iPad 2 to get new back, better speaker, smaller bezel (rumor)

The next-generation iPad 2 rumors are in full gear. Today, the Japanese Apple blog MacOtakara reported that the new device from Apple, rumored to be coming in February, will get a new flat back panel, a wide-range speaker (pictured at bottom) and a smaller bezel, or border.

Whatever Apple does with the next-generation iPad, you can expect it to be big. Apple is now selling millions of the devices and dominates the overall tablet market.

The screen is expected to stay the same size at 9.7 inches. That makes sense because so many content creators are targeting their apps to run on an iPad screen of that size. The new tablet will be 3 millimeters smaller, measuring 293 millimeters by 168 millimeters, thanks to the smaller bezel.

The back of the iPad will also be flat like the back of an iPod Touch. The ambient light sensor has been moved to the top part of the rear panel and the new wide-range speaker is on the lower left, covered with metal mesh.

Other rumors have suggested that the device will have two cameras, one pointing at the user and another in the back, enabling video phone communication. Apple is expected to increase capacity at its subcontractor Foxconn to more than 6 million units per month.

[photo: MacRumors]