Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Apple : In Depth: iPad Air: 10 things you need to know

Apple : In Depth: iPad Air: 10 things you need to know

In Depth: iPad Air: 10 things you need to know

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In Depth: iPad Air: 10 things you need to know

Yes, it was a long and convoluted keynote. Yes, Tim Cook took an absolute age to announce the new iPad range. And, yes, more time was spent with Kyle and Gavin and their new adventures in GarageBand.

But we finally have news of the new flagship iPad, the iPad Air and it is impressive. Most impressive.

Here's 10 things you need to know...

1. It's got a new name

Apple's approach to naming iPad models has always been rather inconsistent and there's now yet another naming convention to contend with : the new model is called the iPad Air. Still, that's a lot better than the iPad 4 which was officially named the "new iPad".

It's "Air" now, incidentally, because it's shed some weight. You'll have noticed that Apple is concerned with lightness and slimness to the point of obsession, so it's not a surprise to see the relatively heavy previous model revamped in this way. Some people will probably still call it the iPad 5.

2. It has a smaller bezel

Previous iPads have had quite a large bezel – the area between the edge of the screen and the edge of the device. The iPad Air has a bezel that's 43% thinner than before and this means that while the screen remains the same 9.7 inches, the overall size of the device is smaller.

This is great news because a bezel is essentially wasted space, you can't do anything with it. So Apple moves a step further towards a device that is all touch screen and nothing else. The front panel is otherwise much the same, sporting a simple Home button.

iPad Air

3. It's gone on a diet

Advances in battery and processor technology have meant that the battery, which makes up most of the physical bulk of an iPad, has been shrunk. As a result the iPad Air is only 7.5mm thin, which makes it 20% thinner than the previous model.

Combined with a more regular shape compared to the tapered back of the last iPad, this should make for a more comfortable experience when holding it for long periods such as when reading books. It's also lost weight, weighing just 1lb. Apple says this makes it the lightest full size tablet on the market.

4. It uses the A7 processor

Apple debuted the A7 system-on-a-chip in the iPhone 5S and it's an absolute monster, providing blazing speeds while being surprisingly power efficient. It's a 64-bit processor, which paves the way for more advanced applications and better performance.

As an example, the brand new Garageband for iOS will let you run 32 tracks if you have a 64-bit chip, but 16 on a pre-A7 model. Interestingly there's no "A7X" as we might have expected. Apple supercharged the A6 processor for the iPad 4 and called it the A6X, but clearly feels the A7 is powerful enough for its newest iPad.

iPad Air

5. It has the M7 motion coprocessor

Also inherited from the iPhone 5S is the new M7 motion coprocessor. This is a clever but of hardware that's able to interpret advanced signals received from the iPad's gyroscope, GPS and other hardware sensors.

It can receive this data independently of the main processor, saving power as it doesn't have to wake the iPad's main chip. The M7 can tell apps whether you're walking, running, sitting or driving so that they can adjust their behaviour accordingly. Another potential application is indoor tracking and mapping.

6. The numbers are impressive

Apple claims that the CPU and graphics performance of the iPad Air are double that of its predecessor, which was itself no slouch. So you can expect really slick gaming and graphics performance and no waiting around for stuff to happen. Compared to the original iPad released only three years ago, the iPad Air has eight times faster CPU performance and a brain-blistering 72x faster graphics performance.

7. It's got better Wi-Fi

There's no 802.11ac (yet) so it still uses 802.11n, but the iPad Air introduces new MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology and uses more internal antennas to improve the wireless performance of the device.

Apple reckons it can achieve up to twice the data rate as before, which will be nice for transferring movie files, backing up wirelessly and so on. The cellular model also adds expanded LTE support. As before there are Wi-Fi only models and versions that add cellular 4G connectivity, though these require a separate data plan.

