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Tag: iPad

  • Google makes Gmail work with iPad multitasking

    Google makes Gmail work with iPad multitasking

    Gmail is working great on either iPhones or iPads, but there was just one useful feature that was missing from the iPad version of the app – the ability to multitask with Gmail and other iOS applications.

    You can indeed make use of Apple’s so-called Split View feature and switch between Gmail and other apps, but the functionality doesn’t work flawlessly all the time. Although it took Google several years to implement multitasking within Gmail, the option is finally here.

    Google announced today that all Gmail accounts – G Suite and personal, can now make use of the multitasking feature with Gmail and other iOS applications. It works the same way as Split View, but it’s better to implement and specifically designed for Gmail.

    You’ll have to turn on Multitasking on your iPad before you’ll be able to use the new feature by heading to Settings app / Home Screen & Dock / Multitasking. From there, make sure to enable the “Allow Multiple Apps” option to be able to switch between apps.

    After you’ve enabled Multitasking, you can enter split view when in Gmail by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to open the dock. Then, touch and hold the app you wish to open and drag it to the left of the right edge of the screen.

  • Microsoft plans to add mouse and trackpad support to Office app on iPads

    Microsoft plans to add mouse and trackpad support to Office app on iPads

    Microsoft has decided to unify its Office apps on Android and iOS last year, so they’re now functioning under a single, smaller app. A couple of months ago, Apple revealed something that took many by surprise: cursor support for iPadOS.

    Now Microsoft wants to add a similar feature to its Office app for iPad. According to TechCrunch, Microsoft is already working to bring cursor support to Office for iPad, which the media outlet claims it’s “expected to ship in Office for iPad this fall.”

    However, a new report coming from The Verge mentions that Microsoft might add cursor support by the fall, which means it should arrive earlier than the original report claims. Unfortunately, beyond the new timeframe, Microsoft did not share other details about cursor support for Office on iPad.

    Since Microsoft will keep individual Office app like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, in addition to the unified app, there’s a high chance that cursor support will come to each of these apps as well once the main Office app gets it.

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  • Google redesigns Podcasts app, brings it to iPhones and iPads

    Google redesigns Podcasts app, brings it to iPhones and iPads

    Google’s Podcasts app was released two years ago for Android devices, but the Mountain View company announced last year that it will expand the availability of the app to additional platforms, including iOS and Windows.

    A web version of Google Podcasts eventually made its debut last year, which allows users on other platforms to take advantage of its features. Today, Google announced a native Podcasts app is now available to all iPhone and iPad users.

    More importantly, Google Podcasts has been completely redesigned to offer a simpler experience to those looking for their favorite podcasts. The new Podcasts app focuses on just three tabs – Home, Explore, and Activity, from where users can access other features and information about the content they want to listen to.

    The Home tab will display a feed of new episodes and is meant to offer Podcasts users a way to access their subscribed shows faster than ever. On the other hand, the Explore tab, “For you” displays new show and episode recommendations that are strongly related to a user’s interests.

    Last but not least, the new Activity tab shows a user’s listening history, queued up episodes, and download. Also, it’s important to add that Google Podcasts users can now enable automatic download and push notifications for when new episodes are released.

    Google announced that along with the new redesign, it made it possible to sync listening progress across devices. If you’re using an iOS device, you can download the new Google Podcasts today from the App Store. Android users will get the new app this week.

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  • Apple report details iPhone Pro, AirPods 3, iPad upgrades, much more

    Apple report details iPhone Pro, AirPods 3, iPad upgrades, much more

    Apple is readying an onslaught of hardware products that’ll be announced over the next few months. The first of these will seemingly arrive in less than three weeks and today a new report by Bloomberg has detailed the company’s plans.

    According to people familiar with the situation, Apple is preparing to announce three new iPhone models at an event next month. The lineup will reportedly include two ‘Pro’ models that’ll succeed last year’s iPhone XS series and a cheaper iPhone XR replacement which could be branded as ‘iPhone 11’ or simply ‘iPhone.’

