next revision of the iPad – will have front-facing cameras.

9to5mac speculates that video chat could be used as part of Game Center, Apple’s forthcoming social gaming network.

There’s also the question of when the relevant APIs will be opened to third party developers. It is quite possible that they will be initially available only to Apple software such as iChat.

Resource:
http://www.itwire.com/your-it-news/mobility/38234-iphone-sdk-40-suggests-new-cameras-for-iphone-ipod-touch-ipad

Apple has officially opened up pre-ordering for its iPad tablet system.

Consumers can now place their pre-orders for the highly-anticipated device, which is scheduled for an official release on 3 April. Analyst estimates have placed early sales as high as 50,000 pre-orders.

The initial release would be limited to the US and only the Wi-Fi-enabled model. The company has said that 3G-equipped models and UK availability will be arriving later in the month.

First announced in January, the iPad has generated more buzz than any Apple product release since the iPhone. Like the handset, the iPad will operate almost exclusively on a touch screen interface, though a keyboard-equipped docking station will also be offered.

When it does arrive, the iPad could face stiff competition in the market from several competing tablets. Asus and HP have already unveiled prototype tablets, while Google and Dell are rumoured to be working on tablet models of their own.

Resource:
http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2259465/apple-opens-ipad-pre-orders