The next iPad is expected to appear next month, and while we don’t know for sure what Apple will call it, iPad 3 will have to do for now. Typical for Apple we won’t know anything certain about the next tablet until it launches but speculation is always fun so here goes.

Most likely the iPad 3 will be a little thinner than the existing iPad to catch it up to the Android tablets that are now thinner. That means the iPad 3 will be a little lighter than the second generation model.

Voice control: the next big thing

This will play a big role in the upgrade as I expect Apple to bring Siri to the iPad 3, along with the superior dictation that comes along with it. Siri is currently only available on the iPhone 4S due to hardware requirements, and those will easily be met with the hardware refresh on the iPad 3. The new Siri will be advanced over the first generation product released on the iPhone, and Apple will surprise us all with the new and improved Siri on the iPad 3. The personal assistant functions of Siri will be there, but the advanced dictation system will be the big story. Apple will be the first company to bring serious voice control and dictation to the mainstream with the new iPad and Siri.

Voice control has long been a pipe dream for computer makers, but none have been able to bring it to market in a form the mainstream will accept. I believe this has been Apple’s intention behind Siri from the beginning, and it will start to gel with the next iPad. Imagine a voice system that actually works, where it is easier (and more natural) to enter simple commands by voice. The Siri voice technology will be integrated in every aspect of iPad operation, and it will finally make the old Star Trek voice control possible on today’s device.

Source: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news/ipad-3-voice-will-be-the-next-big-thing/6787