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).

Apple Invents Wireless Charging iPhone Case Accessory using Millimeter Wave Technology

Next Generation iPhone – Integrate Wireless Charging

Patent application from Apple had been published on 15th June by the US Patent & Trademark Office relating to a next generation iPhone case which tends to integrate wireless charging. It had been observed by Apple that `the removable case could be couple to the electronic device by utilising wired as well as wireless paths which could be utilised in conveying power together with data between the case and the electronic device.
 Last month Patently Apple had posted a report titled – Apple Seeks License from FCC Covering new Wireless Millimeter Wave Technology Found in a Recent Patent Filing’. The first millimetre wave patent of Apple has appeared in April in framework with new wireless patch antennas. Present patent portrays that the latest iPhone case would utilise millimetre wave technology.

 Apple had indicated that this type of wireless charging could be utilised with forthcoming smart-glasses, head mounted systems, Apple Watch together with the other devices of Apple, known as well as unknown. Besides this, Apple noticed that `the removable case could also comprise of circuitry which tends to obtain wireless power from outside equipment and the circuitry which receives the wireless power could also receive wireless power at microwave frequency.

Power Established – Electronic Devices – Wired/Wireless Paths

The power established could be provided to the electronic device via wired as well as wireless paths. The removable case could also comprise of circuitry which wirelessly tends to communicate with the external equipment and a selection of antennas could be utilised in assisting beam steering.

The selection of antennas could help wireless communications in millimetre wave communications bands like communications band at 60 GHz or an alternate extremely high frequency communications bands. The electronic device together with the case could have individual intermediate frequency antenna construction to enable intermediate frequency signals for wireless transmission between the case and the device.

Millimeter wave technology, beyond a wireless charging iPhone case, can be utilised in other forthcoming wireless devices from smart-glasses, HMDs, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, headphones, television, Apple TV together with automobiles, wireless speakers and much more.

It had been noticed by Apple that antennas #40 could comprise of phased antenna selections together with other antenna structures for the purpose of handling millimetre wave communications, for handling near field communications, for handling communications from 700 – 2700 MHz, or also for handling communications at other appropriate frequencies.

Patent Application – Filed Q4 2015

The phase antenna selections may permit beams of signals which may be transmitted and/or received, to be steered in real time, for instance in enhancing wireless communications and/or wireless power transmission. Wireless circuitry #50 could comprise of baseband processors, up-converter and down-converter circuits, and transceiver circuits, circuits for controlling the operation of antennas in antenna selections, power circuitry, and transceiver circuitry for the purpose of handling wireless communications together with other wireless circuitry.

Transceiver electrical system of electrical system 50 could also cover wireless local area network transceiver circuitry which could accomplish 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz bands for Wi-Fi. The patent application of Apple had been filed in Q4 2015 and taking into account that this is a patent application, the time of this kind of product to market is not clear at this point of time.

Apple Mac Computers Targeted By Ransomware and Spyware

Mac Users Cautioned – New Deviations of Malware

Users of Mac have been cautioned regarding new deviations of malware which have been developed particularly to aim at Apple computers one of which is ransomware that tends to encrypts data, demanding payments before the files can be released. The other is known to be spyware which has the tendency of watching what users do and exposés up treasured information.

Experts are of the opinion that they pose as a threat since their designers enables anyone to use them at no cost. The two programs have been revealed by the security firms Fortinet together with AlienVault that discovered a portal on the Tor `dark web’network which had represented as a shop-front for the two. Fortinet had mentioned in a blog at the site that the designers behind it had been professional software engineers with `extensive experience’ in the creation of working code.

Those intending in utilising any of the programs had been urged to get in touch and furnish all relevant details of how they would prefer the malware to be set up. The designers of malware had stated that their payments that were done by the victims of ransomware would be divided among themselves and their customers.

Less Refined Encryption

The researchers at Fortinet had got in touch with the writers of ransomware posing as if they were interested in utilising the product and immediately thereafter had been provided with a sample of the malware. The firm had informed that from the analysis, it had been revealed that it utilises a much less refined encryption than what the several variants seen aiming Windows machine.

But they informed that any files scrambled with the ransomware could be lost totally since it carried out a very poor task of managing the decryption keys essential in restoring the data. The researchers had written that even if it is far inferior to most current ransomware aiming Windows, it does not fail to encrypt the files of the victims or prevent the access to important files, hence, resulting in real damage.

The free Macspy spyware, which is provided through the same site, tends to log when keys are pressed, can take screenshots and tap into a machine’s microphone.

Malicious Code – Evade Standard Means of Security Programs

Researcher of Alien Vault, Peter Ewane had mentioned in its analysis that the malicious code in the spyware had attempted to evade several of the standard means of security programs spots and clogged such programs.

Mr Ewane had also mentioned that Mac users are required to be more vigilant when malware designers are aimed at them. As OS X tends to progress in market share, they can expect malware authors in investing bigger amounts of time in the production of malware for this platform.

