Apple has announced a new iPad equipped with it chip technology used in Mac computers.
The company also launched a line of new iMac computers and launched a small one Tracking device for important personal items. The new products were announced during an online launch event on Tuesday.
The new iPad Pro contains Apple’s M1 chip, which according to the company is increasing tablet computer processing speed by 50 percent. It’s the first time Apple has put its M1 chip inside an iPad. Apple announced last year that it had decided to replace Intel-based chips on all of its Macs with its own version.
The new iPad Pros also contain additional ports to connect larger monitors and were built with better video quality. Apple said the devices also have better keyboard systems that work more like most laptop computers. They also offer connectivity to 5G, the new generation of wireless technology.
Apple’s move to launch more powerful iPads is seen as a way to meet growing demand, as more people are working from home during the coronavirus pandemic. The new, lower-priced version of the iPad costs $ 799 and will be available for online ordering on April 30th.
Another of the company’s new products is called AirTag. It is a small device that can be connected to objects that people usually carry, such as keys or possessors of money. If lost, the object attached to an AirTag can be tracked with a user’s iPhone.
The AirTag system uses the company’s “Find My” technology to help users find lost Apple or Macs. The system uses Bluetooth technology when the lost device is nearby and Apple’s Find My network.
During the launch event, Apple demonstrated that a person with AirTags can use their iPhone to be guided with step-by-step directions to the lost device. The phone uses the camera and other directional equipment to guide the user. Apple says that currently, only iPhone 11 and 12 users will be able to use this service.
In a statement on the AirTags, Apple said the system was “designed from the ground up to keep it going location private and secure data “. It was said that no location information or history is physically stored in AirTag. Any communication involving the Find My network is also encrypted so that only the device owner sees the location data.
In addition, the company said it incorporated tools designed to prevent people from being tracked by AirTag without knowing it. For example, AirTag devices that are separated from owners for longer periods of time play a sound when they move to get attention. Apple says its devices can also identify an AirTag that does not belong to its owner and can inform users if an unknown AirTag is seen traveling with them from one place to another.
AirTags will cost $ 29 each, or four for $ 99, and will be available for order on April 23rd.
Apple also announced the launch of a line of new thinner iMacs, which are also equipped with the M1 chip. Computers are designed for use on a desk. They have better cameras and speakers to enhance video meetings. They’ve also improved video quality and include keyboards with the same fingerprint identification sensor that unlocks iPhones.
The iMacs, which come in several bright colors, are priced at $ 1,299 and are expected to be available in May.
Apple also announced a new podcast subscription service aimed at competing with other podcast companies such as Spotify.
I’m 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. he was the editor.
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Words in this story
chip – n. a small piece of semiconductor material used to make parts that help power computer processors
clue – v. to follow the course by which someone or something is moving or advancing
tablet – n. a small laptop that you use by touching the screen
monitor – n. a device, such as a television screen, that allows a person to view computer activities or listen to programs and sound
laptop – n. a computer small enough to be transported and used while a person is sitting
key – n. a piece of metal cut into a particular shape and used to lock things such as doors or to start an engine
location – n. a place or position
encryption – v. change (information) from one form to another especially to hide its meaning
subscription – n. an amount of money paid to regularly receive a product or service