Apple : The iPad Pro may obliterate the cash register

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The iPad Pro may obliterate the cash register Posted: New leaked details on the unofficially named iPad Pro include some very interesting new features. The info comes via AppleInsider. Prominently, the inclusion of NFC is noted for the over-sized iPad, but the site suggests the tap-to-pay functionality isn't likely to be in the tablet but rather will be a payment receiving device for Apple Pay. Still, this capability could prove to be a big game changer when it hits the shelves. If true, it's likely that Apple will push the new product to the legions of merchants they just signed up to support its tap-to-pay platform. More iPad Pro details Also rumored to be in the works is a Bluetooth stylus made for increased productivity on a larger display. An unnamed source said the stylus will feature pressure-sensitive input. If the rumors are true, it looks like Apple is setting up to compete directly with Google, Samsung (S Pen, anyone?) and Microsoft in the market of productivity. Apple is also allegedly bringing its (unfortunately not Star Wars-related) Force Touch input to the mega iPad, as well as the next-gen iPhone. Force Touch was introduced on the Apple Watch, allowing the user to press harder on the screen to access more options. The iPad Pro will also likely include a USB C port, though alleged design leaks have shown two ports, potentially for both USB C and Lightning. Finally, the report notes the iPad will include a new A-series processor, surpassing the power of the A8X processor in high-end iPad Air 2 devices. You'll recall that CEO Tim Cook stated quite clearly two years back that he had no intention of shipping a "converged" laptop/tablet, but if the market demands it, who's to say a change of heart is out of the question?

Apple takes aim at Spotify before Beats Music relaunch Posted: Apple is using its weight in the music industry to push major record labels into pressuring streaming services like Spotify to abandon their free streaming deals, The Verge reports. This move would slim the competition for Apple's anticipated relaunch of the Beats Music service, but has reportedly garnered the scrutiny of the United States Department of Justice. The DOJ has already begun interviewing several important music officials, the report said. Spotify is the largest subscription music streaming service, with over 60 million subscribers. However, only 15 million of those pay up each month, making Apple's upcoming competitive streaming service even more to dangerous to Spotify. That is, if the record labels don't renew their licenses for free music. Apple has also, according to the report, offered to pay YouTube's music licensing fee to Universal Music Group if the label stops putting its songs on the site. Because of Apple's slow entry into the arena of music streaming, it appears to be trying to clear the field before its grand entrance. One unnamed music industry source said, "All the way up to Tim Cook, these guys are cutthroat." With download numbers consistently falling because of companies like Spotify, it makes sense that Apple would want to throw its hat in the ring. While Cupertino has been behind the times on subscription-based music, it may succeed in choking off Spotify's free music, which was meant to be a gateway to paid subscription. Instead, free streaming has been a thorn in the sides of labels and Taylor Swift alike. Via CNET

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