8. It doesn't have Touch ID

Perhaps surprisingly, the iPad Air hasn't gained the same Touch ID fingerprint scanning technology found in the new iPhone 5S. There could be many reasons for this, which at the moment are all purely speculative until Apple tells us, which it won't. It could be an issue of keeping costs down, or it could be that people don't take their iPads around in public nearly as much as they do their iPhones. We'd expect to see Touch ID introduced at some point, but clearly that's going to have to wait for a while.

iPad Air

9. Some things haven't changed… much

Although some of the specs are new, others are changed only slightly or not at all. The camera hardware remains the same : a 5MP iSight and a front-facing camera for FaceTime calls. There's the same 10 hour battery life, though of course the battery is now smaller and lighter so this could be called a positive change.

There are now dual microphones as opposed to the previous single mic, and this will aid both with audio recording and Siri performance, helping iOS to more accurately pick up and discern what you're saying. The iPad Air comes in silver and white and in space grey and black. There's no gold option, so if you want to look like a rapper you'll have to buy a case.

10. It's still the flagship iPad

Interestingly, Apple is keeping the iPad 2 around for people who want to get into iPad world but pay less for the privilege. This is an interesting move : the iPad 2 is pretty old technology now, with a non-Retina screen and an ageing A5 processor.

The iPad Air isn't dramatically more expensive and in all honesty offers a far better user experience, especially with iOS7. Nonetheless, the choice is there. The iPad Air will launch internationally on Nov 1 in a wide range of countries including for the first time at launch, in China.

In Depth: iPad mini 2 with Retina: what you need to know

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In Depth: iPad mini 2 with Retina: what you need to know

So the smaller iPad that Apple was never going to make is now in its second iteration - say hello to the iPad mini 2 with Retina display.

Today was the day that we found out how many of the rumours were true, how many were near misses and how many missed the mark by miles.

Here is our guide to everything that you need to know about the iPad mini 2 with Retina.

iPad mini 2 with Retina has a better screen

The iPad mini 2 with Retina screen measures in at exactly the same size as the year old iPad mini. The 7.9-inch display does come with a resolution boost, with the many rumours that the iPad mini 2 would get a Retina display proving to be bang on the money.

With the Retina technology on board, the new iPad mini comes with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 meaning that it has a Full HD display. This doubles the original iPad mini's 163ppi to 326ppi.

iPad mini 2 with Retina has the A7 Processor

Despite the lack of inclusion of the Touch ID sensor, the iPad mini 2 with Retina comes with the 64-bit A7 chip that we saw on the iPhone 5S.

This means that the iPad mini 2 now comes with a processor that is 4x faster than its predecessor, as well as providing 8x faster graphics processing.

The A7 chip also helps support the new Retina screen - because that screen is going to use up a lot of power. It also means that iPad mini 2 now has the same laptop-esque power that the iPhone 5S came with.

iPad mini 2 with Retina doesn't come in gold

Unfortunately for those after another shot of gold-coloured tech, there is no gold iPad mini 2 with Retina on the way. Instead it comes in silver and white, and space grey and black.

iPad mini 2 with Retina doesn't have Touch ID

It seems that the inclusion of a Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the iPad mini 2 with Retina is one that was unfortunately just not true. This will undoubtedly leave many unimpressed and set the bar for a lot of tomorrow's headlines.

iPad mini 2 with Retina has more storage

The iPad mini 2 with Retina comes in the standard 16, 32 and 64GB models that we HAVE seen before, with Apple telling us that there will be a 128GB model available for the first time.

iPad mini 2 with Retina has a better Camera, sort of

Those hoping for an upgraded camera sensor on the iPad mini 2 with Retina are out of luck.

It seems that the 8MP rear sensor that has been bandied about was in fact just another rumour, with Apple choosing to stick with 5MP snapper that currently sits on the back of the original iPad mini.

