iPad Pro at CES 2016: new keyboards, cases + more
Having launched only a few months ago, Apple’s new iPad Pro challenged third-party developers to quickly come up with new accessories worth showing this year at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show. A bunch of companies rose to the occasion at CES, showing off new cases, keyboards, and batteries made to handle the 12.9″ tablet’s size and needs.
With nicer materials and more deluxe features than the basic (often $20-$30) iPad Pro cases that have appeared online, these new options are also a lot more expensive. Check out the best of the new iPad Pro accessories below…
Some of the biggest early iPad Pro accessory categories have been cases, keyboards, and keyboard cases, as early Pro users have sought the right balance between using the iPad as a pure tablet or converting it into a laptop-like computer. Third-party keyboard makers seem to be fine using Bluetooth wireless rather than the iPad Pro’s new Smart Connector, as you’ll see in the Brydge and ClamCase options below.
Brydge
Brydge debuted BrydgePro ($189), a backlit Bluetooth 4.0 keyboard attachment that weighs 1.60 lbs and is .27-inches thick — letting the combined keyboard and iPad Pro remain thinner than the MacBook Air. Multiple brightness levels are supported, and three-month battery life is promised. It will be available in gold, silver, or gray in April. More details are here.
ClamCase
Incipio’s ClamCase division unveiled ClamCase+ for iPad Pro ($170), promising a multi-brightness level backlit, full QWERTY keyboard inside a gray, silver, or gold housing. It uses Incipio’s 360-degree hinge to attach to the iPad Pro, and notably includes an Apple Pencil storage slot. ClamCase+ is expected in the second quarter of this year; more details are here.
Griffin
“Pro” uses of the iPad Pro may or may not require ruggedization. For people who need a lot of protection, Griffin has debuted Survivor Slim for iPad Pro ($90), an MIL-STD-810G drop-proof case with a rear kickstand, Apple Pencil holder, and Smart Keyboard compatibility. Black/black, blue/black, and pink/gray versions are available.
Hyper
The flash drive specialists at Hyper took the wraps off an accessory that could appeal to iPad Pro users in need of extra memory. iShowFast adds 16/32/64/128GB of flash storage to the iPad, transferring files between a USB 3-equipped computer at up to 140MB/sec (read) or 45MB/s (write) speeds. Read more here.
Incase
Based upon earlier versions for MacBook Airs and Retina Pros, Incase is offering a basic iPad Pro case called the Icon Sleeve with Tensaerlite ($70), which comes in black, heather gray, or blue colors. The material is shock-absorbing and completely covers the iPad Pro, flipping open on one edge to provide access to the tablet’s top or bottom.
Kanex
Finding a battery with enough power to recharge either the iPad Pro or a 12″ MacBook isn’t easy, but that’s what Kanex has done with its new GoPower 3-Amp Battery Pack with USB-C support. Bundled with a USB-C cable and possessing a 2.4-Amp USB-A port for use with the iPad Pro, the 15,000mAh battery has enough juice for a full iPad Pro recharge. The final price and release date are still TBD, but it’s coming “soon.” Read more here.
SwitchEasy
One of the iPad Pro’s biggest challenges has been to add protection without radically increasing the tablet’s already-substantial 1.5-pound weight. SwitchEasy’s CoverBuddy ($40) is an inexpensive 1.5mm-thick polycarbonate shell with a removable Apple Pencil holder on the back, and the ability to work with Apple’s iPad Pro Smart Covers. Three neutral colors are available — white, translucent black, and translucent clear.
More From This Author
Check out more of my reviews, How-To guides and editorials for 9to5Mac here! I’ve published a lot of different topics of interest to Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Apple TV, and Apple Watch users, as well as a personal gift guide for Apple fans, a great gift guide for iPhone users, a detailed gift guide for Mac users, and a separate gift guide for Apple photographers.
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: CES, CES 2016, iPad Pro
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Over 200,000 people petition Apple to abandon rumored plans to ditch the 3.5mm headphone socket
Reports that Apple plans to ditch the 3.5mm headphone socket on the iPhone 7 in favor of Lightning headphones have been growing in number, and a recent poll found that 70% of you expect Apple to go this route. However, it appears some 200,000 people aren’t very happy about it.
A somewhat hysterically-worded petition calling for Apple to retain the 3.5mm socket had attracted some 204,000 signatures at the time of writing. The opening paragraph sets the tone …
Apple is about to rip off every one of its customers. Again.
