Apple has unveiled the second generation of its Ipad 2. By releasing the new model, it hopes to stay ahead in the increasingly crowded tablet market.

The company's CEO, Steve Jobs, who's been on medical leave, quelled recent speculation over his health, as he took to the stage in San Francisco.

Steve Jobs was greeted by a standing ovation as he made his first public appearance since taking medical leave.

The new Apple Ipad is faster, thinner and lighter than its predecessor that went on sale in April last year.

The second generation model features a new A5 chip and, at a thickness of just 8.8 mm, it is even thinner than it's sister product, the iPhone 4.