The new iPad Pro is a remarkable feat in tablet design. It comes closest to realizing the vision of a tablet that feels like a seamless piece of glass in your hand rather than a traditional computer. Its slim profile is impressive; the USB-C cable I use to charge the 13-inch model is thicker than the device itself. It’s a light, fast, and outstanding machine.

But does this matter anymore? The iPad has long been a hardware marvel, being fast, light, and durable enough for nearly any task. The real issue has always been the software. Apple’s insistence on a restricted, overly simplistic operating system has kept this ultra-portable and ultra-powerful device from becoming the full-fledged computer many users desire.

Apple believes the iPad’s appeal lies in its versatility, a sum greater than its parts. True, you can’t do everything you might on a MacBook, but you can hold it comfortably in bed, draw on its screen, and play mobile games. Apple emphasizes the iPad’s “versatility” as its primary selling point — being a jack-of-all-trades is seen as an advantage, not a flaw. However, excelling at everything is a tall order.

Apple pitches the iPad Pro as a device for the future. It boasts the processor, screen, and accessories to prepare you for the next decade of computing. With AI advancements on the horizon, having a powerful device seems wise. Yet, these future benefits aren’t tangible now. The most crucial elements of that future will unfold on the screen, not behind it.

The new iPad Pro feels like the culmination of the iPad’s 14-year journey, with all the pieces finally in place. However, it remains a futuristic device hindered by outdated software, making it a tough recommendation for most people.

### A Magical Pane of Glass

I reviewed a high-end iPad Pro, a 13-inch space black model with 1TB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and built-in cellular, priced at $2,099.

Regardless of the model, the three standout features of the new iPad Pro are the chip, the screen, and the design.

First, the chip. The Pro runs on the M4 processor, a new chip designed for the Pro’s screen and design. It’s incredibly fast, scoring about 50 percent higher in benchmark tests than the previous M2 model. In real-world use, it doesn’t feel 50 percent faster, but it is noticeably quicker. Apps load and close faster, complex games run smoothly, and video rendering in iMovie is faster compared to the 11-inch M2 Pro. These improvements are significant for intensive tasks like photo and video work or gaming. Throughout testing, the device never felt hot, only slightly warm at times.

The top-tier models with 1TB or 2TB of storage feature the best M4 chip, with an extra performance core. However, the difference in everyday use is likely negligible. The iPad’s performance hasn’t been a concern for years.

The M4’s main job is powering the new OLED display. Apple’s "Tandem OLED" technology combines two OLEDs for a sharper, brighter panel, branded as Ultra Retina XDR. The OLED benefits are clear: richer blacks and more dynamic photos and videos. Colors are vibrant, sometimes overly so. The Pro’s peak brightness surpasses the new Air, which is impressive for an OLED.

The only downside is the increased glare and reflection compared to the Air’s LCD panel. Outdoors, this means increasing brightness to see the screen clearly. Despite this, the screen looks fantastic, and battery life doesn’t seem to suffer at max brightness.

Design-wise, the new Pro is a refinement rather than a redesign but remains impressive. At 5.1mm thick for the 13-inch model and 5.3mm for the 11-inch, they are the thinnest iPads yet. The 13-inch model weighs about a quarter of a pound less than last year’s, making it much more comfortable to hold. Despite its thinness, it feels sturdy.

A notable design change is the repositioned front-facing camera, now in the center of the long side, aligning with the iPad’s landscape orientation. The camera quality is adequate, and its placement is much more practical.

From a design and engineering perspective, the new iPad Pro is outstanding.

### Feature Creep

There are essentially two types of iPad users. The first group seeks a straightforward device for emails, news, puzzles, photos, and web browsing. For them, the new iPad Pro is overkill. While it offers improvements over the new Air or base iPad, these are not substantial enough to justify the higher cost unless you desire the OLED screen.

The second group uses the iPad for more specialized tasks. Musicians, students, filmmakers, and designers have specific needs that the iPad Pro meets. Apple’s goal is to make the iPad appealing to as many users as possible by continually enhancing its features.

This year’s new features are mostly related to the Pencil Pro. It introduces a squeeze gesture for quicker access to menus and tools, with developers able to customize this function. The Barrel Roll feature allows artists to turn their virtual brush by twisting the Pencil, which works well. 

The new Magic Keyboard is another significant upgrade. It adds a full keyboard and trackpad, making the iPad more laptop-like. The new model is sturdier and lighter, with improved function keys and a larger trackpad. This makes the iPad more versatile and convenient for long sessions of typing or watching shows.

