Apple Gives Away Beats Headphones

Students and teaching staff can save a little while buying the company's products in Apple's edu store. Now, an order is again clearly more attractive. In the context of a new action, Apple will give some of the beats, if you choose an iPhone, iPad or a Mac. After Apple had started its back-to-school-action in the USA at the beginning of June, the discount action now comes to many european countries. As of now, when you buy certain Apple devices, such as an iMac, a MacBook, a MacBook Pro, an iPad Pro, an iPad Air 2, or an iPhone in the company's education store, there are free beats headphones available. Mac shoppers receive a Beats Solo2 wireless headphones, iPad and iPhone buyers get Powerbeats2 wireless headphones.

From now on, Apple's back-to-school action is also available in some european countries. The summer action will run until 5th September 2016. The company from Cupertino gives Beats Solo2 wireless headphones to every customer who purchases Apple's MacBook, a MacBook Air, a MacBook Pro, an iMac, a Mac Pro or a Mac mini in the Apple Education Store. If you buy an iPad Pro (both sizes), an iPad Air 2, an iPad mini 4 or an iPad mini 2, Apple Powerbeats2 provides wireless headphones. Also, when purchasing an iPhone 6, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus or an iPhone SE, there are free Powerbeats2 wireless headphones.

Apple's back-to-school action goes on for almost three months

In the current promo for students, Apple lures with beats wireless headphones and discounts on Mac and iPad. Students who are now buying a qualified Mac, iPad or iPhone for the university get discounts on the wireless headsets of beats. The Beats Solo2 Wireless headphones allow users to choose from black, blue, red, white, gold, rose gold, silver, or space gray. Also the colors yellow, blue and red from the Active Collection are available.

The Powerbeats2 Wireless Headphones are available in red, black, sport black, sport white or also from Active Collection in red, yellow and blue. Alternatively, buyers of an iPads or iPhones can also buy the Beats Solo2 Wireless headphones. However, in this case, they must pay the price difference between the headphones, 100 euros. Anyone accessing Apple's back-to-school summer action should not be confused. After the selection of the Mac, iPads or iPhones and the headphone, the price of the headphone is included in the total price.

According to Apple, this offer applies to purchases made between June 15, 2016 and September 5, 2016 by individuals from the education sector in a participating Apple Store or participating Apple Online Store. If the Mac is returned without the beats headphones from this offer, the amount to be refunded will be reduced by the full purchase price of the headphones. The other case: if the headphones are returned, the Mac must be returned to return the full price. There is only one pair of headphones for every qualified product category. This offer is valid while stocks last.

Apple's New iPad-Pro in the Test: Tablet Power in Large Format

Even if the iPhone is significantly more popular: Apple is struggling to keep its tablet attractive. The iPad Pro gets a bigger display and more computing power for the AR and VR in the latest version. Reason enough for an update? Macmyth tested it.

One would think one day, Apple would start the ideas of how the iPad could become even better. After all, the CPU has been running at a much faster pace than normal users actually need. The display is also convincing: no other touchscreen on the tablet market can be seen more sharply and more responsively. And the battery holds for days. Admittedly, the speakers are poor. But this is mainly due to physics - where there is a lack of volume because the iPad has become too slim, Apple engineers can not do anything about.

So much more amazing, however, that Apple has nevertheless succeeded in improving the iPad Pro in its latest version significantly. This starts with the display: so far, Apple and most buyers in the 9.7-inch screen of the predecessor model looked the perfect size for a tablet that was just 435 grams. Now the developers have accommodated more screen space in the same housing: With the new iPad Pro, the display measures 10.5 inches in the diagonal (about 26.7 centimeters), and who are looking for an even larger screen can go to the model with 12.9 inches diagonal (About 32.8 centimeters).

In addition, the already fast-paced processor with the A10X Fusion chip has, even more, computing power - not for Netflix, but for the age of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). This also benefits the touchscreen. Even the previous iPad Pro convinced with its rich contrast, bright and low-reflection screen. The new display is one more thing, doubling the refresh rate - the so-called refresh rate.

This may sound like developer gibberish, but it is important to understand that a refresh rate of 120 hertz means that the image is updated 120 times per second. And the more often the image is built, the fewer jerks are shown in fast movements.

The improvement of the hardware is also shown when working with the Apple Pencil. My (lousy) characters and the (hasty) writing of notes felt more natural because there was no disturbing delay. This is certainly due to the shorter response times of the display, but also to the ability of the iPad Pro to be one step ahead of its users: the handwriting of most people is in the same direction and short pauses in writing. Apple is trying to deduce how the next hand movement might look - and if necessary, to correct itself in the blink of an eye. This works remarkably well: For me, the writing with the Apple Pencil on the screen felt like on paper.

