Apple delays iPad 2 launch in Japan

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Handhelds

Given the destruction caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis, Apple announced today that it will delay the release of the iPad 2 in the country.

"We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster," Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris confirmed.

The iPad 2 went on sale in the U.S. on March 11 and was scheduled to launch in more than two dozen additional countries, including Japan, on March 25. An 8.9-magnitude earthquake, however, hit northeast Japan on March 11, prompting devastating tsunamis that have wiped away entire towns and killed thousands.

In a recent blog post, Digg co-founder Kevin Rose cheered Apple for its reported goodwill after the quake. Rose received e-mails from an Apple employee and an Apple fanboy, who said that Apple kept its flagship Tokyo store open, and allowed residents - iOS and Android users alike - to access the store's public Wi-Fi, watch online news, and contact friends and family via social-networking sites and e-mail. Apple also reportedly allowed stranded employees to sleep at Apple stores.

Other tech giants are also stepping up with donations and online tools, like Google's Person Finder. PCMag also has a guide for how to donate to the relief effort.

This article, written by Chloe Albanesius, originally appeared on PCMag.com and is republished on Gear Live with the permission of Ziff Davis, Inc.