O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: squeeze

  • Apple releases Pixelmator Pro for iPad

    Apple releases Pixelmator Pro for iPad

    At long last, Pixelmator Pro has arrived for the iPad.

    Apple on Monday released Pixelmator Pro for the iPad, complete with features such as a new touch-optimized workspace, full Apple Pencil support, the ability to work between iPad and Mac, along with the editing tools from the Mac version.

    PIxelmator Pro is an image editing application that was acquired by Apple last year. While there’s already a more basic Pixelmator app for the iPad and iPhone, Apple has stated that the app is “no longer being updated.” As such, in order to eceive new features going forward, iPad users will need to move to the full-fledged Pixelmator Pro app.

    Pixelmator Pro for iPad is compatible with iPad models equipped with the A16, A17 Pro, or M1 chip or later on iPadOS 26 or later.

    The following are some of the Pixelmator Pro features that have been highlighted by Apple:

    • A full-featured Layers sidebar allows creators to use images, shapes, text, and video
    • Smart selection tools for isolating and editing specific parts of images
    • Advanced bitmap and vector masks
    • Super Resolution for intelligently upscaling photos
    • Deband for removing compression artifacts
    • Auto Crop with automatic composition suggestions
    • Apple Pencil support for pressure-sensitive brushing, plus hover, squeeze, and double tap

    Pixelmator Pro for both the iPad and Mac is available via the new Apple Creator Studio subscription bundle, which retails for $12.99 per month or $129 per year in the U.S. A one-time $49.99 purchase option remains available for the Mac app.

    If you’ve had a chance to try Pixelmator Pro for iPad, please let us know what you make of it in the comments.

    Via MacRumors and the App Store

  • Apple Pencil Pro added to the U.S., Canadian Refurbished Apple Store inventories

    Apple Pencil Pro added to the U.S., Canadian Refurbished Apple Store inventories

    You can’t argue with a good refurbished price on an Apple Pencil Pro.

    As of Friday, the Apple Pencil Pro surfaced in Apple’s online refurbished store in the U.S. and Canada. The event marks the first time the styles, which debuted in May 2024, has been offered at discount.

    In the U.S., the refurbished Apple Pencil Pro is available for $109, down from $129 brand new. That is a roughly 15 percent discount, which is typical for Apple’s refurbished products.

    Apple has stated that all of its refurbished products undergo “full functionality testing,” and any defective modules identified in testing are replaced. The products are also stated to go through a “thorough cleaning process and inspection,” before being repackaged.

    The key features of the Apple Pencil Pro include the following:

    • The ability to squeeze the accessory to bring up a tool palette
    • A gyroscope that allows users to roll the Apple Pencil Pro for precise control of shaped pen and brush tools,
    • Haptic feedback for certain actions
    • Find My support

    The Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with iPad Pro models with the M4 chip, iPad Air models with the M2 chip or newer, and the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and the Apple Refurbished Store (U.S., Canada)

  • Apple announces Apple Pencil Pro, which includes new squeeze, gyroscope, haptic features, and Find My support

    Apple announces Apple Pencil Pro, which includes new squeeze, gyroscope, haptic features, and Find My support

    The hints and rumors were true, and Apple on Tuesday announced its new Apple Pencil Pro stylus at its media event.

    The unit features a new squeeze gesture, gyroscope, haptic feedback, Find My support, and more, and a new sensor in the Apple Pencil Pro allows users to squeeze the accessory to bring up a tool palette to quickly switch tools, line weights, and colors. In addition, a new gyroscope allows users to rotate the Apple Pencil Pro for precise control of shaped pen and brush tools.

    The new haptic engine offers light tap feedback when users squeeze, double-tap, or snap to a Smart Shape.

    The Find My feature, as expected, offers support to help find the stylus if misplaced, which comes in handy.

    The Apple Pencil Pro can pair, charge, and is stored on the side of Apple’s newly-announced iPad Pro and iPad Air tablets, which boast a new magnetic interface. The stylus is not compatible with any other iPad models.

    Over on the U.S. storefront, the Apple Pencil Pro is priced at $129, was made available for pre-order on Tuesday, and launches Wednesday, May 15.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and Apple

  • Rumor: Apple to announce updated iPad models in second week of May

    Rumor: Apple to announce updated iPad models in second week of May

    Apple may be looking to launch its new iPad Pro and iPad Air models during the second week of May.

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated “For those looking for more specific timing, I’m told the launch will probably happen the week of May 6,” said Gurman, in his Power On newsletter on Sunday. “Another data point to that end: Apple retail stores are preparing to receive new product marketing materials later that week. That’s typically a sign that a new product release is incoming.”

    The new iPad models are expected to feature the M3 chip, OLED displays, a thinner enclosure, thinner bezels, a matte screen option, a landscape-oriented front camera, other design changes, and possibly:

    • MagSafe wireless charging.
    • Two new iPad Air models with the M2 chip and a landscape-oriented front camera, including a first-ever 12.9-inch iPad Air.
    • A new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro with an aluminum enclosure, larger trackpad, and other design tweaks.
    • A new Apple Pencil, which may have a new “squeeze” gesture for certain actions and support visionOS eventually.

    Apple last updated the iPad Pro and iPad Air in October 2022 and March 2022, respectively.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and Bloomberg