Tech giant, Apple announced Tuesday morning a new addition to its iPad tablet computer line, the iPad Mini, as well as a new fourth generation iPad.
The device, which is 7.2mm (0.3in) thick and weighs 0.68lbs (0.3kg), was announced at an event in California.
The iPad Mini will compete directly with cheaper similar-sized tablets recently launched by Google, Amazon, Samsung and others.
According to Cook and Apple, Apple has sold a total of 100 million iPads in the two years since the devices were released.
Taking time to talk about Apple and Apple’s previous focus on education, Cook announced an updated version of iBooks Author, Apples’ own book/textbook publishing software.
During the presentation of the iPad Mini, Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller took jabs at Apple’s competitors, by consistently touting Apple’s use of made-for-iPad apps instead of stretched out versions of mobile applications. There are currently over 275,000 applications specifically designed for the iPad.
The new iPad Mini will sport a 7.9 inch screen compared to the 9.7 inch screen found on the iPad 2. Comparatively the iPad Mini has similar specifications to the second generation iPad, the iPad 2.
According to Apple, the iPad Mini and the new fourth generation iPad will be shipped on Nov 2.
The iPad Mini will cost $329, while the fourth generation iPad will cost $499.
Ending the San Jose event, Cook returned to stage to thank the members of the media that arrived as well as take time to talk about how Apple faired in 2012. He summed it up in one sentence.
“This has truly been a prolific year in innovation for Apple,” said Cook.