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Tag: Tab

  • Apple Challenges Qualcomm With In-house Modem In New M5 Ipad Pro

    Apple Challenges Qualcomm With In-house Modem In New M5 Ipad Pro

    Apple’s most recent M5 iPad Pro has been unveiled, exhibiting yet another relatively insignificant, ‘chip-and-ship’ upgrade that most users are likely to bypass. However, the real point of interest is the modest addition of an in-house cellular chip, marking a critical step in Apple’s ongoing rivalry with Qualcomm.

    What’s New in the M5 iPad Pro?

    Similar to the latest MacBook releases, the M5 iPad Pro was launched without much fanfare, primarily featuring a processor enhancement. According to expert observations, the device only boasts ‘modest improvements’ beyond the M5. The preceding M4 iPad Pro is already a powerful tool, and as such, the day-to-day experience for M4 iPad Pro users is unlikely to differ significantly with this update.

    The most notable adjustment, certainly for those within the industry, is not the M5 itself. Instead, the focus is on the newly incorporated C1X cellular modem, an in-house development replacing the third-party component previously utilized by Apple. Additional features include a new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and faster external display support, though these are generally considered minor, specialized upgrades.

    The Importance of the Modem

    On the surface, the average consumer may not be particularly concerned with a modem. However, for Apple, it is of significant importance. The ‘third-party component’ that Apple has recently abandoned was supplied by Qualcomm. Those well-versed in the tech industry are likely aware of the protracted and complicated legal battles between Apple and Qualcomm over patents and licensing fees.

    Beneficial for Apple, not the Consumer

    This update is a quintessential ‘Apple’ move. It represents an enormous business and technical victory for the company, but it offers little to no benefit to the average consumer. Switching to in-house components is a strategic business decision for Apple, but it has yet to noticeably impact the user experience.

    Moreover, it should be noted that the majority of iPad purchasers opt for the Wi-Fi only model, rendering this new chip inconsequential for most customers. The introduction of this chip does not affect the purchasing decision in any significant way. The real test will come when these in-house modems are incorporated into iPhones. That’s when performance must be flawless, and when Qualcomm will truly start to feel the pressure. For the time being, this is just a subtle, strategic move by Apple.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the most significant upgrade in the M5 iPad Pro?

    The most significant upgrade in the M5 iPad Pro is the addition of an in-house C1X cellular modem, replacing the third-party component previously supplied by Qualcomm.

    Does the new in-house C1X cellular modem affect the consumer experience?

    No, the switch to in-house components, including the new modem, has not yet led to a noticeable change in the user experience.

    What is the potential impact of the in-house modem on Apple’s relationship with Qualcomm?

    The introduction of an in-house modem indicates a strategic move by Apple that could put pressure on Qualcomm, particularly when in-house modems begin to be incorporated into iPhones.

  • Apple’s Subtle Strategy: Unveiling New Ipad Pro Amidst Rising Competition And Foldable Tech Future

    Apple’s Subtle Strategy: Unveiling New Ipad Pro Amidst Rising Competition And Foldable Tech Future

    While there might not be any flashy Apple product launch event in the offing, it seems a new collection of Cupertino’s devices are set for a low-key announcement in the following days. This subtle approach to unveiling a new generation of iPad Pro via a simple press release, though not entirely unheard of, sparks the question: does Apple still have faith in its tablet line?

    Apple’s Shift in Focus: iPad or Not?

    Considering Apple’s current range of iPads, including the 11-inch iPad, two 2025 iPad Air models with M3 power, a seventh-generation iPad mini only around a year old, and the May 2024-released 11 and 13-inch iPad Pros with M4 power expected to be succeeded this month, the answer seems to be a resounding yes.

    However, some might argue that iPads have been relegated to the background in Apple’s product lineup in recent years. This wasn’t always the case; recall the buzz surrounding the release of the 2020 iPad Pro (4th Generation) with its “breakthrough LiDAR” technology.

    While the iPad might not have been the apple of the company’s eye as much as the iPhone family, it does seem that the gap between the two product lines is widening. For instance, when was the last time you saw an iPad advertisement on TV, on YouTube, or elsewhere? If Apple’s marketing budget is anything to go by, AirPods and Apple Watches have taken precedence, making iPads feel like third-class citizens in the product hierarchy.

    The Puzzle of Market Leadership

    Despite this, iPads still dominate the tablet industry. So, why is the new M5-powered iPad Pro edition not receiving the grand launch it deserves? In the second quarter of 2025, Apple sold around a third of the world’s tablets. Moreover, during the same period the previous year, when the predecessor of the iPad Pro debuted on the market, Apple’s market share stood at an even more remarkable 36.6 percent, beating out competitors Samsung and Lenovo.

    Indeed, competition might be part of the problem. With competitors like Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Microsoft stepping up their game in the tablet market, one would expect Apple to follow suit and increase both advertising efforts and innovation for the iPad line.

