Apple to reportedly refresh Mac and iPad lineups

Added software support to the Apple Pencil, thinner MacBook Pros, and a standalone 5K monitor are supposedly in Apple’s future. Unnamed sources tell Bloomberg of the possible lineup Apple has in the coming months and year. One is new software and hardware updates for the iPad. Wider operating system support is supposedly in the future for the iPad and the Apple Pencil, which could come out next year. Apple’s stylus will reportedly be able to annotate objects in as many applications as possible across the OS, much like what Samsung has done with its Note devices. In terms of hardware, display technology will be boosted for the iPad for better zooming, panning, and scrolling. A 10.6-inch iPad Pro is supposedly on its way.

Meanwhile, for the Mac line we might see new products as early as October. These include everything from a new iMac with new AMD graphics chips, a new MacBook Air with USB Type-C support, and a thinner MackBook Pro. Aside from that, Apple is supposedly working with LG Electronics to develop a new standalone 5K monitor. Apple is set to unveil new iPhones, a new Apple Watch, and iOS 10 update at its September 7 event in San Francisco.

Microsoft’s new Surface ad hits back at the Apple iPad Pro’s computer claims

The Microsoft vs. Apple debate has been going on for as long as we can remember. So, when Apple market the iPad Pro claiming it’s a full computer, it was almost certain Microsoft wouldn’t take that lying down. True enough, a new Surface ad has surfaced mocking the full computer claims of the iPad Pro. This time they have Siri and Cortana talking to each other with Siri saying, “I just got a keyboard. I’m a computer now, like you.” Cortana fires back by talking about how the Surface Pro 4 tablets have trackpads, full desktop versions of apps, external ports, and an Intel Core i7 processor.  And ends the commercial with “Surface does more, just like you.” We’re pretty sure we’re not hearing the end of this.

Apple boasts computing capabilities of the iPad Pro in a new ad

Apple wants to redefine your thoughts on their tablets and what their iPad Pro lineup can do with a new ad. Instead of focusing on these being desktop replacements, what they’re boasting off is the versatility of these tablets. The 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro models allow you to use an external keyboard, which you can also put away to doodle on the screen using the Apple Pencil. We’re not sure if this is a convincing enough strategy to get people to put away their laptops and PCs—since tablets can only do so much after all. But it does put in a nutshell the best features the iPad Pro can offer users.

Netflix update brings 3D Touch and iPad Pro optimization for iOS

Finally, Netflix has updated its app on iOS to bring some requested features, including iPad Pro optimization and a new layout for iPad Pro users. Aside from that, iPhone users now get auto-play and recommendations. There’s also now 3D Touch support and Arabic has been added to languages that the platform supports. The “Kids” experience also gets an improved layout. And there’s also the usual performance improvements. Unfortunately, picture-in-picture still isn’t available and we hope Netflix listens and finally brings support for that.

Source: SlashGear