In terms of the display, the diagonal of 10.5 inches proves to be perfect for users and developers: the high resolution of 2224x1668 pixels ensures a sharp image impression and allows the iPad to adapt each app independently to the iPad-Pro display; Neither the developers have to intervene, nor is it due to conversions to faded images.

The 10.5 inch diagonal also means plenty of space for the embedded keyboard when the iPad is transversal and fills the bottom half of the screen. It comes almost from the size of a conventional laptop keyboard. For my taste, writing on a hardware keyboard like Apple's Smart Keyboard or similar keyboards from third-party vendors is still much more pleasant. It just feels strange to pan on the glass when the iPad is crosswise.

The fact that Apple has succeeded in accommodating a larger screen in the same housing is one of the least dramatic improvements for me. Clear: It looks good, and the increase in the display area is unmistakable. But we are not where we really want to go. Also, the new iPad Pro is just an intermediate step between past.

At least the increase in display size brings no disadvantages with it. The iPad Pro never confused my grasping hands with a deliberate finger tap, and it did not happen that my fingers suddenly caught sight of the view or were otherwise in the way. And that more screen size also means more fingerprints, which have to be wiped off from time to time, was clear anyway - every tablet after a few minutes is greasy. Since the iPad Pro is no exception.

At the Apple developer conference at the beginning of June, programmers had a nice surprise. With ARKit, it would be easy to develop augmented reality applications for iOS devices in the future. At the conference, Apple executives introduced a rousing AR game and built a scene for Star Wars - before all eyes on the stage. Almost everyone involved held iPads in their hands: A display that is so great is the perfect window into the world of Augmented Reality, explained to me later one of the Apple managers.

In the iPad Pro, the same camera module as in the iPhone 7 - but is not intended for best snapping.

That's why the iPad Pro now features the same camera module as in the iPhone 7 - but not so that you can stretch the tablet at the concert to take photos from the audience and take everyone's view. But to get a better view of the other side of the world with the camera and screen, through the iPad, which can enrich all recordings with information.

Sure, the software team lags a whole few months behind. The new iPad Pro - like all iPads - will be able to take full advantage of such advances with iOS 11. The update of the software is announced for the fall and promises abundant new features, including many, which so far has never been mentioned in the same breath with the iPad.

This includes a built-in file management (similar to the Finder on the Mac) and the ability to drag and drop files back and forth between apps, but also for data exchange between different apps. Also, the dock should grow, so more app icons fit in. This is especially important for anyone who wants to use an iPad as an alternative to the laptop. And when iOS 11 is available then we should all want the largest screen we can only get.

At the moment, the wide-screen display makes little difference in the new iPad Pro. Just because there is suddenly more space, do not automatically grow your ideas, and nothing changes with the iPad. But wait and see: I've been able to play around with iOS 11 a bit, and I have to say it feels like a giant step towards the "computer for all purposes," to which Apple would like to make the iPad.

What would be the standard question that arises in every meeting: Is the purchase worthwhile? If you're looking for a new iPad - definitely! Probably no Apple tablet was ever as versatile as this new iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch version is similarly recommended, but feels more like a desktop device, not necessarily like something to take away. The outdated iPad Mini is probably just before its end, so better not buy more. Also, if you have an iPad, which is still working fast, do not necessarily have to access.

If there are cracks in the display, apps start to get lame, or if you're just stunned to stare at too much housing around the touch screen, there's the regular iPad (recently updated, from $446), Which is very suitable for videos or gaming. Or the iPad Pro, which costs from $815 and becomes the best tablet you have ever used. (In addition, if necessary USD122 for the Pencil and USD133 for the Magic Keyboard.) Either way, despite dropping iPad sales, Apple is doing everything to be a device that has long been among the best in its class, still a thing of beauty.

PRO: A larger display can never hurt, and this not only reacts faster but also provides a better picture. // Very long battery life of several days. // Very fast processor. // In conjunction with iOS 11, the iPad becomes a full-fledged computer.

CON: At least USD815 for the basic variant with only 64 GB of memory is quite expensive. In addition, there are extra costs for accessories such as an external keyboard or the Apple Pencil. // The XL display will only pay off properly when iOS 11 is available (probably in autumn 2017).

Three New Apple Tablets Kicking Off 2017

Apples’ Three iPad Pro Options

Apple is said to end the year with its restored MacBook Pro 2016 line that will probably kick off with the iPad Pro in 2017. But many have been speculating on how many tablets the Cupertino Company would be releasing. According to recent reports there would be three iPad Pro options that would be coming up.

