Apple itself remains predictably closed-lipped about any upcoming products. If it follows past years' product launch dates, however, the next-generation iPad will make its debut in April, with the new iPhone following in June or July. Apple CEO Steve Jobs' recent leave of absence, reportedly for health reasons, means that some other executive-most likely COO Tim Cook, who continues to run the company's day-to-day operations in his boss's absence-will conduct the actual unveiling of both products.

In any case, rumors are flying fast and furious about the possible new features in Apple's upcoming products. In a Jan. 12 posting, for example, the blog Boy Genius Report suggested that the next version of the iPad will lack a home button, and instead rely on multi-touch gestures to navigate the home screen. Meanwhile, a small debate has erupted over whether the iPad 2 or even iPad 3 will feature the company's proprietary high-resolution Retina Display.

According to an online report, Apple will enable the iPad2 and iPhone 5 to make wireless purchases. If Apple indeed introduces a mobile-payment service based on NFC, it would have tech-world competition besides Google: Research In Motion co-CEO Jim Balsillie recently suggested that his company was considering NFC technology for its own products.

NFC technology, along with new hardware additions, would possibly help Apple blunt increased competition from other manufacturers intent on breaking into the tablet market. RIM is planning to release a 7-inch tablet, the PlayBook, and companies such as Motorola have Android-based tablets slated to hit store shelves over the next several quarters.

If you want to get many other benefits such as free gifts and free incentives, then wait for the coming O2 iPad 2 deals, which will provide this power packed multitasking tablet with interesting SIM free, contract and pay as you go deals.

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