The Gentleman Magazine Issue 12 | December 2018 | Page 71
A12X Bionic and Next-Generation Neural Engine
Built specifically for iPad Pro, the A12X Bionic is the smartest
and most powerful chip in a tablet, making even the most
demanding computing tasks like editing photos or creating 3D
models faster and more responsive. Built on industry-leading
seven-nanometer technology, the powerful eight-core A12X
Bionic features four performance cores and four efficiency
cores for up to 35 percent faster single-core performance and
a new performance controller for simultaneous use of all eight
cores for an up to 90 percent boost during multi-threaded
tasks.3 A seven-core, Apple-designed GPU delivers up to twice
the graphics performance for incredibly rich and immersive
AR experiences and console-quality graphics. On iPad Pro, the
breakthrough performance and capability lasts all day thanks
to great 10-hour battery life.
Apple’s next-generation Neural Engine is built for advanced
machine learning in everything from photography to AR,
completing up to 5 trillion operations per second. This enables
fast Face ID, faster plane detection for AR apps and other
new features that use real-time machine learning. The Neural
Engine is designed to deliver improved performance for Core
ML tasks, empowering developers to build apps and new iPad
workflows that utilise this highly efficient machine learning
engine.
Face ID Comes to iPad
Face ID, the most secure facial authentication system in any
tablet or computer, comes to iPad for the first time. Designed
to work while holding iPad Pro in any position or while seated
using the new Smart Keyboard Folio, Face ID takes advantage
of the TrueDepth camera system to accurately map and
recognise the face to securely unlock iPad Pro, enable Apple
Pay in apps and online and allow users to easily gain access to
secure apps. The TrueDepth Camera on iPad Pro also enables
Animoji and Memoji.
Best Device for AR
Advanced cameras and sensors and improved four-speaker
audio combine with the power of A12X Bionic to turn iPad
Pro, with its large viewfinder, into the best device ever for AR.
With support for the next generation of AR apps, a new world
of AR experiences is possible on iPad, such as measuring the
reflection on real-world objects, navigating buildings in 3D
and exploring entire universes. Adobe’s Project Aero (coming
2019) will enable creators to design experiences that take AR
on iPad even further. Advanced cameras and sensors, improved
four-speaker audio, powerful chip and a large viewfinder turn
iPad Pro into the best device ever for AR.
Easily adjustable for lap or desk use, the new Smart Keyboard
Folio is perfect for getting thoughts down and multitasking.
New Power and Possibilities with USB-C
A new USB-C connector replaces the Lightning connector
in support of the powerful ways iPad Pro is used. Incredibly
versatile, USB-C offers power for charging, supports USB 3.1
Gen 2 for high-bandwidth data transfers up to twice the speed
to and from cameras and musical instruments, and drives
external displays up to 5K. With USB-C, iPad Pro can even be
used to charge an iPhone.
iOS 12 on iPad Pro
iOS 12 brings new gestures to iPad that are already familiar to
iPhone X and iPhone XS users including tap to wake and swiping
to go home, access Control Center and for multitasking. The
new Shortcuts app helps iPad users link together powerful, yet
simple automated workflows for photo editing, video editing
and file and asset management. Improvements to Photo import
and support for native RAW image editing give photographers
more efficient ways to work and multitask on iPad Pro.
Group FaceTime now makes it easy to connect with groups
of friends or colleagues at the same time. Participants can be
added at any time, join later if the conversation is still active
and choose to join using video or audio from an iPhone, iPad
or Mac. With new Animoji and customisable Memoji, users
can take advantage of the large screen on iPad to add more
personality to photos and videos in Messages and FaceTime.
Pricing and Availability
The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be available in
silver and space grey finishes in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB
configurations as well as a new 1TB option. The 11-inch iPad
Pro starts at £769 for the Wi-Fi model and £919 for the Wi-Fi +
Cellular model and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at £969 for the
Wi-Fi model and £1,119 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model from
apple.com/uk and Apple Store locations, and is also available
through Apple Authorised Resellers and select carriers (prices
may vary).
New Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio
The new Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio, available for
purchase separately, give iPad Pro users new levels of precision
and productivity. The second-generation Apple Pencil
magnetically attaches to iPad Pro for pairing and wireless
charging. It becomes even more powerful and intuitive as users
can select just the right tool or brush with a simple double tap
on Apple Pencil within apps like Notes. Powerful apps from
leading developers like Adobe, Autodesk and Procreate also
give users the power to be even more creative than ever before.
The new Smart Keyboard Folio protects both the front and back
of iPad Pro in a simple, thin and light design encompassing a
full-size keyboard that never needs to be charged or paired.
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