Apple CEO Steve Jobs has unveiled the latest gadget to be wildly speculated upon as the iPad, a tablet computer that features keyboardless controls.
At the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco, Jobs informed the audience that consumers will be able to play video games on the new device by utilizing the touch interface.
As a demonstration, Gameloft’s Halo-esque N.O.V.A. was shown in iPad form, complete with customizable and fully movable control templates.
Afterwards, EA Mobile Vice President Travis Boatman demonstrated a tablet version of Need for Speed SHIFT. Boatman then offered enthusiastic remarks on developing for the new platform.
"When Apple invited us to come on site, we couldn’t have been more excited. But we wanted to check out this device’s performance as gamers. Building for the iPad is a little different, it’s kind of like holding an HD display up to your face. It’s really cool."
Existing iPhone apps will be compatible with the iPad, with the option for users to upload their existing app libraries without needing to re-purchase or download.
The Apple iPad is set to launch in late March in the U.S. in WiFi-only form. The 3G version will follow a month later and cost $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB, and $829 for 64GB. The WiFi version will cost $499, $599, and $699 respectively.
