In the “no shit, sherlock” category this morning comes news that Apple is most likely planning to release a new iPad in the first quarter of 2011.
Touch panel and glass suppliers are ramping up production for a new touch screen product with components shipping in the first quarter of next year.
Rumored additions to the next generation iPad include a front-facing camera to allow FaceTime video capability. Some have speculated that the next gen iPad will include a smaller, 7″ model to bridge the gap between iPhones and iPod touch and the much larger iPad.
The iPad has been picking up momentum since its release in early 2010, and should see another boost when iOS 4.2 becomes available on the iPad in November.
The iPad was initially introduced by Steve Jobs as a third device intended to slip between the existing categories of smartphones and laptops, but according to a Best Buy Executive, the iPad may be cannibalizing the laptop market by up to 50%.