    This year’s premium models, as previous reports have indicated, will include a triple-camera system on the back that consists of a primary sensor, a telephoto camera, and an ultra-wide-angle alternative which grants access to a 120º field of view. The setup will capture three images simultaneously before stitching them together with the help of artificial intelligence to create a better photo that doesn’t cut out any important details.

    Apple’s next-gen photographic system will take higher resolution pictures that can rival “some traditional cameras.” Improvements in “very low-light environments” are to be expected too in addition to drastically upgraded video recording capabilities. According to sources, the Cupertino-based company has developed a feature that allows video to be retouched while being recorded. Users should also be able to apply effects, alter colors, reframe, and crop.

    The non-Pro iPhone 11 won’t be receiving a third wide-angle camera like its premium siblings but it should still inherit some important upgrades. Specifically, the smartphone’s expected to include a dual-camera system that’ll boast a 2x telephoto zoom camera and ultimately support an enhanced portrait mode.

    All 2019 iPhones are set to include Apple’s yet-to-be-announced A13 processor paired with a new co-processor chip known internally as “matrix” or “AMX.” This will handle certain math-heavy tasks and may result in an improved augmented reality experienced. Speaking of which, Apple is readying new 3D cameras for its 2020 iPhone series that’ll take this to the next level.

    Almost one year after Huawei first introduced the feature and around six months after Samsung announced its alternative, Apple has reportedly created its own reverse wireless charging system that’ll be present on this year’s ‘Pro’ models. The feature will let users power-up their AirPods by placing them on the iPhone’s rear. It should also work with the Apple Watch and other Qi-ready products.

    This year’s premium models will be identical from the front to the iPhone XS and XS Max that they replace but some important changes have apparently been made. According to today’s report, a new multi-angle Face ID system that works even when the devices are flat on a table will be present. Additionally, Apple has reportedly enhanced water resistance dramatically. So much so that users should be able to submerge the new iPhones for far longer than 30 minutes.

    Other changes will reportedly include a new “shatter-resistance” technology and a matte finish on the rear with some colors. Also worth pointing out is the presence of updated OLED displays which will ditch the 3D Touch system in favor of more advanced Haptic Touch.

    Corroborating previous information, Bloomberg believes Apple will announce a new 10.2-inch entry-level iPad that’ll replace the existing 9.7-inch model. Exact details are yet to be revealed but a reduction in the thickness of bezels is to be expected alongside significant internal upgrades and potentially a dual-camera system on the rear.

    In addition to this, the California-based company is reportedly preparing some upgrades to its iPad Pro series. The devices will look identical to the existing models from the front but should boast an iPhone Pro-like triple-camera system on the rear. Additionally, internal upgrades that’ll likely involve the addition of Apple’s A13X chip are to be expected.

    The Apple Watch has been upgraded on an annual basis for several years now and 2019 looks set to be no different. But after introducing some rather drastic changes twelve months ago, it seems the company is preparing only minimal changes for this year’s update.

    Bloomberg says Apple will be focusing primarily on the added features that watchOS 6 introduces and some new case finishes which should include ceramic and titanium model. Some internal upgrades are possible but concrete info is yet to emerge.

    While on the topic of wearables, it seems a pair of premium AirPods is currently in the works. The version will be more expensive than the current $159 pair but should include new features such as water resistance and noise cancellation. Apple was initially planning a launch alongside this year’s iPhones but the introduction has now been pushed back until next year.

    Completing Apple’s lineup of products is HomePod. The original continues to sell pretty poorly across the globe due to its high $300 price and it seems the company is planning to address this issue with a cheaper model that’ll have just two tweeters instead of the current model’s seven.

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  • Apple Singapore to open in Jewel Changi

    Apple Singapore to open in Jewel Changi

    Apple Singapore is set to open its second store – at Jewel Changi on July 13.

    No other information, including the size of the store, was released. However, the company revealed that visitors can expect some brand new programming developed exclusively for the Jewel store, including a Magic of Jewel Changi Airport Photo Walk.