However, these upgrades are more likely to appeal to existing Pro users rather than attracting new ones.

There’s potential for AI to change the game. Advanced AI could enhance photos, make Siri more useful, or improve camera software for video calls. Apple may highlight AI advancements at the upcoming WWDC to make the iPad Pro seem indispensable for the future. If they succeed, many might be eager to get an iPad Pro.

For now, the iPad Pro remains just an iPad. It’s the best iPad ever, possibly the best you could ask for, but its story is fundamentally about software. The hardware has been held back by the software for years. Apple suggests this might change soon, with significant AI and iPad advancements expected at WWDC. Until then, the iPad Pro is almost too advanced for its own good.

The New iPad Pro: Thinner, Faster, and More Efficient

The discourse undertaken herein presents a comprehensive analysis of the OnePlus Watch 2, a device that redefines the boundaries of conventional smartwatch functionality. Positioned within a realm where smartwatches have attained a state of stability and maturity, the OnePlus Watch 2 emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering a plethora of features that elevate its stature within the competitive landscape.

Priced at a modest $300, the OnePlus Watch 2 boasts a sleek and sophisticated circular design, reminiscent of its illustrious smartphone counterparts, the OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12. Crafted from black or silver stainless steel and adorned with a sapphire cover glass, the watch exudes an aura of elegance and refinement. Notably, the integration of a 1.4-inch, 60Hz AMOLED display further accentuates its visual appeal, rendering it a sight to behold.

Akin to its predecessors, the OnePlus Watch 2 incorporates a distinctive button layout, featuring a circular button at the top and a rectangular button at the bottom. This design choice imbues the device with a sense of aesthetic coherence, elevating its overall appeal. Moreover, the watch adheres to stringent durability standards, boasting IP68 dust and water resistance, as well as compliance with US military durability specifications. These attributes ensure the watch's resilience in the face of adverse environmental conditions, underscoring its suitability for everyday usage.

Central to the OnePlus Watch 2's allure is its remarkable battery life, a feat achieved through the implementation of a dual-chip architecture. Unlike conventional smartwatches, which rely on a single processor for all computational tasks, the OnePlus Watch 2 leverages two distinct processors, each running a separate operating system. This innovative approach not only optimizes power efficiency but also enhances responsiveness, resulting in an unparalleled user experience. Impressively, the device boasts a battery life of up to 100 hours in Smart Mode, surpassing the capabilities of its competitors by a significant margin.

Further cementing its status as a paragon of innovation, the OnePlus Watch 2 offers a plethora of features tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern consumers. From dual-frequency GPS for enhanced location accuracy to a plethora of customizable watch faces and workout routines, the device caters to a wide spectrum of user preferences. Moreover, the incorporation of power-saving modes ensures prolonged battery life, allowing users to maximize the device's utility without compromising on performance.

However, the OnePlus Watch 2 is not without its flaws. The device exhibits a slight delay in displaying notifications, a minor inconvenience that detracts from an otherwise seamless user experience. Additionally, the haptic feedback may not meet the discerning standards of some users, albeit this remains a subjective consideration. Furthermore, the absence of iPhone compatibility may deter prospective buyers entrenched within the Apple ecosystem, limiting the device's appeal to a certain demographic.

In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 2 stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and excellence. With its sleek design, unparalleled battery life, and an array of cutting-edge features, the device redefines the boundaries of what a smartwatch can achieve. While not devoid of minor shortcomings, the OnePlus Watch 2 emerges as a compelling option for consumers seeking a blend of style, functionality, and affordability in their wearable devices.

OnePlus Watch 2 Reveiw

The discourse herein presents a comprehensive appraisal of the Nothing Phone 2A, an economical mobile device retailing for a modest sum of $350. The evaluation traverses various facets of the phone, encompassing its design, performance, software interface, camera capabilities, and overarching user experience.

In delineating its design attributes, emphasis is placed on the distinctive transparent aesthetic adorning the phone, characterized by a discernible clear plastic back and textured plastic frame. While the design may veer toward the unorthodox, its innate visual allure renders it unmistakably emblematic of the esteemed Nothing brand.

In the domain of performance evaluation, the speaker evinces an astute recognition that the Nothing Phone 2A may not dazzle in terms of sheer specifications or benchmark metrics. However, judicious acknowledgment of its "respectable" operational efficacy and seamless functionality in daily usage scenarios is duly warranted. This commendable performance equilibrium is attributed to the synergistic interplay between hardware components and software optimization mechanisms.

