Apple has announced a new iPad equipped with the same chip technology used in Mac computers.
The company also released a line of new iMac computers and launched a small one tracking device for important personal items. The new products were announced at an online launch event on Tuesday.
The new iPad Pro includes Apple’s M1 chip, which the company claims is the tablet processing speed of the computer by 50 percent. It is the first time that Apple has put its M1 chip in an iPad. Apple announced last year that it had decided to replace Intel-based chips in all of its Macs with its own version.
The new iPad Pros also include additional ports for connecting larger ones monitors and were built with improved video quality. Apple said the devices also have better keyboard systems that work more like most Laptop computers. They also provide connectivity to 5G, the next generation of wireless technology.
Apple’s move to release more powerful iPads is seen as a way to meet rising demand as more people work from home during the coronavirus pandemic. The lowest-priced version of the new iPad costs $ 799 and will be available for online orders from April 30.
Another new product from the company is called AirTag. It is a small device that can be attached to objects that people often wear, such as Keys or money holders. If lost, the object associated with an AirTag can be tracked with a user’s iPhone.
The AirTag system uses the company’s existing “Find My” technology to help users locate lost Apple devices or Macs. The system uses Bluetooth technology when the lost device is nearby and Apple’s Find My network.
During the launch event, Apple showed that a person with AirTags can use their iPhone to be guided to the lost device with step-by-step instructions. The phone uses its camera and other directional equipment to guide the user. Apple says that currently only iPhone 11 and 12 users can use this service.
In a statement on the AirTags, Apple said the system was “designed from the ground up to last place data private and secure. It said no data or location history is physically stored in AirTag. Any communication involving the Find My network is also encrypted so that only the owner of the device can see the location information.
Additionally, the company said it had built in tools to prevent people from being unknowingly tracked with AirTag. For example, AirTag devices that are separated from their owners for extended periods of time play a sound when moved to attract attention. Apple says its devices can also identify an AirTag that doesn’t belong to its owner and notify users if an unknown AirTag is seen traveling with them from place to place.
AirTags cost $ 29 each, or four for $ 99, and can be ordered on April 23.
Apple also announced the launch of a line of new thinner iMacs, which also feature the M1 chip. The computers are designed to be used on a desktop. They have better cameras and speakers for improved video conferencing. They also have improved video quality and include keyboards with the same fingerprint recognition sensor that unlocks iPhones.
The iMacs, which come in a variety of bright colors, have a starting price of $ 1,299 and are expected to be available in May.
Apple has also announced a new podcast subscription service intended to compete with other podcast companies such as Spotify.
I am Bryan Lynn.
Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on reports from Apple, The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.
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Words in this story
chip – n. a small piece of semiconductor material used to make parts that power computer processors
track – v. to follow the course along which someone or something moves or continues
tablet – n. a small portable computer that you use by touching the screen
monitor – n. a device, such as a TV screen, that allows a person to view computer activities or listen to programs and sound
Laptop – n. a computer small enough to be carried around and used while a person is seated
key – n. a piece of metal cut into a shape and used to lock things like doors or start an engine
place – n. a place or position
encrypt – v. to change (information) from one form to another, especially to hide its meaning
subscription – n. an amount paid to regularly receive a product or service