    This pathway will be around 500 meters and will allow attendees to explore Jewel’s attractions, such as its modern architecture, indoor gardens and its 40m waterfall.

    Attendees will learn how to take photos or videos of these attractions using an iPhone or iPad.

    A third Apple Singapore store will open at Marina Bay Sands, most likely late this year.

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  • Upcoming free app for the Apple iPad might turn you into the next Michelangelo

    Upcoming free app for the Apple iPad might turn you into the next Michelangelo

    Adobe announced that its drawing and painting app for the iPad originally called “Project Gemini,” will be known as Adobe Fresco when it launches later this year. Fresco is an old technique used for hundreds of years that involves painting on wet plaster. It requires the artist to complete the painting before the plaster dries. That type of “spontaneous creativity” is at the center of Adobe Fresco. The app will first be available for iPads with Apple Pencil support, which means that users can unleash their creativity wherever they are. Eventually, Fresco will be offered for other stylus supporting touchscreen devices.

    The app uses Adobe’s AI-based Sensei platform for the Live Brushes feature. This allows users to “paint” on the app using watercolors and oils and experience the same response as a painter would in real life. Adobe says that those using the app can even paint with virtual water to dilute colors. The company has gone to the trouble of determining how certain paint pigments interact on different types of surfaces and has recreated these experiences for the Adobe Fresco app.

    Brushes used in Photoshop can also be employed in Adobe Fresco and users have access to digital brushes from the artist and digital brush creator Kyle Webster. The app is equipped with vector brushes to allow the artist to “create clean, crisp, and infinitely scaleable lines and shapes.” And users will be able to create their own brushes thanks to Adobe Capture.

    “Drawing is fundamental to developing creative literacy. It is most people’s first connection to creativity, and every great painting, sculpture, film, or building began with a drawing. And today, more than ever, it’s essential for everyone to develop creative literacy. As artificial intelligence takes over more and more repetitive and mundane tasks, creativity is the unique human quality that sets each of us apart and helps us succeed.

    Connecting brain and hand through drawing unlocks creative magic. To forge that connection, a digital generation needs a digital tool, which is why we’re developing a powerful and sophisticated drawing and painting application.”-Adobe

    While Fresco will have professional features like layers, masking, and selection, Adobe points out that the app has what it calls a “streamlined” interface that even children can use. And Fresco users will be able to move their project between the app and Photoshop seamlessly. The art can also be exported to PDF where it can be edited using Adobe Illustrator.

    Whether you’re a professional artist or just sketch for a hobby, Adobe Fresco is all about creating. The app will be free and if you’re an iPad user, you can submit a request to try the beta version of the app by registering here.

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  • Angry Birds augmented reality mobile game Launched

    Angry Birds augmented reality mobile game Launched

    Rovio, the Finnish company behind the Angry Birds smash hit, announced last month that their first augmented reality mobile game is available for pre-order. Dubbed Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, the game has now been released in the App Store and is available for free.

    Angry Birds AR uses Apple’s ARKit framework and is fully compatible with iOS devices like iPhone 6s and newer, as well as iPad 5th generation and later. Since this an Apple prime exclusive, it’s not available on Android and won’t be for a while. However, Rovio says that it’s exploring other platforms like Android, so we can expect the Finnish developer to expand the game’s availability to Google’s operating system too.

    As far as the gameplay goes, Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs takes players to a remote island where the greedy green pigs vacation in over 40 levels. You’ll meet some of the birds you already know and love, but in a more realistic environment that brings Angry Birds to life like never before.

    Thanks to the augmented reality technology, players can physically walk around structures overlaid onto objects in their own environment to find weak elements, identify different angles for the best accuracy, or discover hidden surprises that will allow them to take on the green pigs, earn more points, as well as unlock additional content.

    Keep in mind that the game may require internet connectivity and subsequent data transfer charges may apply. Even after the initial download, additional content may be downloaded, which may include data charges.