According to a report from Mac Otakara, they would comprise of the 7.9-inch iPad Pro Mini, a 10.1-inch alternate, the largest of the collection and the 12.9-inch. The iPad Mini Pro or iPad Mini 5 would probably come with the lowest specs which includes an A9X chip supported by 3 GB RAM and 32 to 256 GB of internal storage.

Besides this it would also have an 8MP main camera together with a front facing camera of 1.2 MP. With regards to batteries there are numerous reports stating that its power could rely on the complete design. If it tends to be much thinner, the battery could be lower than the earlier 5,140 mAh battery utilised on iPad 4 as claimed by Mac World UK.

The next in line, the 10.1-inch iPad Pro would have a score up as a likely A10x chip with some minor (to none) repetition in cameras and RAM. The largest batch is said to be anticipated in aiming at commercial together with educational usage.

iPads Much Thinner

Slash Gear has reported, taking into consideration the trend linked with the removal of the 3.5 mm (headphone) jack, that it would yet be around for the iPad Pro alternatives in 2017.This is irrespective of the prospects that Apple would be pushing its new AirPods which would be utilised wirelessly – Bluetooth.

 For Apple, 2017 would be a big year as they kick the year off with their new line of product on tablets. With regards to pricing, nothing has been revealed though the line would be out by spring time. The 10.1-inch iPad Pro as well as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 would come with the same features with the exception of the main chipset.

The two iPad options with larger possibility would probably turn to an A10x chip together with more features. All the three iPads are expected to be much thinner bringing up the state of the 3.5 mm jack.The supposed iPad Air 3 would come with more choices of colours comprising of Rose Gold, the usual white together with a Black option.

Economical Gadget

The Cupertino based tech firm intends to debut an improved option for their tablets with regards to pricing taking into consideration the need to kick-start the sales of the tablets which had been withering away over the past few years.

 Though it had not been confirmed officially, as per a report by Reporter Times it is said that the device would be revealed as an economical gadget in the range of £300 to £400. It would be put on the market at around £400 if it is released this year.

 The price is anticipated to be reduced if it is released in 2017. Apple seems to be tight lipped regarding the rumours and has neither denied nor confirmed them. Readers have been advised to take this unconfirmed information with a grain of salt.

Apple Rumoured to Launch Three iPad Pro Models

Apple’s Three Models of iPad Pro

According to Mac Otakara, Apple intends to launch three models of iPad Pro in the spring of 2017 which comprises of a new 7.9-inch model, updates to the 9.7-inch and 10.1-inch models. The Japan based blog quoting `reliable sources’ states that the latest 7.9 inch Pro model would be featuring four speakers and a Smart Connector identical to the existing line of iPad Pros that had been updated earlier in March this year.

The small iPad Pro would be carrying Apple Pencil support like the rest of the line-up and is expected to replace the iPad Mini 4 provided presently. The three models would be retaining the headphone jack which had been detached from the iPhone line-up in place of wireless Apple EarPods in September when the iPhone 7 had been released. No specific launch timeline and pricing for the new Apple tablets had been provided in the report.

 It had also been reported by Otakara that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 would be receiving a 12-megapixel camera together with True Tone flash. No more additional specifications were shared. Ming-Chi Kuo Apple analyst of KFI Securities had mentioned in August that the anticipated three new iPads which would be launched in 2017 would be a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, a new size 10.5-inch iPad Pro and a low cost 9.7-inch iPad. No mentioned regarding a 7.9-inch model had been done by him.

Latest 10.5-Inch Model – Education & Commercial Markets

As per Kuo, the latest 10.5-inch model would be for education and commercial markets. The price of the same had not been disclosed. Kuo believes that the iPad sales would continue to drop by 10 to 20% each year since Apple has seen the decline in sales in its iPad line-up.

He also mentioned that Apple would bring about huge alterations to the iPad line-up in 2018 with the inclusion of a flexible AMOLED panel with a view on enlarged screen resolution together with essential variations to form factor. As in the case of all rumours, readers are encouraged to take the latest iPad report with a grain of salt. Mac Otakara does not seem to have a flawless track record with the rumours regarding Apple, though its sources have confirmed precisely on several occasions in the past.

New Models Shipped with Lightning-to 3.5mm Audio Adapter

The blog had been the first to report regarding the controversial plans of Apple on the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack and adding of new Black and Jet Black colours on iPhone 7 models. The new 7.9-inch model would be occupying a lower pricing tier than the 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro models. However, in spite of its budget price tag, the iPad Pro would be receiving if not all, but most of the features of 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

The website has correctly leaked the naming scheme, pressure-sensitive Home button together with the bigger earpiece model of the iPhone 7.It is also said that the new models would be shipped with a Lightning-to-3.5mm audio adapter, though the 3.5mm EarPods seemed wrong and had suppressed rumours regarding the inclusion of a Smart Connector.