Apple introduced MFi specs for Lightning headphones last year, and a few models are already available. The latest report, from Fast Company, suggests that Apple will also be introducing noise-cancelling technology, which it will be encouraging third-party headphone makers to adopt.
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: 3.5mm, 3.5mm headphone socket, Apple Inc, headphones, iPhone, Lightning connector, Lightning headphones
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Steve Jobs movie may pick up more consolation prizes after bombing at the box office
The Sorkin/Boyle movie Steve Jobs may have bombed at the box office once the opening weekend was over, but it at least looks like it may pick up the consolation prize of some awards.
The Daily Mail notes that the movie has been nominated for three BAFTA awards following four Golden Globe nominations last month. Michael Fassbender, who plays the title role, has already won the International Star prize at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
The BAFTA nominations are for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor (Michael Fassbender) and Best Supporting Actress (Kate Winslet). The earlier Golden Globe nominations were for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Michael Fassbender), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting role (Kate Winslet) and Best Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin).
Less enthusiastic were Apple execs like Tim Cook and Jony Ive, and Silicon Valley insiders like Walt Mossberg. Many of those close to Steve said that the movie bore little relation to real events, among them Steve Wozniak and John Sculley,
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Aaron Sorkin, BAFTA awards, Danny Boyle, Golden Globe Award, Michael Fassbender, movie, Steve Jobs
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AAPL shares close below $100 for first time in 15 months amid China and ‘peak iPhone’ fears
Apple shares yesterday closed below $100 for the first time in 15 months, the WSJ noting that the value of the company has dropped by $100B in a little over a month, losing 7% this week alone.
The Cupertino company’s 4.2% drop on the day was greater than the overall market’s slide and the 3% slump in the Nasdaq Composite, which closed down 10% from its May peak. Since early December, Apple has shed $100 billion in market value.
The slide is being attributed to two factors: one (semi-)factual, one speculative …
On the factual side, the Chinese economy has been slowing for some time, with particular concern this week when regulators suspended trading in Chinese shares not just once but twice. The People’s Bank of China had also reduced the value of the Yuan eight days running.
The immediate crisis in China appears to have eased today, markets closing 2% up and the currency rate also rising, but longer-term fears remain.
I describe this as a semi-factual issue in Apple’s case, as nobody knows what impact – if any – this is having on Apple’s sales in the country. It’s perfectly possible for a premium brand to continue to sell well in an overall sluggish economy.
On the speculative side, there have been widespread suggestions from analysts and media alike that Apple is scaling back iPhone orders in the light of reduced demand, many analysts forecasting that Apple may see its first ever drop in iPhone sales in the current quarter.
As we noted earlier this week, Apple’s complex supply chain makes it notoriously difficult to use supplier reports to assess overall iPhone production levels. One analyst recently suggested that even if production has slowed, existing inventory means that won’t necessarily be reflected in reduced sales.
While some investors may be selling, Business Insider notes that none of the analysts tracked by Thomson Reuters advocate doing so, all of them rating AAPL as a hold or a buy. The report does, though, contain the caveat that some have not updated their ratings in the past month, so may do so later.
We won’t know this quarter’s iPhone sales numbers until sometime in April, when Apple reports its earnings for fiscal Q2 (calendar Q1). However, we’ll get a big clue from the forward revenue guidance the company offers on January 26, when Apple reports its holiday quarter earnings.
Photo: Reuters
Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: AAPL, Apple, china, Chinese yuan, Inc, iPhone, iPhone sales, People’s Bank of China
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Sprint continues the trend, announces end of two-year contracts for smartphones
The trend of carriers ending contract pricing continues today. According to an internal leaked document obtained by Android Central, Sprint smartphone subsidy options are now limited to customers who wish to add a line to an existing account or upgrade their existing phone. This move follows AT&T’s announcement that it will stop offering two-year contracts this week, as well as Verizon, who simplified its offerings last August.
Sprint’s move to end 2-year pricing follows a general trend in the industry of carriers switching focus towards monthly installment plans and device leases. T-Mobile was the first carrier to do this with the announcement of its UnCarrier offerings in 2013.
Instead of two-year plans, Sprint will pitch buyers on their Easy Pay and Leasing plans, which they claim offer the best value and most flexibility when compared to two-year contracts. Two-year agreements will, however, continue to be available for the purchase of tablets.