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  • First 5G Apple iPad Pro won’t arrive Soon

    First 5G Apple iPad Pro won’t arrive Soon

    Most of the talk about Apple and 5G revolves around the iPhone. Now that the settlement with Qualcomm has apparently resulted in a multi-year deal that supplies Apple with 5G modem chips (neither side has discussed this officially), we can expect Apple to launch a 5G iPhone by next year. But what about the Apple iPad? After all, the Wi-Fi + Cellular version of the iOS-powered tablet can connect to a wireless carrier’s 4G LTE network.

    The answer to that question comes from TF International’s reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo as cited by the Economic Daily News. According to his report, Kuo expects to see the first 5G iPad shipped no earlier than 2021. Meanwhile, the analyst says that two new iPad Pro models will be in mass production during the fourth quarter of this year to the first quarter of 2020. The units will have the same 11-inch and 12.9-inch screen sizes that the current model’s sport, but will not offer support for 5G connectivity.

    Besides adding 5G modem chips to the iPad Pro in 2021 or later, Kuo expects Apple to employ an LCP (liquid crystal polymer) soft board at the same time. This will reduce signal loss and improve networking performance. Kuo says that because the iPad Pro is used as a business productivity tool and for entertainment, the slate needs to offer better connectivity than the iPhone. The new soft board will allow Apple to attach the iPad Pro’s antennas to the motherboard, improving the user experience of the device. The report adds that Murata will be one of the companies supplying Apple with the LCP soft board. The firm already supplies soft boards to Apple for the iPhone.

    The most recent versions of the iPad Pro, launched late last year, featured a big change in the design of the tablet. Gone was the home button and Touch ID, replaced with a TrueDepth Camera and Face ID (which works regardless of how the tablet is being held). The bezels are thinner resulting in an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina (LCD) display. Using magnets, the second generation Apple Pencil can stick to the side of the tablet and charge up at the same time. Measuring only 5.9mm high, the latest iPad Pro models are sleek and thin.

    As we passed along to you the other day, there are rumors that Apple will add mouse and trackpad support for the iPad Pro with iOS 13. This could help some see the iPad Pro as a legitimate laptop replacement (Apple notes that the iPad Pro is faster than 92% of “portable PCs”). Apple’s high-end tablet line competes with Microsoft’s Surface Pro in the premium tablet niche, but the latter has the advantage of running on Windows 10 and supporting the wireless Surface Mobile Mouse that connects via Bluetooth.

    It is interesting that in the discussions about 5G, the tablet market has been overlooked. The next generation of wireless connectivity will bring data speeds as fast as 10 times that achieved on 4G LTE networks. With the faster speeds, movies that take minutes to download now will load in seconds. It also will bring about new innovations, services, and businesses that we can’t even imagine right now. For example, when 4G LTE service became widespread, it led to the creation of the ride-sharing industry and the two multi-billion dollar companies that are leaders in the industry (Uber and Lyft). 5G networks will also help cars drive by themselves as the Internet of Things becomes the Internet of Many More Things.

  • Apple may be prepping to make your iPad a “Sidescreen”

    Apple may be prepping to make your iPad a “Sidescreen”

    Apple loves to talk about the displays it has in its devices, be it the color gamut, refresh rate, lamination to minimize the space between the glass and display tech, etc. Apple is very proud of its displays, no doubt about it. Apple has also been working to integrate iOS devices with Macs a bit more with features like Handoff. Now, Apple is rumored to be bringing a new interesting feature for those with iPads and Macs.

    According to new reports, Apple is working on a new feature codenamed “Sidecar” which will allow Mac users to set up their iPad as a second display to extend their desktop. The feature is said to be coming in Mac 10.15, although it may also need iOS 13 on your iPad to work properly. The option will be triggered via the Mac by hovering over the green “maximize” button on a Mac window. The benefit is pretty easy to see: what’s on your Mac screen will be duplicated on your iPad allowing you to use the touchscreen to manipulate and annotate as needed.

