Apple is finally giving some overdue love to iPad users. The company has launched a new operating system optimized for the iconic tablet lineup. Riding the iOS 13’s hype train, the new iPadOS comes with oodles of optimization and convenience features for the tablet user. The whole update list is far too long to get through. To make things simpler, here are the top five new features that rocked our socks off.
Slide Over
Multitasking just got so much easier. Gone are the days when you have to go through dozens and dozens of windows to get to another task. Slide Over is like a tiny window for all your favorite apps. You can easily switch between apps while keeping the others running in the background.
Widgets and more apps on the home screen
Before this update, the iPad’s home screen was a jumbled mess for apps. Newly installed apps would just pile on into dozens of pages. Before you knew it, you were overwhelmed. iPadOS optimizes your home screen for much more apps space. Also, the home screen can now house widgets in one screen. It’s a blessing for organization freaks!
An adjustable, one-handed keyboard
Tap-tap-tap. That’s the unsatisfying sound your on-screen keyboard makes. It’s not the pleasant clickety-clack of a normal keyboard. Tablet screens are just not meant for normal typing. Thankfully, iPadOS is bringing the wonders of mobile typing on the tablet. Firstly, you can shrink the keyboard for one-handed use. Secondly, the keyboard is now compatible with swipe typing.
Better file management
The iPad is a notorious labyrinth for file organization. Most of the time, you don’t know where one thing ends and the other begins. iPadOS will remedy that with a new file manager. You now have better control over your iPad’s internal storage. On a similar note, the iPad can now connect to external storage devices like hard drives and USB sticks.
Dark Mode
Black is so in right now. If your device doesn’t have dark mode, you’re missing out. Finally, the iPad is joining the dark mode parade.
On a performance level, the iPadOS promises up to twice as much power as previous operating systems. The new operating system is compatible with the iPad Pro, the iPad (5th generation and later), the iPad mini 4 and 5, and the iPad Air 2 and 3.
Accessories
Apple is reportedly working on its own gaming controllers
It might launch under the Beats brand.
Last week, the iPhone Duo changed how you look at the ubiquitous smartphone. Foldables are in, and Apple is right there with it. But the company isn’t stopping with the foldable segment. Apple is reportedly working on its own branded game controllers.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has been working on a controller since last year. Further, a piece of code linked to macOS 27.4, spotted by MacRumors, includes references to two unknown gaming controllers.
Because Apple just concluded its huge event this month, it will likely be a while before we see confirmation of this controller. And it could be anything. Of course, because the Duo is fresh on our minds, the easiest answer is a mobile controller than can maximize the foldable’s ability to stand by itself. It could also use Apple’s larger screens like the iPad, the MacBook, or the Mac. Some even speculate that this could be Apple’s stronger push into the gaming market.
Outside of the actual hardware, the reports are also claiming that the controller will arrive by way of Beats, rather than from Apple itself. At first, the branding comes off as a surprise, but then again, Beats hasn’t really evolved past an audio brand in a long, long time. Is it time to revitalize Beats as something more than just a peddler of headphones?
SEE ALSO: First Look: Apple iPhone Duo
Gaming
Xbox saves Kojima’s PHYSINT after PlayStation drops support
PlayStation says the separation was mutual, but Kojima hints otherwise.
Things aren’t going well in the PlayStation camp. After two months of frankly questionable decisions, the company adds another to the pile by dropping support for Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT.
For a while now, Kojima and PlayStation were in a very productive relationship with the Death Stranding duology, a critically acclaimed collection of titles for the platform. When things looked like they were going well, Kojima announced PHYSINT, an espionage-themed game which reminded fans way too much of Metal Gear Solid.
If you were investing in a PlayStation 5 to play Kojima’s latest thriller, you might want to move your chips elsewhere now. PlayStation has just dropped support for the espionage game, meaning PHYSINT will no longer be a first-party title for the platform.
Though PlayStation claims that the decision came after “careful consideration,” Kojima himself has said that the move was “unexpected,” going against PlayStation’s assurance of a mutual separation.
Very quickly, Xbox has announced that their platform will support PHYSINT instead. It’s a big get for the competing brand because Xbox Game Studios is already supporting OD, Kojima’s other upcoming horror project starring Sophia Lillis.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say more. As is tradition, Kojima will not explain much more about his upcoming titles. In fact, OD’s trailer barely says anything. One thing’s for sure, though: we’re all in for quite a ride.
Entertainment
PH to celebrate 1st ever National Cinema Day; movies start at less than $2
Watch a movie on September 12 for a fraction of the cost
The Philippines will be celebrating its first ever National Cinema Day on September 12. On this day, movie tickets will go for as low as PhP 100 (US$ 1.60) at regular 2D cinemas.
The campaign aims to make moviegoing more accessible to audiences. This includes families, friends, students, and cinephiles in general.
Such initiative has been a staple in other countries, like the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and more. The same concept applies, with movie tickets going on sale for a lot less.
What’s great about the celebration is that all movies scheduled for exhibition on September 12, whether local or international, shall get the special admission price.
Advanced tickets sales have already begun. Customers can purchase through participating box offices, official websites, mobile apps, and authorized platforms.
Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and remain subject to theater capacity. Prices vary for other viewing formats like Director’s Club or IMAX, for instance.
The campaign is organized by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP), along with industry and government partners.
The initiative is supported by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and the Metro Manila Film Festival through the MMDA.
Participating cinemas include Ayala Malls Cinemas, SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, CityMall Cinema, Megaworld Cinemas, and more.
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