The statistics collected by McAfee has recommended that there are around 450,000 malicious programs targets at Macs much lesser than the 23 million aimed at users of Windows. From Fortinet, Aamir Lakhan had informed that Mac users should ensure that their machines are kept updated with the new software patches and be cautious of messages they tend to receive through email.

He had informed EWeek that Mac ransomware is certainly getting bigger and although market share tends to be small still, hackers are aware that there is treasured data on the Mac. Apple refrained from making any comments on its developments.

Will iPhone 8 reposition its finger print sensor in the power button?

The Internet is going haywire over this question and there are reasons enough for doing so. Speculations over the repositioning of the finger print sensor in the new iPhone 8 were rife with two positions contending for the top spot; just below the display or on the back. Many experts seemed to have overlooked that there was a third option available and it seems like Apple have gone for that option as well.

How can we say so?

A new patent has been granted to Apple that has the illustration of an iPhone that is edge-to-edge stretched and has a finger print sensor imprinted on the power button located on top of the iPhone. Although it was earlier speculated that Apple will release its new iPhone 8 with an edge-to-edge design it was hardly anticipated that it would also relocate its finger print sensor on top of the phone. Rumors were doing the rounds about the new position which was expected to be at the back of the phone accommodating an edge-to-edge display but the third possibility seemed to have excluded everybody’s imagination and that can be another reason why Apple has gone with the third option. We all know how the company loves to have an element of surprise and that has also proved to be successful from their perspective.

But there are conflicting reports…

..about the location of the finger print sensor which serves as a touch identification function and is also deemed to be located exactly where it was in the previous models, at the bottom separated from the display. According to experts and leakers associated with Apple, the company will not change the position of the finer print sensor which has been so successful over the years and the officials do not want to experiment with something that has been so much approved by the users over the years.

The other contending position is also in the league with a group of experts going with that option. They suggest that the sensor will be relocated at the back of the phone’s body just beneath their iconic Apple logo.
Although the patent indicates otherwise

The patent which Apple had filed in the last month of the previous year clearly indicates that they want to relocate the sensor somewhere not seen before in other smartphones. The pushbutton was only button that has functioned to turn the phone ON and OFF over the years of smartphone evolution. Now Apple seeks to imbibe the functionality of the power button in a whole new sense by placing the finger print sensor on it.

This means that the power button functions dually as a Touch ID function and that the users will have to use the button more often than they used to earlier. The sensor sits cleanly at the top with a layer of sapphire or glass covering it from above. The finger print sensor is most likely to get thinner and hence users will have to roll their fingers over it.

Apple iOS 11 Update Ends Support for iPhone 5 and 5C

When Apple's iOS 11 mobile operating system will be launched later this year, it will not be made available for the iPhone 5 and 5C or the iPad 4. This just means that older devices will stop receiving software and security updates. Newer devices such as the iPhone 5S will receive the upgrade; however, apps that are older will stop working later.

This is the result of Apple’s verdict to terminate devices and apps that use 32-bit processors. iOS 11 will only work on a new iPhone and not on an old one as older phones use 34-bit processor whereas newer phones will have a 64-bit processor which permits the system to use a larger amount of memory. Since 2013, Apple’s devices have had 64-bit processors instead of 32-bit processors, when it was introduced with the iPhone 5S and the iPad Air.

This change will be challenging for app developers too. In the new version of the App store, apps that run only in 32-pit processors will fail to show up in the search results or be available from the tab under Purchase if they were previously downloaded. If the apps are updated to be 64-bit compatible, they will stop working on older phones which have 32-bit processors.

Warning Was Given Years Before

A 64-bit processor is faster in use as it can handle a large amount of data all at once, that is four billion times as much as compared to a 32-bit processor. This is why iOS 11 will work better with 64-bit processor. Ernest Doku, a telecoms expert at uSwitch.com, said that Apple gave warning for years about this migration to the 64-bit processor hardware but still many customers will be left blindsided with this news.

Most of the apps belonging to the last four years’ time period or so maybe compatible, provided they have not been updated since the year 2015. Way before iOS 11, when iOS 10.1 was released by Apple in October 2016, users functioning with an updated device would be warned through a message that it may slow down their phone.

 The upgrade to iOS 10.3 also includes a tool that detects apps that are not compatible with a 64-bit processor. The apps which are affected will be found under Settings > General > About > Applications > App Compatibility. Last year, it was revealed on a trading website that the iPhone 5 was one of the most popular handsets from the number of listings that were created. This new change in its functioning is likely to further disappoint owners.

Phasing out the 32-bit

All the updates to the current apps and new apps have had to ability to support 64-bit since June 2015, so any app that has been updated in the span of these last two years will remain unaffected. However, a few popular games and educational apps have not been upgraded from the time the 64-bit requirement was introduced.

These include apps from Fisher Price and WeeWorld. The 32-bit support for Mac is also likely to be phased out by Apple. The company informed developers at WWDC that Mac OS High Sierra would be the last device to have 32-bit capability without any adjustments.

All the new apps given to the Mac app store and all the updates to existing apps will need to be 64-bit compatible from June 2018. This new iOS 11 update will be available in about September as a free update for any iPhone and iPad that is supported.