iPad 2 tablet launched by Apple's Steve Jobs in San Francisco

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs has unveiled the company's follow up to the iPad tablet computer at an event in San Francisco.

The iPad 2 features a dual core processor which Mr Jobs said would enable it to operate at up to twice the speed of its predecessor.

It also has cameras on the front and back and will go on sale on 11 March in the US and 25 March in the UK and 24 other countries.

Mr Jobs revealed that 15 million iPads were sold in 2010, generating $9.5bn in revenue (£5.8 bn).

However, it is facing growing competition from rival manufacturers such as HP and Samsung.

Senior vice president for iPhone software Scott Forstall demonstrated the photographic capabilities of the new product.