The shift in focus from two-year contracts has caused Apple to essentially stop marketing its iPhones with the $199/$299/$399 pricing scheme that it originally used. Instead, it has launched its own iPhone Upgrade Program which offers users an annual upgrade with a monthly device leasing fee.
Whether or not device installment plans save customers any money varies. Some users are better off with the installment plans, while some users have grandfathered deals that make the two-year agreements more plausible. The good thing is, Sprint is allowing existing customers to continuing purchasing phones on a two-year plan.
Filed under: Tech Industry Tagged: AT&T, carriers, Sprint, T-Mobile, two-year contract, Verizon
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Tim Cook among tech execs meeting with White House officials tomorrow to discuss terrorism
According to a report from BuzzFeed News, a handful of tech executives are set to meet with White House officials to discuss measures that can be taken to prevent terror recruitment online. Apple CEO Tim Cook is among the tech executives that will participate in the meeting, which is set to take place in San Jose tomorrow, January 7th. Other companies that will be represented include Twitter, Facebook, Microsoft, and Google.
The meeting is said to be centered around the ability of terror groups to use social media and other online platforms to radicalize individuals. The White House officials are said to want to discuss how social media can be used to help others promote alternatives views “to undercut ISIS.”
Speaking to BuzzFeed News, a White House official stated that the United States government sees Silicon Valley as a critical part of fighting the propaganda from radical terror groups online.
“The White House sees Silicon Valley as an integral part of fighting the propaganda from ISIL and other groups. There needs to be a concerted effort to fight the ISIL propaganda,” the White House official explained.
The idea that tech companies should be doing more to aid the United States government in its fight against terror has been growing in wake of recent attacks around the world, including the ones in San Bernardino and Paris. Tim Cook has long argued that there should not be backdoor access to Apple’s servers by anyone, including the government, saying that there shouldn’t have to be a choice between privacy and national security.
Last year, Tim Cook was the only CEO to take part in a cybersecurity summit at the White House, with CEOs from Google, Yahoo, and Facebook all declining to attend. Cook gave a speech in which he again offered his opinion that there shouldn’t be a backdoor to user data.
Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Apple, terror, Tim Cook, White House
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Report: iPhone 7 to feature noise-canceling headphone tech, waterproof design, wireless charging
We’re still a while away from the launch of the iPhone 7, but rumors have been running rampant recently concerning the design and features of Apple’s next flagship device. Fast Company has now published a new report in which it corroborates many earlier rumors regarding the iPhone 7, as well as offering up a few more details and tidbits.
First, the report claims that Apple will indeed drop the 3.5mm headphone jack on the device in favor of an all-encompassing Lightning port. This means that users will use the Lightning port for listening to wired headphones. This is a move that has been rumored in the past several times, with Apple’s goal presumably being to make the iPhone 7 even thinner than the current iPhone 6s.
Furthermore, the report adds that the audio system used in the iPhone 7 will feature new noise-canceling technology from U.K. audio company Wolfson Microelectronics. This tech will be built into the phone as well as into the headphones that are plugged into it. Apple is expected make a strong push for company’s that make Lightning-enabled headphones to implement the new noise-canceling technology, the report claims. Although, there will be a licensing fee to do so.
Fast Company says, however, that the EarPods included with the iPhone likely won’t adopt the noise-canceling technology, but Apple rather will sell a more expensive version of Lightning-connected EarPods separately that offer the technology.
The report goes onto claim that the iPhone 7 will support wireless charging, a first for the iPhone. It’s unclear what technology Apple will use to do so, but the report seems to suggest that it could be similar to the inductive charging technology used to charge the Apple Watch.
Finally, Fast Company reports that the iPhone 7 will feature a waterproof design, corroborating a report from late last year that suggested the same. Today’s report notes, however, that Apple is known for pulling features from new phones late in the developmental process, so it’s possible that wireless charging and/or waterproof capabilities could be pulled before the device is publicly unveiled.
Earlier today, a patent filed by Apple hinted at the possibility of a twin-camera system making an appearance alongside the iPhone 7. Other past iPhone 7 rumors have claimed that Apple is testing a new casing material for the device, with Apple ditching the metallic frame found on the iPhone 6s. Other reports have suggested that the iPhone 7 Plus will feature a 256GB storage option, as well as a larger battery.