The front-facing FaceTime camera has had a look at, though, with it now matching the iPhone 5S for clarity - that should make video chatting a lot more pleasant.

iPad mini 2 with Retina will cost you

When it comes to pricing, the multitude of options means a multitude of prices. Prices start at £319/$399/AU$479 for the Wi-Fi only 16GB versions, with it being an extra £100/$130/AU$150 to get 4G connectivity.

iPad mini 2 with Retina comes better connected

Apple has updated the LTE connections in the iPad mini 2 with Retina, meaning that it comes with extended 4G support. It has also taken a look at the Wi-Fi connections, as the iPad mini 2 with Retina now comes twice as fast, with Mimo.

iPad mini 2 with Retina doesn't have a Keyboard Cover

One of the quieter rumours that we had heard recently is that Apple might be working on a dedicated keyboard cover a la Microsoft Surface. Unfortunately this isn't the (keyboard) case, with Tim Cook comparing competitors chasing this market to the way they chased the failed netbook market.

Early view: iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3

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Early view: iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3

Apple's announcement of the iPad mini 2 with Retina is one that has shocked no one, after rafts of rumors over the past year.

Now we can see which were true, and compare Apple's latest small-screen tablet offering against its three biggest rivals, the Google Nexus 7 (2013), the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 and the LG G Pad 8.3.

How do they all stack up?

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: OS

The iPad mini 2 with Retina unsurprisingly comes with Apple's latest, and possibly greatest, mobile OS. iOS7's radical new look made waves when it launched with the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. Icons are flatter, and there are plentiful new features.

Google similarly launched its latest mobile OS, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, with the launch of the new Nexus 7 device. It comes packing a completely unskinned version of the OS, offering Android in its purest form.

Amazon, as always, has taken a completely different tack. Heavily subsidizing costs, Amazon aims to recoup a lot of money through the sale of its various media items, be it apps, movies or books. In order to maximise this, the Fire UI laid over the top of Android 4.2 is focused on the Amazon store, with no Google Play offerings in sight.

The LG offering also runs Android 4.2, with an LG skin over the top. Unlike the Kindle Fire HDX 7, though, there is a lot less customization. This means that Android shows through a lot more, and the Google Play store offerings are still available.

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Screen

The iPad mini 2 with Retina comes with an all new screen, although it is again measured at 7.9-inches. The update brings across Apple's Retina screen technology that was infamously omitted from the first iPad mini iteration. Packed into those 7.9-inches is a whopping 2,048 x 1,536 resolution.

The Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HDX come with 7 inch Full HD screens. They match each other pixel for pixel, meaning 1,920 x 1,200 displays with 323ppi.

The Korean offering is a little larger, with 8.3 inches of screen on offer. This may be the largest of the bunch, but it is also the smallest for pixel density as the 1,200 x 1,920 resolution is stretched out resulting in 273ppi.

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Dimensions and Weight

With measurements of 200 x 134.7 x 7.2mm (7.87 x 5.3 x 0.28 inches), the iPad Mini 2 with Retina fits neatly in the size gap between the Android based offerings. It weighs 308/312g (0.68/0.69lbs) depending on whether you pick the Wi-Fi or 4G model, once again placing it in the mini tablet middle ground.

Google's Nexus 7 measures 200 x 114 x 8.65mm (7.87 x 4.49 x 0.34 inches), making it (in landscape) shorter than the Kindle Fire HDX 7, but wider. The Kindle is also a little deeper, with dimensions of 186 x 128 x 9mm (7.32 x 5.04 x 0.35 inches).

The Nexus is the lighter of the two, with the Wi-Fi only weighing in at 290g (0.64lbs) compared to the 303g (0.67lbs) of the Kindle. The LTE Nexus is also lighter at 299g (0.66lbs) compared to the Amazon's 311g (0.69lbs).

The larger screen of the LG means that it measures in at the largest of the bunch, at 216.8 x 126.5 x 8.3 mm (8.54 x 4.98 x 0.33 inches). It also comes in at the heaviest, weighing 338g (0.74lbs).

