This week Double Tap Canada is unapologetically all about Apple as we take a deep dive into just what was announced at the recent Apple event. Hold on to your trousers things are about to get exciting…
First up is the updated Apple Podcast service. Apple will be giving content creators the ability to make their content available on a paid subscription basis. If you really love a particular podcast or want to hear bonus content, you might have to pay a monthly fee set by the podcast producers themselves. This is a big change to the way podcasting has been done for the last 15 years, but is something that content creators have been wanting for a long time.
The Apple TV 4K has also had a bit of a refresh, with some hardware improvements; most interesting to Steven is the new Apple TV remote control. It seems that lots of people aren’t fans of the original Siri remote control and Steven is definitely one of them. Is a redesigned remote control enough, though?
It was with the new iPad Pro’s however, where Apple surprised most people. There are two models, an 11-inch and 12.9-inch, but both now feature the new M1 processor. This is the same processor found in Apple’s recent computers, such as the Mac Mini, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. There’s no denying that the M1 processor is powerful, but is it simply overkill to have it in an iPad? Can iPad OS really take advantage of the M1 or could this be a first step to seeing Mac desktop apps running on an iPad? The display of the 12.9-inch model was also surprising in that it’s Apple’s first Mini-LED screen. With a million to one contrast ratio and a sustained brightness rating of a thousand NITS, it’s one of Apple’s highest quality displays ever.
Speaking of the M1 processor, the iMac was the latest machine to join the M1 family of computers. Thanks to the M1’s smaller footprint, and the fact it needs far less cooling than previous iMac Intel processors, the new iMac has been redesigned to be thinner than ever before. With a range of colour options, a sexy new design and the great performance of the M1 chip, is it any wonder Steven simply can’t wait to throw his money at Apple to get his hand on this? Shaun isn’t quite so sure why anyone who is blind or partially sighted would be so interested in what is basically a 24-inch monitor…
Finally, it’s on to Shaun’s favourite announcement from the entire event: Airtags. They’ve been rumoured for a long time, but they are now finally here. These coin-sized devices can be attached to anything from clothing to keys, and when you can’t find the item you’re looking for, simply grab your iPhone. Using the Find My app, you can find your lost item. Airtags are powered by a replaceable battery, waterproof and have a built-in speaker which can be triggered to play a noise, making the item easier to find. For iPhones with ultra-wide band support, such as the iPhone 11 and 12, you can get even more precise information such as how many feet and in which direction your lost item is. Even better, if you lose your item outside and someone with any iPhone walks past the Airtag, you will be informed of its location. In theory, you should never lose anything again. Maybe Steven can attach Airtag’s to his socks…