Amazon significantly upped the specs of the latest Fire 8 tablet, with a faster processor, more storage, USB-C and even wireless charging. But how does this inexpensive 8-inch slate stack up against the 7.9-inch iPad mini 5 released in 2019?
Apple Watch and iPad with LTE head for Xfinity Mobile
In a better-late-than-never scenario, Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile wireless carrier will soon begin offering two recent iPad models along with last year’s Apple Watch. These are the first non-smartphones available from this company, and all have built-in 4G LTE wireless networking.
Logitech Crayon is a more affordable Apple Pencil alternative [Updated review]
iPad is a great educational tool, no matter the age of the student. But some children are too young for a keyboard. That’s where the Logitech Crayon comes in. It’s a digital pencil designed for students to write and draw on a variety of iPad and iPad Pro models.
We put this educational accessory to the test.
UAG brings serious protection to new iPad Air and iPad mini
The Urban Armor Gear Metropolis is line of lightweight but protective folio cases for a range of Apple tablets. As of today, that includes the just-released iPad Air 3 and iPad mini 5.
These cases offer MIL-SPEC drop protection and can securely hold an Apple Pencil. They also function as stands, naturally.
iPad mini 5 teardown uncovers big improvements on the inside
The fifth-generation iPad mini has started making its way into the hands of early adopters. One unlucky unit ended up with iFixit, which has already torn it apart to show us what’s inside.
Unsurprisingly, it’s not a whole lot different to its predecessor. But there are plenty of new chips and components under the hood.
No need to wait on keyboard cases for latest iPad Air and iPad mini
Apple’s newest tablets just started reaching the hands of consumers, but there are already several cases available for the iPad Air 3 and iPad mini 5, including keyboard cases in multiple designs. There are options now from Zagg, Brydge and Apple itself.
While not yet available, rugged-case maker OtterBox is designing products for these slates.
New Macs! New iPads! New AirPods! We break down this week’s releases, on The CultCast
This week on The CultCast: Apple just released so much new hardware, they had to do it over 3 full days. We’ll break it all down, and react to all the new gear. Plus, the saga of MoviePass continues with yet another new wild announcement… but is their new unlimited plan too good to be true?
Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain..
iPad mini 2019 review roundup: The best compact tablet
The iPad mini got its first refresh in more than three years this week. The newest, fifth-generation model ships with Apple’s latest A12 Bionic processor, more RAM, and a True Tone display with more pixels than any other iPad.
But is the new iPad mini worth your hard-earned cash? Here’s what the early reviews have to say about it.
Why this week’s Apple PR blitz is brilliant [Opinion]
Apple isn’t following its usual strategy for product launches. Rather than holding a press event during which a collection of devices gets shown off, it spread the news out across multiple days this week.
This bold new approach brought plenty of attention to products that might otherwise have gotten lost in the furor around bigger announcements. And it’s also creating excitement about what’s coming next.
Why the latest iPads don’t support Apple Pencil 2
The number of tablets that can use the Apple Pencil expanded with the debut of the iPad Air 3 and iPad mini 5. Curiously, these support the original version of this pressure-sensitive stylus, not the newer one that launched in the fall.
But it turns out there are several good reasons for this move.
New iPad Air and iPad mini deliver blazing-fast performance [Updated]
A new iPad Air with a larger 10.5-inch display and a fifth-generation iPad mini are available to order now from Apple.com.
Both feature a blazing-fast A12 Bionic chip, improved displays with True Tone, and Apple Pencil support. Prices start at $399 for the new iPad mini, and $499 for the new iPad Air.
Leather Smart Cover makes a comeback with new iPads
Apple just took the wraps off fresh accessories for the tablets it unveiled this morning. There are cases in a variety of colors for both the new iPad Air and iPad mini.
There’s also a leather cover for the 10.5-inch iPad Air. And this model can use a Smart Keyboard designed for an earlier Apple tablet.
Leaked ‘iPad mini 5’ case reinforces our worst fears
An apparent “iPad mini 5” case corroborates rumors that this year’s much-anticipated refresh won’t bring a spectacular new design to Apple’s smallest tablet.
The case also dashes hopes that the new device will pick up an LED camera flash, a Smart Connector, and four stereo speakers. But is it genuine?
iOS 12.2 nears release with fourth beta [Updated]
Update: Hours after becoming available only to developers, iOS 12.2 beta 4 was released to anyone in the general public who’s joined the free Apple Beta Software Program.
Apple has settled into a steady pattern of introducing new iOS 12.2 betas every two weeks. It’s been 14 days since the last pre-release version went to developers, and you can guess what that means.
This version is expected to power three new devices launching later this month. It will also bring additional Animoji and other improvements.
Don’t expect the new iPad mini to be a big upgrade
iPad mini fans may be disappointed with this year’s long-awaited refresh.
A new report aligns with recent claims that Apple’s smallest tablet will get a much-needed upgrade this year, but warns that a new design almost certainly isn’t in the cards.
Apple’s 4 new Animoji are now available to public testers
The most fun new feature of iOS 12.2 is already available to members of Apple’s public beta testing program.
Apple seeded the second public beta of iOS 12.2 to public testers today, just one day after the new software was pushed out to developers. The new update includes a number of notable new features, including the addition of 4 new Animoji.
Apple lines up supplier for 2019’s iPad mini refresh
Compal Electronics will be the primary supplier of the next-generation iPad mini, which is expected to launch sometime this year, according to a new report.
The manufacturer is in the process of expanding production capacity with the expectation of increased shipments and revenues in 2019, despite “clouded” economic prospects.