Apple clarified a lot of rumors about the new iPad at its event today, except what to call it. When CEO Tim Cook finally left the stage, having unveiled an iPad with a high-resolution “retina” display, an improved processor and options for LTE connectivity, he simply said it was “the new iPad.”
Wait, what? Putting aside the near-infinite rumors that circulated ahead of the event that said it would be called either the iPad 3 or iPad HD, that name’s just plain confusing. “New iPad” is a ridiculous product name because when next March, next January or even October this year roll around, it won’t be new anymore.
Good thing that’s not what Apple’s doing. Apple told Mashable that it was simply naming the device “iPad.” It was only calling it “new” in the context of the event — and to make clear the distinction between the latest model and the iPad 2, which hasn’t been discontinued.
That still makes the name confusing, but markedly less so. After all, there was a device that came out two years ago that was simply called “iPad” and many people still use it (including myself).
But the choice also makes a great deal of sense. Apple refreshes its computers — the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac and Mac mini lines — every year without adding any numerals to the end. Consumers don’t seem to get confused. The iPod touch doesn’t get fancy new suffixes either, instead its simply referred to as 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G model when a clarification is needed.
Apple appears to be going forward with a similar strategy with the iPad. That explains why it’s not “iPad 3,” but why not “iPad HD?” Upgrading the screen’s resolution to a retina display was definitely Apple’s best opportunity to adopt that name.
It’s possible that Apple was thinking ahead to the iPad 4 (and future models). Would removing the HD moniker from those imply that it was no longer HD? Or perhaps it felt it was inaccurate to call the device HD when the screen resolution — 2,056 x 1,536 pixels — didn’t match any HD format. Or the simple fact that previous iPads were technically HD, capable of playing 720p video at full resolution.
Only Apple knows for sure, but the new iPad/iPad naming convention brought no end of confusion on Twitter, which you can see in the gallery below.
What do you think of Apple’s choice of name? Just perfect, or should they have gone for more drama? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Mashable
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