Commendation is further extended toward the software realm, where the Nothing Phone 2A exudes a palpable sense of refinement and sophistication. Noteworthy features such as the pristine user interface, the conspicuous absence of superfluous pre-installed applications, and the captivating aesthetic embellishments comprising the iconic dots motif, customizable home screen configurations, and AI-driven wallpaper selections collectively contribute to an elevated user experience paradigm.

In dissecting the camera prowess of the device, an equitable assessment is tendered, acknowledging that while the photographic capabilities of the Nothing Phone 2A may not ascend to the zenith of imaging excellence, they nevertheless suffice for routine photographic endeavors such as document scanning and video conferencing.

Conclusively, the overarching verdict posits the Nothing Phone 2A as a commendable contender within the budget smartphone milieu. Notable attributes such as its expansive and luminous display, enduring battery longevity, and the assurance of consistent software updates bestowed by the manufacturer collectively render it a judicious selection for discerning consumers. In this regard, commendation is duly extended toward the Nothing brand for endowing the budget-conscious demographic with a device that admirably encapsulates many of the hallmark features and experiential nuances associated with its flagship progenitors.

Nothing Phone 2A Review

With a budget of $1,300 allocated for a high-end Android slab phone in 2024, the Samsung S 24 Ultra emerges as the preeminent choice, offering an unparalleled amalgamation of cutting-edge features and top-tier performance. Representing the pinnacle of technological innovation, this device seamlessly integrates the finest attributes from its predecessors and rivals, setting a definitive standard for the smartphone industry in the current year.

The evolution of Samsung's Ultra series has culminated in the S 24 Ultra, transcending mere numerical supremacy to embody a harmonious fusion of superior hardware and refined software. While its exterior may bear a resemblance to its predecessor, a closer examination reveals a myriad of enhancements and optimizations that elevate the user experience to unprecedented heights.

For those who prioritize display quality, the S 24 Ultra boasts a class-leading 6.8-inch quad HD AMOLED display, setting a new benchmark for visual excellence. Noteworthy improvements include a completely flat display with significantly reduced bezels, complemented by an anti-reflective coating on Gorilla Glass Armor for enhanced visibility under varying lighting conditions. Moreover, the inclusion of a rapid ultrasonic fingerprint reader further enhances the device's accessibility and security.

In terms of battery life, the S 24 Ultra maintains its supremacy with a 5,000mAh battery, delivering exceptional endurance despite its slim profile and incorporation of the S Pen. Supported by 45-watt wired charging and 25-watt wireless charging capabilities, users can enjoy extended usage periods with minimal downtime, achieving up to two full days of usage under demanding conditions.

Performance aficionados will find solace in the device's utilization of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, accompanied by 12GB of RAM for unparalleled multitasking prowess. With advancements in efficiency and cooling technology, the S 24 Ultra stands as a testament to Samsung's commitment to delivering uncompromising performance, whether for productivity or gaming.

The inclusion of the S Pen further extends the device's versatility, catering to users with a penchant for note-taking, drawing, and highlighting. Additionally, gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the integration of ray tracing technology and an expanded vapor chamber, ensuring optimal performance and thermoregulation during prolonged gaming sessions.

In the realm of photography, the S 24 Ultra excels with its comprehensive camera system, comprising a primary sensor, ultra-wide lens, and dual telephoto cameras. Notable enhancements include a 50-megapixel 5X telephoto camera, which significantly enhances the device's optical zoom capabilities, resulting in sharper and more detailed images across varying focal lengths.

The Samsung S 24 Ultra stands as the epitome of smartphone innovation, offering a superlative combination of advanced features, exceptional performance, and unrivalled versatility.

Samsung S24 Ultra 

The new 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro presents a dilemma in its value proposition when compared to other offerings in Apple's line-up. While it undoubtedly boasts commendable features and performance enhancements over its predecessors, such as the M2 chip's improved CPU and GPU capabilities, its relevance is called into question when juxtaposed with the M2 MacBook Air and the 14-inch M1 MacBook Pro.

From a design perspective, the M2 MacBook Pro retains an aesthetic that has remained largely unchanged for several years, potentially diminishing its allure compared to the sleeker and more modern designs found in other models. While the familiarity of the design may offer a sense of reliability, it also raises concerns about the lack of innovation or differentiation in a rapidly evolving market.

