O'Grady's PowerPage

Category: iPad Pro

  • Apple introduces four new Animoji characters in iOS 12.2 developer beta 2

    The second iOS 12.2 beta hit on Tuesday, with Apple introducing four new Animoji characters that can be used in Messages and FaceTime.

    Users can now select a giraffe, a shark, a boar, and an owl, which can be animated on any iOS device with a TrueDepth camera system. These devices now include the current iPhone and iPad Pro models. Animoji are animated, 3D emoji characters that you control with your face. 

    When you use an Animoji, the TrueDepth camera nalyzes more than 50 muscle movements in different areas of the face, detecting movement of the eyebrows, cheeks, chin, eyes, jaw, lips, eyes, tongue, and mouth. 

    There are presently no less than 24 Animoji, including the four new ones. Existing Animoji include monkey, robot, cat, dog, alien, fox, poop, pig, panda, bunny, rooster, unicorn, lion, dragon, skull, bear, tiger, koala, t-rex, and ghost. 

    Apple originally launched its Animoji in 2017 alongside the iPhone X, there when there were 12 characters to play with.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the new Animoji characters and have any feedback to offer, let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via MacRumors

  • Rumor: Apple testing next-gen iPhones with USB-C connectors, three-camera system, significant changes for iOS 13

    The rumor mill has it that the next-gen iPhone could feature a rear-facing 3D camera incorporating a laser scanner for purposes like augmented reality, while iOS 13 could deliver features like Dark Mode and CarPlay enhancements.

    The laser sensor is thought to work at ranges up to about 15 feet, in contrast with the dot projection system on current iPhones’ front-facing TrueDepth cameras. Apple is also said to be talking to Sony about testing components.

    Unlike TrueDepth’s dot projection system, the new system centers around a time of flight (TOF) system, which measures the time it takes for pulses of light to travel to and from a target surface.

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  • Recent Eurasian Economic Commission filings hint at potential next-gen iPad mini models

    Once again, it’s the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) filings that appear to foretell what Apple products are on the horizon.

    In this case, a new new filing with six model numbers appears to indicate both a refresh of the standard-sized iPad as well as the rumored fifth-generation iPad mini.

    The new filings with the EEC reveals the six model numbers are “tablet computers” and are registered to Apple. The numbers, published on Friday, advises the tablets are certified for sale in Russia, due to the inclusion of encryption-related features.

    The six model numbers are A2123, A2124, A2133, A2152, A2153, and A2154. The sequential nature of the model numbers, and the grouping, suggests there are at least two different types of device they apply to, with the A2123 and S2124 likely to be for a different model to the rest.

    It’s also thought that the presence of the filing could suggest that the new iPads might arrive in the relatively near future, albeit the exact date of this is unknown. Given that the last iPad launch took place in March 2018, excluding the iPad Pro refresh, it is likely that whatever Apple has planned for the iPad product family will be unveiled at around the same time.

    The iPad refresh has been said to include elements borrowed from the iPad Pro, such as a larger display in a similar-sized body with a thinner construction. A 10-inch display has been touted, though a shift to Face ID from Touch ID has yet to be suggested.

    Little has been rumored about the new iPad mini models, save for that they might ship at a lower price point than the more recent releases. If launched, it would be the first update to the product line in over three years.

    Finally, a seventh iPad model designated A2126 was filed with the ECC on Friday.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via AppleInsider and MySmartPrice

  • 2018 11-inch iPad Pro user apparently receives replacement unit for $49 via AppleCare+ plan after bending issue occurs

    Following up on the 2018 iPad Pro “BendGate” scandal, it appears that Apple will take care of the bending issue for you, but for a $49 service fee under AppleCare+.

    In this case, a 2018 11-inch iPad Pro user named Zach stated that he was able to have his tablet fixed, even though he says he was always careful with his iPad Pro and that he never even took it out of its Smart Folio Keyboard Case. For that matter, the “accidental damage” argument falls to shambles in light of Apple’s own admission that some iPad Pros were bent straight out of the box. Under such conditions, it’s not difficult to believe even subtle warping would grow more pronounced through everyday handling.

    Zach apparently wasn’t able to receive a replacement iPad Pro right away given that the unit was out of stock at his local Apple Store when he visited.

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  • In leaked email, Apple executive Dan Riccio defends 2018 iPad Pro models against bending-based criticism

    Apple, or at least one of its executives, has gone on the offensive regarding complaints about the high number of 2018 iPad Pro units arriving at least somewhat bent.

    In a leaked email, Apple Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, Dan Riccio, stated that the device met high manufacturing standards and its flatness is “even tighter than previous generations.”

    In the email, Riccio offered the following statements:

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