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Processor

When it comes to sheer processing power, Apple hasn't left the iPad mini 2 with Retina wanting. It comes with the latest 64-bit processor - the same one powering the iPhone 5S and new iPad Air. This means that it is four times faster, with eight times faster graphics processing.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro powers the Google Nexus 7, meaning that it provides 1.4GHz of quad-core power with 2GB of RAM to support.

There is an equal level of RAM in both of the other Android tablets, although they also differ when it comes to what CPU is inside.

The Kindle Fire HDX 7 has the quad-core Snapdragon 800 chip, clocked at 2.2GHz, with the LG G Pad 8.3 running the older Snapdragon 600 chip clocked at 1.6GHz.

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Storage

Would you believe that the iPad mini 2 with Retina doesn't come with microSD support? We all knew that it wouldn't, so there were no surprises there today. The iPad Mini 2 with Retina comes in the same 16, 32 and 64GB sizes that the original iPad Mini came with.

MicroSD support is also omitted from the Google Nexus 7, with 16 and 32GB versions available.

The only tablet with microSD support is the LG G Pad 8.3, as the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 comes with storage locked at 16, 32 and 64GB versions. It can be argued, though, that the LG is the only one that needs the 64GB support it as it comes with only 16GB internal storage.

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Battery

Again, following typical Apple traditions, there is no official quoted battery size. Instead, they offer up a 10 hour use time, which fits with the same use times as the original iPad mini.

Battery size is published for the Google Nexus 7, with Google stating that there is a 3950mAh power pack sat inside. This is apparently enough for "up to nine hours of active use."

For the Kindle Fire HDX 7, there are quoted battery times, although again there is no quoted size. Amazon claim that you should be eke out 11 hours of mixed use, or 17 hours of reading.

The LG G Pad 8.3 comes with a 4600mAh battery, although there is no word on how long this should last.

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Camera

Perhaps the most controversial of topics when it comes to these tablets is the camera. There is a certain stigma attached to holding up a tablet to take a photo, although there is a definite need for a front facing snapper to make video calls.

The iPad mini 2 with Retina display comes with the same 5MP rear snapper as the iPad mini. The forward facing camera takes a boost, gaining the same FaceTime HD camera as on the iPhone 5S.

This means that it matches the one in the Nexus 7, as Google has equipped its tablet with a 1.2MP forward sensor, and 5MP on the rear.

There is a front facing HD camera on the Kindle Fire HDX, although we have no word on how many MP that is. As for the rear sensor, Amazon has chosen to completely omit it.

The LG is on par with the Google offering, offering a slightly larger 1.3MP forward facing camera, and 5MP sat on the back

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Connectivity

Three out of the four tablets being compared here come with both Wi-Fi only and 4G connections. The exception is the LG G Pad 8.3, which comes with only Wi-Fi options.

In the UK, the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 is only being offered on 4G on Vodafone. 4G is currently only available in London, with 12 other cities getting access by the year's end. US users can get the Kindle Fire HDX 7 on AT&T and Verizon.

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Price

When it comes to buying the tablets, there are some obvious differences in price, much of which down to the myriad options available regarding storage size and connectivity.

The iPad mini 2 with Retina is the most expensive of all 4 tablets, with Apple saying that the tablet will retail at £319 for the Wi-Fi only model, with £419 for the 4G enabled versions.

The Nexus 7 is available from £199 for the 16GB version, with the 32GB costing £239, or £299 if you want the 4G enabled version.

The Kindle Fire HDX is available for £199, £229 or £259 for the 16, 32 or 64GB versions respectively. These prices increase by £70 to gain 4G access.

Pricing gets more complicated for the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7, as you can pay extra to opt out of having ads pushed to your device. This currently costs £10.

The LG G Pad 8.3 meanwhile is going to be £259 in the UK.

iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Early verdict

Does Apple's latest mini tablet have what it takes to compete against the big boys of the tablet world right now. As with everything, put simply, yes. Short of hitting the same sort of problems that Apple has hit with the colourful iPhone 5C, the iPad Mini 2 with Retina will sell in droves.