Furthermore, the M2 MacBook Air emerges as a formidable competitor, offering comparable performance, a larger display with thinner bezels, and additional features such as MagSafe charging, all at a similar price point. The decision to opt for the M2 MacBook Pro over the Air becomes increasingly difficult to justify when considering the superior attributes of the latter.

Additionally, for users seeking enhanced performance beyond what the MacBook Air can offer, the logical progression would be to consider the 14-inch M1 MacBook Pro, which offers a more significant leap in performance and features. The incremental cost difference between the M2 MacBook Pro and the 14-inch M1 MacBook Pro becomes negligible when weighed against the substantial advantages of the latter.

While the M2 MacBook Pro may excel in certain aspects, such as its commendable battery life and studio-quality microphones, these features alone may not suffice to offset its shortcomings when compared to other offerings in Apple's line-up.

While the M2 MacBook Pro undoubtedly possesses merits, its value proposition is diminished by the existence of other compelling alternatives within Apple's product range. Ultimately, prospective buyers should carefully weigh their priorities and consider whether the M2 MacBook Pro aligns with their specific needs and preferences in light of the broader context of available options..


13-inch M2 MacBook Pro

Today, Google unveiled the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, along with the Pixel Watch, in an unexpected move that took many by surprise. Despite the sarcasm, there's genuine excitement for these new releases, especially for someone like me who's been a Pixel fan despite its known flaws, such as subpar performance and average battery life.

Visually, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro maintain the recognizable Pixel design language, with the distinctive visor. However, this year's update brings a more rounded aesthetic, along with new color options like Hazel, Rose, Obsidian, Porcelain, and the intriguing blue shade called Bay, complemented by a matte finish on the Pros.

Improvements to the display are significant, with thinner bezels and dramatically increased brightness of up to 2,000 nits for the Pixel 8 and 2,400 nits for the 8 Pro, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Additionally, both models now feature a 120Hz refresh rate, with LTPO reserved for the Pro variant.

The introduction of the Tensor G3 chip marks a significant hardware upgrade, promising enhanced AI capabilities with more TPU and processing power. While Google didn't heavily emphasize raw performance improvements, the focus remains on clever software integration, a hallmark of Pixel devices.

The software enhancements are indeed impressive, with features like webpage summarization, faster and more accurate speech-to-text, improved security for face unlock, a built-in fix-it feature for proofreading messages, and a more human-sounding call screen voice assistant.

The camera system receives notable upgrades, with both models featuring an upgraded 50-megapixel main camera. The 8 Pro goes further with a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 48-megapixel 5x telephoto lens. The revamped camera app layout streamlines the user experience, making it easier to navigate between photo and video modes, along with manual controls.

Overall, the Pixel 8 series promises to deliver an impressive combination of hardware and software advancements, albeit with a higher price tag. However, the inclusion of seven years of OS and security updates adds long-term value to these devices, positioning them as smart choices for users seeking longevity and innovation in their smartphones.


Google Pixel 8/8 Pro Impressions: Software Magic!

After Steve Jobs, First time Tim Cook revealed the next big thing at Apple in 2023, although applause was revoked by the reaction to its price and finally it was launched on Feb 2, 2024.

Apple Vision Pro virtual/augmented reality headsets although they named it Spatial Computing. It Starts at $3499 and is powered by a specialized new chip R1. and it comes with a new OS called VisionOS.

The Apple Vision Pro sets itself apart with its unique design, departing from the conventional plastic build found in other headsets like the Quest. Instead, it embraces a blend of fabric, metal, and glass, exuding a futuristic look and feel.

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Apple includes an additional headband option, providing flexibility in usage. However, the wires and the tightening knob stand out as interesting features, offering quick adjustments for different scenarios and appearing to be better than its competitors.

Visual performance is outstanding, offering a high-resolution experience for movies, scenic areas, or even text. It enables you to connect with a Macbook and to expand the screen with the virtual monitor.

The UI is navigated using eye movements, showcasing app layouts, drawing apps, and a customizable multitasking experience. However, the current limitations in web browsing and productivity tasks may affect the device's widespread adoption.

The battery pack, which you have to carry separately, connected via a proprietary cable, offers around 2 to 2.5 hours of usage. An external power bank can extend battery life, providing flexibility for on-the-go recharging.

As we wonder about the potential of this device, it's clear that the headset era is still in its early stages. The Apple Vision Pro's hefty price tag raises questions about its current value proposition. Apple seems to be targeting early adopters, using this generation to gather insights for future improvements, but a report says Apple sold 200,000 Vision Pro units in the first month.