People expect the new iPad Air 2 from Apple to improve how people do business, interact through social media, shop, and entertain themselves, so the device’s pending release is spawning a flurry of rumors. From the screen size to the internal chipset, nearly every aspect of the tablet is the subject of debate and speculation. Continue reading to get an overview of the not-so-quiet whisper campaign that’s under way to build anticipation for Apple’s newest gadget.
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Power on the Inside
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Industry insiders expect the new iPad Air 2 will boast a better version of the A8 processor. According to rumors, this newer processor will allow for improved performance and longer battery life. In addition to its 64-bit processing power, the iPad Air 2 is rumored to have 2GB of RAM. That’s twice the RAM of the first iPad Air. The combination of the processor and more RAM point to the possibility for noticeable improvements in its speed and ability to handle processor-heavy tasks.
With the possibility of the device having so much RAM, there’s speculation that the iPad Air 2 will offer the sought-after feature of multitasking. Essentially, this means the device shows two apps at the same time, something not previously seen on an Apple mobile device.
The Newest Operating System
Whenever the newest iPad Air hits the streets, bloggers and analysts agree it will likely run iOS 8. This operating system brings with it several benefits. The biggest improvement from a user’s perspective is the ability to respond almost instantly to incoming email and text messages. Notification of the message appears at the top of the tablet, and users can opt to respond to the message immediately without having to close the app they have open.
Compared to the current iPad Air, the iPad Air 2 is speculated to run smoother and faster than its predecessor. The iOS 8 gives users the chance to split their time between the iPad Air 2 and their iMac, as long as it’s running OS X. This seamless transfer is possible thanks to a feature called Handoff.
The Magic Touch
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Rumors from every corner of the web are betting on the new iPad Air 2 to integrate Touch ID. Giving the device fingerprint sensor technology means users no longer need to remember passwords to unlock their device. Instead, they just press their fingertip to the screen for access. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has reportedly provided the touch-activated sensors to Apple for inclusion on the iPad Air 2 and other devices. The touch sensors are built into the home button.
Fingertip scanning technology offers improved security for your device. Companies that allow BYOD will feel more comfortable with a device that stays locked until it scans the owner’s fingerprint.
The Best Way to Capture the Moment
Image via Flickr by Rhys A.
Experts believe the iPad Air 2 will bring a better built-in camera to consumers. The original iPad Air has a 5 megapixel camera, but analysts say the next generation tablet will have an 8 megapixel camera in the rear. With more megapixels, the camera will capture crisper, more life-like photos.
The Shiny Exterior
Rumors abound from sources such as Bloomberg that the iPad Air 2 will come in three colors: space gray, silver, and gold. There’s also an expectation that the screen will be a bit bigger at 9.7 inches, a minor boost from the current 9.4 inches of the current generation’s screen. However, the resolution is likely to remain the same at 2048 x 1536.
Users may find an improvement in the screen thanks to the possible addition of a reflection reducing coating, a feature that would make it easier to see the screen in sunlight. Reflecting the desire for thinner, lighter mobile devices, rumors indicate the next generation of iPad Air will be a slightly slimmer version of its predecessor.
Regardless of which rumors you believe, it’s exciting to guess which features and improvements Apple will offer consumers when the company does roll out its newest full-size tablet. When the device finally becomes public, probably in late October or sometime in November, analysts will know which rumors were right and which ones were merely wishful thinking.
