Apple's 2013 tablet releases, the iPad Mini 2 and the iPad 5, are sure to sell like hotcakes on its rumoured September launch date but iPad fans remain wanting for a number of lacking killer features.

So far, it appears that the core strength of this year's tablet push from Apple is the physical gadget redesign, specifically impacting the iPad 5, which according to rumours will take after the same compact look of the iPad Mini.

Beyond the revamped tablet form though, iPad users are hoping that the reengineered iOS 7 would accommodate the following new features that are already in full display on rival slates.

Multi-tasking capabilities or Multi-View in Samsung Galaxy devices

Multi-view was introduced by Samsung last year and Galaxy users quickly welcomed the initiative of bringing the desktop feature to mobile devices. Though still limited, the smartphone and tablet function allows users to simultaneously pull up two windows and work (or enjoy) on them side by side.

In a review of the Galaxy Note 8.0, ZDNet highlighted the productivity offered by the Samsung initiative, which, for example, permits a user to quickly browse on Chrome while taking note. Or read on the latest iPad updates while listening or scanning through a library of music files.

Over at Phones Review, it was agreed that "multi-tasking is one feature we would love to see improved on the iPad mini 2 with iOS 7 ... to help work between apps that much easier," using two windows in a single device screen.

Multi-view, the tech site concedes, is one reason to pick the Note 8.0 over the iPad Mini.

Stylus controller or S-Pen in Galaxy Note series

The late Steve Jobs dismissed the stylus as a tool unwanted in the touch-based gadget environment, thus the production of iPads without the electronic pen. However, ZDNet's James Kendrick is convinced that Samsung made the right call in reintroducing the almost forgotten tablet companion.

This tool, Mr Kendrick said, is a small wonder that enables users to preview a file, take a quick note and scroll through an active app window. Having the same partner for both the iPad 5 and the Mini 2 is definitely a welcome development, notwithstanding the aversion coming from Apple's former CEO.

A good start for Apple would be to allow the support of the technology in upcoming iPad versions, not exactly a tall order for the cash-rich tech titan. The compromise would at least free up the company from having to produce the device while at the same time making many iPad users happier with the gadget.