    The Innovation and Marketing Conundrum

    However, iPads have an apparent problem with innovation and marketing. Consider, for instance, the 60Hz refresh rate-limited iPad Air (2025) screens, the largely unchanged iPad Pro design over the years, or the outdated Apple A16 Bionic processor in the 2025 “vanilla” iPad.

    Despite these issues, it’s challenging to criticize the potentially familiar-looking iPad Pro (M5) edition, especially when competitors like the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra have their own flaws and a high starting price of $1,200.

    The Age of Foldables

    In recent years, Apple seems to be focusing on more than just enhancing the iPad Pro. The tech giant appears to be investing in the development of foldable devices. Rumors of the first-ever foldable iPhone, likely to be launched next year, and the first foldable iPad, which may follow soon after, are making the rounds. The latter is anticipated to be a hybrid between a tablet and a full-scale Mac computer, potentially carrying a hefty price tag.

    Questions & Answers

    Does Apple still believe in tablets?
    Given their current lineup of iPads and upcoming releases, it appears that Apple still has faith in its tablet line.

    Why isn’t the new M5-powered iPad Pro receiving a grand launch?
    While iPads are still market leaders, it seems that Apple has shifted its marketing focus towards other products like the iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watches.

    What are the upcoming innovations expected from Apple?
    Apple appears to be focusing on the development of foldable devices, with rumors suggesting the launch of the first-ever foldable iPhone and iPad in the near future.

  • Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S5e and Galaxy Tab A 10.1 Nearly Arriving

    Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S5e and Galaxy Tab A 10.1 Nearly Arriving

    Today was a pretty busy day for Samsung, but the world’s largest smartphone vendor is actually not done announcing new stuff, quickly following up the global introduction of the eye-catching Galaxy A80 and not-too-shabby Galaxy A70 handsets with some US-specific news on the tablet release front.

    No, it’s not already time for a high-end Galaxy Tab S5 with a Snapdragon 855 processor to take on Apple’s latest iPad Pro generation, as the Snapdragon 835-powered Tab S4 is still relatively fresh… and yet completely outdated. Instead, the mid-range Galaxy Tab S5e and Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) that the company took the wraps off a good couple of months ago finally have official US availability details attached to their somewhat confusing names.

    Okay, perhaps this is not the iPad Pro killer Android enthusiasts have been eagerly expecting since the announcement of Apple’s first such tablet. But at a starting price of $399.99, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e does at least manage to substantially undercut both 2018 iPad Pro variants, as well as the $500 and up 2019 iPad Air. Believe it or not, Samsung’s brand-new 10.5-inch slate is thinner than all its three aforementioned iOS rivals, at an outright anorexic 5.5 mm.

    Despite that unbelievably slim profile and a lightweight 400-gram body, the Tab S5e packs a decent-sounding 7,040 mAh battery with fast charging support. That ticker is slightly smaller than the one squeezed inside the 7.1 mm “thick” Galaxy Tab S4, but it’s still rated at a respectable 15 hours of continuous running time.

    While it’s not entirely clear how much memory and storage you’ll be getting in exchange for your four Benjamins starting April 26, we’re guessing it’s 4 and 64 gigs respectively, with a 6/128GB configuration likely to cost a little more. Obviously, no other differences are to be expected between the two variants, which should both come with a 13MP rear and 8MP front camera, pre-installed Android 9.0 Pie software, quad AKG-tuned speakers, a USB 3.1 Type C port, and octa-core Snapdragon 670 processing power.

    The 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this relatively affordable tablet’s list of features, sporting the same 2560 x 1600 resolution as the “premium” Galaxy Tab S4, which typically costs $530 and up. The beautiful screen is surrounded by similarly thin bezels, and the Galaxy Tab S5e even adds a fingerprint sensor into the equation that the Tab S4 is missing.<

    A range of optional accessories can seamlessly enhance the productivity of the 10.5-incher, including a book cover keyboard and POGO charging dock, although there are no words on prices for these. Pre-orders for the attractive tablet will kick off on Friday, April 12, rewarding early adopters with a free Samsung SmartThings Hub, normally available for around $70.

    Like the Tab S5e, the newest 10.1-inch edition of the budget-minded Galaxy Tab A is scheduled for a commercial US release on April 26. Naturally, the key selling point of the smaller, slower, and yes, uglier slate is a lower price, but at least at first glance, $229.99 doesn't feel low enough. That's because the Tab A 10.1 (2019) makes a huge number of major compromises compared to its higher-end cousin, starting with a lower-quality and lower-res 1920 x 1200 LCD panel.

    Despite being a whopping 70 grams heavier than the Galaxy Tab S5e, this thing packs a smaller 6,150 mAh battery, obviously paired with an inferior Exynos 7904 SoC. Meanwhile, your 230 bucks will probably buy you just 2 gigs of RAM and 32 of internal storage space, although 3/64 and 3/128GB versions are also coming, all equipped with microSD card slots for extra digital hoarding needs.

