Here are some new happenings over at Apple. Apple has announced the all-new iPad Air and iPad mini and revealed that it has updated the iMac line and its wireless earbuds, Apple AirPods. I know right. The barrage of tech reveals has drown out Apple’s presence somewhat. The innovations from Apple, if any at all, aren’t as thrilling as it was in Jobs’ era. Sad but through. At least that’s my overall sentiment of this once phenomena tech giant.
Described as “ultra-thin” befitting its namesake, Apple iPad features a 10.5-inch advanced Retina display with True Tone technology, along with support for Apple Pencil, A12 Bionic chip with Apple’s Neural Engine that boasts 70 percent boost in performance and twice the graphics capability to take advantage of the half a million plus pixels.
iPad mini, on the other hand, now flaunts a new 7.9-inch advanced Retina display, also with True Tone technology, plus wide color support to deliver 25 percent brighter display while packing the highest pixel density of any iPad. iPad mini is also driven by A12 Bionic chip, bestowing it with 3x the performance and 9x faster graphics. Finally, there is, of course, support for Apple Pencil.
You can also expect WiFi connectivity and Gigabit-class LTE as found on the most advanced iPad Pro models, eSIM technology built-in (WiFi+Cellular models, of course) for connecting to wireless data plans in over 180 countries, and advanced cameras with features like 1080p videoing, “exceptional low-light performance,” Group FaceTime calls, and advanced sensors.
Apple is claiming the new iPad Air comes with “breakthrough price,” but really, that is really subjective. However, as far as Apple is concerned, it is rather competitively priced, starting at $499 for the WiFi-only model and $629 for the WiFi+Cellular model. As for iPad mini, prices start at $399 for the WiFi-only model and $529 for the WiFi+Cellular model.
Available in a choice of silver, space gray and gold, and in 64 and 256 GB options, both new iPad models are available immediately across several countries.
Next is the iMac lineup which is finally gotten its long overdue update to the 9th-generation 8-core Intel chips and for the first time ever, it will come with Radeon Pro Vega graphic as an option. March 2019 iMac is as sleek as its predecessor (at the expense of CD drive, that is). Not going to deny that fact. The bezel and the tall chin there though… Anyways… lets not get too emotional that iMac is finally more powerful (or how unsightly the thick-ass bezel is), alright?
Here are what you can expect of the new iMacs:
• The 21.5-inch iMac now features 8th-generation quad-core, and for the first time 6-core processors, delivering up to 60 percent faster performance.
• The 27-inch iMac now for the first time features up to 9th-generation 6-core and 8-core processors, delivering up to 2.4 times faster performance.
It is an iMac and therefore, display is one of the keys. And for this instant, you’d be getting 4K or 5K Retina display with up to 14.7 million pixels, a billion colors, 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color gamut and rounding up with an incredible viewing angle.
The new iMac (March 2019) lineup is available to order immediately. The 21.5-inch and 27-inch model starts at $1,299 and $1,799, respectively.
Finally, there’s the new AirPods that are now powered by the new H1 chip and boasts 50 percent more talk time, hands-free “Hey Siri” and the moment every Apple AirPods have been waiting for, Option of a Wireless Charging Case. Cruelly, Apple has made wireless charging an option. Here’s to squeezing more our of your loyal customers.
But the good news is, existing AirPods use will be able to gab the Wireless Charging Case itself to enjoy wireless charging. Anywho, whichever case you choose to go with, it will offer over 24 hours of additional playtime.
Here are what you need to know about the AirPods, straight from the horse’s mouth:
“The new Apple-designed H1 chip features custom audio architecture to create a revolutionary audio experience and improved synchronization. H1 allows AirPods to deliver up to 50 percent more talk time compared to first generation AirPods. Switching between devices while listening to music on iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad is more seamless than ever with two times faster connect times. For the first time, AirPods now feature the convenience of “Hey Siri” making it easier to change songs, make a call, adjust the volume or get directions simply by saying, “Hey Siri.””
As for the design, it is still as unpleasant as before. Cosmetically, it hasn’t change a bit. And you know our stand on this design fail. Enough said.
Both the new Apple AirPods with standard charging case and AirPods with Wireless Charging Case are available order immediately for $159 and $199, respectively. The standalone Wireless Charging Case goes for $79 and it is also available to order as we speak. Oh, we almost forgot this: there’s free engraving for AirPods now. It’s a ‘yeah’, I guess?
All images courtesy of Apple Inc.