    The details will be made more clear at WWDC in June, but there are some questions that need answering in terms of this Sidecar feature. First of all is whether it will be wireless or not. It seems likely that Apple would want it to be wireless and not need to worry about a USB cable, but at the same time Apple is very fond of its dongle business. Also, it doesn’t sound like this will be a way to extend your Mac desktop like a second display could be. It sounds more like a mirroring feature, but being able to extend a desktop onto an iPad would be pretty nice too.

    Lastly, there’s the question about what will happen to the current solutions that offer similar capabilities, like Luna Display. Apple has a history of duplicating features that users got from apps, and the fate of those apps is usually not too good.

  • iPad Pro and a car, you should be looking into the Apple Pencil 2

    iPad Pro and a car, you should be looking into the Apple Pencil 2

    Apart from being pretty expensive, at $129, we really couldn’t find anything wrong with the second-generation Apple Pencil shortly after the upgraded writing accessory was unveiled alongside a new iPad Pro duo last fall. But that’s only because we didn’t think to test the functionality of the Apple Pencil 2 around a car’s keyless entry solution. Wait, what?

    We know you may have trouble believing this, but while Amazon is testing delivery by self-driving robots and Elon Musk wants to send humans to Mars, Apple seems to have recently added a note to its support webpages highlighting some decidedly weird signal interference issues between the company’s newest Apple Pencil and car key fobs.

    Although this is a very specific problem a small number of users is likely to sporadically encounter in a particular situation, it still shouldn’t happen in 2019. Basically, the wireless charging capabilities of the Apple Pencil 2 can interfere with the signal sent from a car’s keyless entry device to your automobile, making it impossible to unlock your car without a key.

    Fortunately, there’s an easy workaround you can employ whenever the aforementioned issue might crop up, as storing the Apple Pencil separately from your iPad Pro should eliminate the bizarre signal interference. You could also try to put some distance between the iPad Pro used to juice up the refreshed Apple Pencil and your key fob, although Apple’s support documents do not specify how far you need to keep the two away from each other to stop this abnormal behavior from happening.

    On the bright side, the very root of the problem appears to be connected to the charging functionality of the Apple Pencil 2, so storing the stylus while fully charged alongside a 2018 iPad Pro should not interfere with car key fob signals in any way. Bottom line, this really doesn’t sound like a big deal and something tells us Apple isn’t going to bother trying to fix the glitch. But it’s still a curious thing we never expected to hear about in this day and age.

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  • Logitech unveils affordable Smart Keyboard alternatives for Apple iPad PROs

    Logitech unveils affordable Smart Keyboard alternatives for Apple iPad PROs

    Logitech makes some of the best third-party accessories for iPhones and iPads, a few of which can even be purchased directly from Apple at very competitive prices. Just think of the $69.95 Logitech Crayon, which substantially undercuts the $99 and up Apple Pencil. Or the $69.95 Logitech Powered wireless charging stand, or $130 and up Logitech Slim Combos with detachable keyboards for previous-generation iPad Pros

    Oddly enough, Logitech still doesn’t sell any keyboard accessories tailor-made for Apple’s newest iPad Pro models, but that’s finally set to change later this month. The Slim Folio Pro looks and sounds extremely similar to the first-party Smart Keyboard Folio, starting however at only $119.99. That’s a whopping 60 bucks cheaper than Apple’s own 11-inch option, while the Logitech Slim Folio Pro for 2018’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro will cost $129.99, compared to the $199 price tag of its Apple-made counterpart.

    Impressively enough, it doesn’t seem like Logitech has had to cut many corners or make any big compromises to go this low in terms of retail prices, as the Slim Folio Pro ticks all the essential boxes of a robust “all-in-one case”… and then some. You get both front and back protection against scuffs, scratches, and spills for your new 11 or 12.9-inch iPad Pro, an “edge-to-edge” backlit keyboard design aimed at stellar productivity, and even a special magnetic latch to safely store your Apple Pencil when not in use.

    Without a doubt, the best thing about this overall top-notch Smart Keyboard alternative is its battery life, rated at “up to three months” on a single charge. The Slim Folio Pro is also pretty versatile, enabling comfortable typing, sketching, and reading experiences by propping up your iPad Pro, sliding underneath it, or effortlessly folding back.

