Apple has always managed to amaze us with both the creativity and usefulness of their products, and today is no exception. Apple announced today that they were introducing two new accessories for their upcoming iPad Pro model, the Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil. MacRumors got the scoop on both of the new iPad accessories .
“The Smart Keyboard comes built into a Smart Cover and uses the Smart Dome Switch from the MacBook, which means that the keys click down evenly from wherever you hit them. The keys are covered by an Apple-woven fabric. The Keyboard connects to the iPad Pro via a new magnetic connector called the Smart Connector, which can transmit both data and power at the same time.
The Apple Pencil is built using technology that can detect position, tilt and force. It can also calculate angle and orientation to produce both broad or shaded strokes. The Pencil also enables precision that allows artists to touch a single pixel. Apple says the Pencil’s battery lasts for hours and that it can charge by connecting to the iPad Pro’s lighting charger.”
The Apple news site also mentioned that these accessories will let users have a more touch-based experience, allowing them to do more intensive work on their Apple devices than they could with a simple touchscreen. Considering that many businesses are changing to incorporate mobile lifestyles into the workplace, this could be an advantage for both business and personal users who spend a lot of time on their iPads.
As Inquisitrnoted, Apple’s i Pad Pro launchis also happening this November, but was announced at an event earlier this month. The iPad Pro will set users back a hefty $799 when it launches, but will have several new features. Some of these include the hugely improved display (2732 X 2048 pixels), a bigger size, and Force Touch, a feature that allows the tablet to react differently when different levels of pressure are applied.
Starting with iOS 7, Apple began giving away free copies of its office suite programs to users on iPads and iPhones. With this new increase in size and the addition of smart keyboards for iPad, it’s possible the need for computers could shrink greatly, something that doesn’t bode well for Apple’s Mac, but could hurt Apple’s rival, Microsoft, as well. Additionally, Microsoft definitely beat Apple to the punch with smart keyboards for tablets (sorry, iPad), so this move may not be as completely earth-shattering, as Apple seems to be striving for.
[Image Credit: MacRumors ]
