Apart from fresh rumors that Apple is holding a small event with developers this week to unveil the second-generation iPad, another report has added some grist to the mill with a few new features: carbon fiber shell, 7-inch version, and near-field communication (NFC).
NFC: While asking us all to read with a grain of salt, iLounge cited a "previously accurate source" that said Apple was developing accessories to communicate with near-field radio chips, which could effectively turn your mobile device into a credit card. This does confirm January reports from Bloomberg and TechCrunch.
7-inch form factor: Apple has also asked a "key component provider" to develop parts for a 7-inch version of the iPad, iLounge reports. We've heard this rumor several times before, but remain skeptical as it would require CEO Steve Jobs to take back snarky comments in October when he called 7-inch competitors "tweeners" and "dead on arrival."
Carbon fiber:And lastly, iLounge reports that the next iPad will come in a new, lighter material resembling carbon fiber, instead of the traditional glossy aluminum shell.