    The only possible drawback is the use of Bluetooth technology to wirelessly connect to Apple’s latest powerhouses rather than leveraging their magnetic Smart Connectors. But Bluetooth keyboards can be reliable too, so if you want to save a few bucks, you should definitely consider the Logitech Slim Folio Pro… when it actually goes on sale.

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  • iOS 12 bringing iPad Pro support for unlikely accessories

    iOS 12 bringing iPad Pro support for unlikely accessories

    Apple has a pretty clear strategy for its iPad lineup with an option available at every price point from $329 up to infinity as well as having a handful of screen size options. Apple’s status in the tablet market means there’s no shortage of accessories, but in a surprise move Apple added native support for the Logitech Crayon for the 9.7-inch iPad and now support is coming to more devices.

    Apparently the next version of iOS 12 will bring support for the Logitech Crayon to “the iPad Pros.” Unfortunately, it’s not clear if Patel was referring to the new iPad Pros or the entire lineup of iPad Pros, which is an important distinction given the trouble users could have sorting out Apple Pencil support on different iPads. The suspicion is that Apple will be releasing a new version of iOS 12 on Monday to add support for the various subscription services expected to be announced.
    While on the surface, this seems like a good thing since the idea behind the Crayon is that it just works on an iPad right after you turn it on without needing to do anything else, and bringing support to more devices beyond the $329 iPad seems like a plus. The odd thing about it is that the plan would be to add support just for the iPad Pro lineup. The Crayon is designed for the education market (it’s actually not available for purchase outside of Apple’s Education channel.) The reason it only supported the cheapest iPad was because that’s the device also designed for the education market.
  • Firefox latest update makes it a much better browser for iPad users

    Firefox latest update makes it a much better browser for iPad users

    If you’re using Firefox on your iPad, you’ll be pleased to know that Mozilla is now making your life much easier. Since the iPad offers a bigger display than the iPhone, which means you can use it differently like for example watch a video and browse the Internet.

    In order for that to work, your browser must support split screen, a feature that allows you to have two apps side-by-side making it easy for you to share links or take notes without having to switch back and forth between apps. The latest Firefox update enables iPad users to divide the screen between the browser and another app like Google Maps or Slack.

    Besides split screen support, Mozilla also included some quality of life improvements, such as better tab management, easier to access Private Browsing, and keyboard shortcuts.

    After the update, you’ll notice that Firefox will display tabs like tiles, which makes it easier to see them. Also, whenever you try to get to a private page on an iOS device, you usually have to go through a couple of steps, but the latest version puts Private Browsing in the lower left corner of the browser window so that you can access it with just one click.

    Now, if you’re using an external keyboard with your iPad, you’ll be happy to learn that you can hold down the command key on your tablet to show keyboard shortcuts. Mozilla has implemented some shortcuts exactly as they are on the Mac, so you might be familiar with many of them. There’s also another feature introduced which will allow you to send tabs between devices without having to leave the browser, but you will need a Firefox account for that.

    Last but not least, a much-requested feature is now being implemented in Firefox, but only to some extent. Since iOS doesn’t allow Mozilla to enable users to set Firefox as the default browser, the developers have found a way to allow them to set it as default browser when they open email links from Microsoft Outlook.

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  • Apple’s manufacturers gearing up production of new iPad and AirPods hardware

    Apple’s manufacturers gearing up production of new iPad and AirPods hardware

    Apple’s March 25 event is around the corner and naturally, rumors about it are abundant. The event is expected to be focused on new services but its almost inevitable that there will be a hardware release or two, even if there won’t be any dedicated time for them during the presentations. The latest news coming from distant Taiwan seems to confirm that. Some of Apple’s part suppliers are preparing to ramp up production of components for new products.