    The rear and front cameras are downgraded to 8 and 5MP sensors respectively, there are only two speakers on deck, and even the USB Type C port is of the slower 2.0 generation. On the bright side, the Tab A 10.1 also runs Android 9.0 out the box, while retaining the traditional headphone jack the Tab S5e is "courageously" leaving behind. The design is not bad for the sub-$300 price bracket either, including "minimal" bezels, sharp corners, but alas, no room for a fingerprint reader.

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  • Microsoft Launcher major update brings widget redesign

    Microsoft Launcher major update brings widget redesign

    Microsoft is making major changes to its Android launcher, many of which have been tested for about a month in the beta channel. Most of the new features and improvements are cosmetic, but there are some important under the hood enhancements included as well.

    Microsoft Launcher version 5.3 comes with a completely redesigned Time/Weather widget, which allows users to have multiple widgets for multiple locations. The detail page has been redesigned as well.

    The update brings many refinements to the app, but the most important are those made to the Home Screen, Dock and Search widget. If you’re a long-time user, you’ll most likely notice them once you start using the new version.

    Furthermore, the News tab now supports “Technology” as a news interest, while the Tasks card now features “My Day” and “Flagged Emails” features from Microsoft To Do. With the latest version of Microsoft Launcher, work profile users will be able to access their work apps fast and easy.

    Although it’s less important, you’ll probably want to know that the beta community link in Settings has been changed to Microsoft Tech Community. Microsoft Launcher 5.3 is already available for download via Google Play Store, so make sure to install the update to benefit from the latest improvements.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 now available in Malaysia

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 now available in Malaysia

    Samsung Malaysia Electronics announced the availability of the Galaxy Tab S3, a stylishly designed tablet with advanced computing technology offering a premium mobile experience.

    Equipped with an S Pen designed to feel and write like your favourite ball pen, the Galaxy Tab S3 delivers versatile usage as a productivity tool.

    “The Galaxy Tab S3 is carefully crafted with versatile features and functionality that provide a dynamic user experience.

    “This tablet represents Samsung’s commitment to expand its tablet portfolio with premium technology and deliver the best of entertainment and productivity for users at home, work or on the go,” said Hosea Heen, Samsung Malaysia Electronics head of mobile business.

    Building upon its signature design, the Galaxy Tab S3’s minimal and refined design was achieved by affixing glossy, reinforced glass panels to an aluminium frame, resulting in seamless aesthetics.

    The Galaxy Tab S3 provides premium Galaxy technology including an enhanced S Pen, which allows users to be more productive, creative, and to multi-task.

    The Galaxy Tab S3 is the first Samsung tablet to boast powerful quad-stereo speakers crafted by AKG by Harman in each corner of the device.

    Housing a superb 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display with HDR (High Dynamic Range) video content support, the Galaxy Tab S3 also displays stunningly vivid images with true-to-life colours.

    Unveiled at this year’s Mobile World Congress, the Galaxy Tab S3 delivers on Samsung’s legacy of innovative Galaxy technology including a 13-megapixel rear camera with auto focus and a 5-megapixel front camera for high-quality photos.

    The tablet also includes expandable storage and more power efficiency with fast-charge capabilities, supporting up to 12 hours of video playback.

    Mobile entertainment is taken to the next level as the tablet provides a cinema-like experience with 4K video playback on its Super AMOLED display. Highly optimised for gaming, the Galaxy Tab S3 also comes equipped with Vulkan API for superior graphics and the new Game Launcher for an enhanced user interface and personalised gaming experience, as well as modes like ‘Do Not Disturb’ for uninterrupted gameplay.

    Samsung Flow uses biometric authentication for a safe and secure login and can wirelessly tether compatible devices to transfer documents from a mobile device to a tablet. It also syncs message notifications so users will never miss an important text message, whether they are using a smartphone or their tablet, making working on the go seamless.

    For power users always on the go, the Galaxy Tab S3 also supports Pogo keyboards as no charging or pairing is required. The tablet’s dedicated Pogo pin-connected keyboard locks into place securely so users can get to work quickly, and features a streamlined layout that optimises key spacing to promote accurate typing. USB Type-C compatibility, meanwhile, provides more convenient cable connections as well as much faster data transfers. The Pogo Keyboard Cover comes in gray colour and retails at RM499.

    A new selection of Galaxy Tab S3 covers will give stylish users the option to pair their tablet with soft-coloured Book Covers that feature powdery matte finishing and a lightweight design to complete the device’s stylish look.

    Its dual usage mode—Viewing Mode or Touch Mode—makes it perfect for propping the tablet up to touch with ease or standing it up to watch movies comfortably. The Book Covers are also designed to magnetically attach the S Pen for quick access.

    Available in black, white and green colours, the Book Covers retail at RM199.

    The Galaxy Tab S3 is available in Malaysia at Samsung Experience Stores nationwide, including e-commerce partners Lazada and 11street, as well as authorised dealers starting June 1.

    Offered in understated black and silver colours to suit the refined tastes of modern millennials, the powerful tablet has an attractive recommended retail price of RM2,999 inclusive of six per cent GST.

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