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Apple, headphones, iPhone 7, Lightning, waterproof, wireless charging
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Apple exec Eddy Cue reportedly speaking at Rupert Murdoch’s private CES event today
As is tradition, Apple is just about the only big consumer tech company not making a public appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. In fact, Apple hasn’t attended CES in any official capacity since John Sculley’s keynote introduction of the Newton in 1992. But Apple exec Eddy Cue, the company’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, is reportedly speaking at a super exclusive, private CES event being held by Rupert Murdoch today in Vegas.
Alongside Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and long list of other tech industry bigwigs, Quartz reports that Cue is scheduled to speak at the event hosted by executive chairman of News Corp. and 21st Century Fox, Rupert Murdoch:
Some of those who work for Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of both News Corp. and 21st Century Fox, also have a special event to attend: A private annual confab in Murdoch’s hotel suite featuring some of the biggest names in business, which started yesterday (Jan. 6) and concludes today… This year’s speakers were scheduled to include Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, the founders of news startup TheSkimm, Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield, venture capitalist/analyst-types Benedict Evans and Mary Meeker, actor and entrepreneur Jessica Alba, and Apple iTunes and cloud services executive Eddy Cue, according to an agenda viewed by Quartz and sources familiar with the event.
The event is usually attended by “an internal audience of Murdoch’s News Corp. and 21st Century Fox lieutenants,” according to Quartz, so it’s possible the content of Cue’s talk will be kept private.
While Apple doesn’t make a public showing at CES these days, it does send some of its people to Vegas each year to check out the competition.
Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: 2016, 21st century fox, CES, Eddy Cue, news corp, private event, Rupert Murdoch
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USB Type-C at CES 2016: hubs, displays, adapters & more for the 12-inch MacBook
With the new 12-inch MacBook sporting just a single USB Type-C port, an adapter to get back some USB ports and SD card slots will be necessary for a lot of users. With more and more devices adopting the standard, we’re seeing a lot of USB C accessories announced at CES 2016 this year, many of which are designed specifically with 12-inch MacBook users in mind. So, as we’ve already done for HomeKit and Apple Watch products, below we’re rounding up all of the USB Type-C products for MacBook announced at the show this week.
In addition to hubs, companies are also showing off new portable battery packs, cables, adapters, displays and more, all made possible thanks to USB-C and compatible with the new 12-inch MacBook.
When Apple made the switch to USB C for charging and everything else with its new 12-inch MacBook, it decided not to include its MagSafe technology, the magnetic charging connector it’s long included on its laptops. But we kick things off with a product that aims to offer a similar experience for people that were disappointed with that omission.
The BreakSafe USB-C adapter from Griffin is a magnetic charging solution similar to Apple’s own MagSafe technology, but in the form a USB-C adapter:
Griffin
Hyper
Belkin
- Belkin launches new USB-C accessories
Acer & Lenovo
Kanex
LaCie+ Seagate
Samsung
Incipio
Check back for more this week as CES unfolds and hit up our other CES 2016 roundups below:
–CES 2016 Roundup: The best iPhone, iPad, Mac, & Apple Watch accessories on show this week–
–Apple Watch at CES 2016: docks, battery packs, bands, and more
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: 12-inch, 2016, Acer, Adapter, Apple, CES, charging, Display, hub, Hyper, MacBook, passthrough, Type-C, USB-C
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Apple acquires ‘Emotient’ facial expression & emotion detection technology
The Wall Street Journal reports Apple has confirmed it has made an acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Emotient. The cloud-based technology developed by Emotient uses artificial intelligence to detect emotion by analyzing facial expressions.
An Apple spokeswoman confirmed the purchase with the company’s standard statement after an acquisition, saying Apple “buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.” She declined to elaborate on the deal terms.
The company’s website is still live following the news and describes the tech as ‘the leader in emotion detection and sentiment analysis based on facial expressions. The company is at the vanguard of a new wave of emotion analysis that will lead to a quantum leap in customer understanding and emotion-aware computing.”
Some of the specific applications the company has been using the tech for, according to its website, include “measurement of a customer’s unfiltered emotional response to ads, content, products and customer service or sales interactions.”
While it’s possible the acquisition could have been to acquire talent and or the technology itself, financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, and Apple as usual didn’t offer any information regarding its plans for Emotient following the purchase.
And today’s news also adds to a running list of AI-related technology buys for Apple in recent months. Back in October Apple acquired another artificial intelligence technology from startup Perceptio, a solution for running AI tech on smartphones with less reliance on the cloud, while that same month it confirmed a purchase of virtual assistant maker VocallQ.
Filed under: AAPL Company
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