    Flexium Interconnect and Zhen Ding Technology are manufacturers of flexible PCB (printed circuit boards) that are reportedly starting production of PCBs for a new iPad model. Rumors are that Apple is going to refresh its iPad Mini. The last model of the line came out in 2015, so it’s long overdue for an overhaul. The revamp is expected to be primarily internal, however, so expect a familiar looking iPad with a more powerful chip.

    Both part suppliers are also providing components for the current line of iPhones. The release of a new iPad comes as a blessing for them since both saw their orders reduced after demand for the iPhones was weaker than anticipated.

    At the same time, two other companies, Compeq Manufacturing and Unitech PCB, are now working on rigid-flex boards for the yet unannounced AirPods, according to sources within the industry. Tech insiders are still divided whether Apple is going to introduce the AirPods 2, or a less meaningful refresh of its popular earbuds that may consist only of a new wireless-charging case.

    If Apple does indeed announce new hardware products on March 25, preorders will likely begin either on the same day or within a week. If you’ve been itching for a new Apple gadget for a while, the time has almost come!

  • Apple pilloried over display model policy

    Apple pilloried over display model policy

    Just before the Fair Trade Commission comes to a decision on whether Apple has violated domestic fair trade laws, Korean phone distributors are calling the tech giant out for being the only phone manufacturer in the country that makes them pay for display phones in their stores.

    The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is due to hold a meeting in mid-December after two years of investigating accusations against Apple and finally decide whether the company indulged in unfair practices. Some complaints are that Apple charges mobile carriers for repair and advertising costs of Apple products.

    On Wednesday, the Korea Mobile Distributors Association (KMDA) accused the company of doing something that no other handset maker did in Korea. “Apple doesn’t let us sell iPhones at all if we don’t purchase the demo phones needed for store displays,” read a statement from the KMDA. “Other manufacturers provide the display phones themselves, and come to collect them later.”

    According to the association, Apple even charged retailers for the costs of building shelves for display models and controlled where the promotional posters for new products were placed. Most of the demo devices are priced at around 70 percent of the market price. Distributors say they also had to purchase demo iPads and Apple Watches.

    iPhones are getting more costly, which could be a factor in the distributors going public with complaints against the company.

    In the past, Apple phones cost no more than 1 million won ($883). Last November, the iPhone X launched just three weeks after the iPhone 8 with a 1.42 million won price tag for a 64 gigabyte model. With the release of the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR on Nov. 2, iPhone prices have reached new highs. The iPhone XS Max is selling for more than 30 percent higher than the iPhone X at 1.97 million won for a 512 gigabyte model.

    “Previously, I spent around 1.1 million won on demo devices for Apple’s new products,” said a 53-year-old owner of a wireless store in Jongno District, central Seoul.

    Branches of the three major mobile carriers – SKT, LG U+ and KT – are the main distributors of mobile phones in Korea.

    “But recently, with Apple products becoming more expensive, the costs I have to bear have risen tremendously,” he said.

    The owner estimated that he spent nearly 5 million won on purchasing demo phones for Apple’s newest models.

    According to industry estimates, each mobile retailer spends around 2.9 million won a year purchasing Apple demo phones. This means that Apple will earn around 25.5 billion won in total sales of demo phones from the country’s 8,800 wireless stores.

    “We are not trying to sue Apple right away at this point, but rather figure out who holds responsibility,” added a KMDA spokesman. “Mobile carriers may be responsible for allowing Apple to pursue such unfair practices, leaving distributors to pay for the costs.”

    Korea is not the only country that has investigated Apple for unfair practices. This July, Japanese authorities called out the tech giant for antimonopoly practices that included forcing local mobile carriers to subsidize iPhone prices to boost sales. In 2016, France sued Apple for $55 million over unfair practices that also involved unfair contracts.

    Apple has not released an official response to the KMDA’s complaints.

    Sales of Apple’s new products have been less than stellar, which is also fueling dissatisfaction among distributors. According to industry estimates, the number of customers buying Apple’s three newest models between Nov. 2 and Nov. 7 was only 60 percent of the number that purchased Apple’s iPhone X and iPhone 8 in their first week last November.

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