iPad 2 Unveiled By Apple In San Francisco

Apple has launched the iPad 2, the second generation model of its tablet computer.

The device, unveiled by CEO Steve Jobs at an event in San Francisco, features front and rear cameras, and is said to be faster that its predecessor.

It is also slimmer than the original iPad and can be combined with “smart covers”, which also double up as a stand.

Jobs, who is currently on medical leave, returned for the event, and told journalists: "We have been working on this product for a while and I just didn't want to miss today."

The iPad 2 will go on sale in the United States on March 11 and the UK on March 25. The pricing for British customers has yet to be confirmed.

Apple sold 15 million units of the original iPad, although its dominance of the tablet market is under threat by devices using Google's Android operating system.

Apple iPad 2: