The launch of several 7-inch tablets in 2011 saw OEMs attempting to distance themselves from iPad.

Not because Apple's tablet is in any way deficient, but rather because the chances of beating it in a head-on clash are slim.

That's the view of Mode 7 Games' joint-MD Paul Taylor, who believes whatever Apple announces at its iPad 3 unveiling, few of the competition will be looking to play Apple at its own game.

We caught up with Taylor, whose studio is working on forthcoming iPad strategy release Frozen Synapse, to ask why he thinks iPad 3 is guaranteed to be in a league of its own.

Pocket Gamer: From a developer's perspective, what's the least you're expecting from iPad 3?

Paul Taylor: We're hoping for another significant increase in graphics performance - that could lead to some really exciting things.

The biggest feature of the iPad 3 will be the Retina class display, no doubt. It will make anything that can take advantage of it look amazing.

If you were making the decisions, what's the one wildcard feature you'd include?

A standard USB port would be nice!

I'd also like to see simple support for external game pads that can be used with games requiring physical controls.

The latest suggestion is iPad 3 will come with an 'A5X' chip, rather than A6. Given we know nothing about either, is this likely to make any practical difference?

We don't think this is particularly significant.

Where do you think iPad 3's competition is likely to come from?

I personally think other tablet manufacturers are aiming for a subtly different audience than iPad, which is almost a separate platform in its own right at this point.

It is really tough to see where serious competition will come from, but as I said, I think the aim of other manufacturers isn't a head-on clash.

What do you think iPad 3 will do for games on the App Store, and mobile gaming in general?

It's just going to boost tablet gaming overall and be a great thing for App Store developers.

It'll thrust the iPad back into the limelight as a desirable device once again, and that means more attention for iOS products.
Thanks to Paul for his time.