By not including the Touch ID scanner that was so popular on the iPhone 5S, Apple may well have missed a trick. That said, the inclusion of the Retina display will make the screen sparkle and appeal to all those that passed on the original because of screen issues.

Price should also not prove to be too much of an issue, with the original iPad mini showing that there is market for the smaller tablet with the higher price. This time around, the iPad mini 2 with Retina justifies its higher price tag, making it more irresistible.

We can never say with 100% confidence whether a new product will succeed or fail, but we'd buy a hat just so we could eat it if the iPad mini 2 with Retina failed. You'll have to check back for our iPad mini 2 with Retina review.

iPad sales hit 170 million this month, Apple reveals

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iPad sales hit 170 million this month, Apple reveals

At Apple's iPad event today the company revealed the brand new iPad Air, thinner and lighter than its predecessors, and the iPad mini 2 with Retina display.

But first Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed some numbers concerning iPad sales: Apple has sold 170 million iPads since the tablet's launch three and a half years ago, he claimed.

In addition, of the million-plus apps available in Apple's app store, 475,000 of them are iPad apps, Cook revealed.

He also claimed the iPad is number one in terms of customer satisfaction when it comes to tablets.

Like magic

The presentation continued with a video showcasing the ways that users use their iPads.

Cook also spoke of the iPad's launch.

"We called iPad our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device, but not everyone saw it this way," he said. "But we really believed in our vision."

The new iPad Air revealed today is more powerful than past generations of iPad, despite also being thinner and lighter.

The new iPad mini, on the other hand, features a crisp Retina display.

Mac Pro release date revealed

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Mac Pro release date revealed

If you're pining after one of Apple's revamped Mac Pro models, you'll be pleased to discover that the Cupertino-based company has revealed its release date.

Apple has announced that the Mac Pro will be available in December, meaning that there's not too long to go until you can get your hands on its cylindrical goodness.

Apple first gave us a glimpse of the new Mac Pro back in June. The 9.9-inch desktop gets its internal grunt from an Intel Xeon E5 processor that's capable of supporting up to 12-core configurations.

Mac Pro price

We've been curious as to what the Mac Pro cost, and now we know that it'll start at $2,999 (around £1,846, or AU$3,088), so you might have to start saving in a few hours' time to pick one when the holiday season arrives.

Want to know more about the new Mac Pro? Look no further

Apple reveals iOS 7 adoption rate: 200 million in first five days

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Apple reveals iOS 7 adoption rate: 200 million in first five days

Today's the big day, and Apple finally revealed its new iPad Air and new iPad mini 2 with Retina display to the world this morning.

But in typical Apple style, it began the day by tooting its own horn a bit, revealing some impressive adoption numbers for iOS 7.

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that 64% of iOS devices are now running iOS 7, with 200 million devices downloading the OS update in the first five days.

He also reported that there are now over a million apps in Apple's App Store, with a total of 60 billion downloads and $13 billion (about £8b, AU$13.4b) earned by developers.

Toot toot

"When we see customer response like this, it makes all the hard work worthwhile," Cook said.

The latest iOS update was the most significant change we've yet seen to Apple's mobile operating system, adding a bevy of new features with a totally redesigned look.

But this news was just the tip of the iceberg for Apple's event today.

The company kicked off with a video showcasing its strategy and values - namely, creating "the very best products in the world," Cook explained.

They also touched on the new iPhones revealed last month, showing a dramatic video about their launch in Apple Stores around the world.

The new iPads

But the most important news of the day was the unveiling of Apple's new iPads, the iPad Air and the iPad mini 2 with Retina display.

The iPad Air is thinner and lighter than its predecessors, but still manages to be more powerful.

The iPad mini 2 with Retina display has - as the name suggests - a crisp new Apple Retina display, and retains all the advantages of the smaller brand of iPad.
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