When it comes to the new Apple Watch, durability is important. The smartwatch sits right on your wrist and could face more nicks and scratches than a typical smartphone. At least smartphones can be covered by a case. So far, there aren’t really any accessories that could increase Apple Watch’s durability. Interestingly, Apple Watch Sport is made from different materials than the more expensive Apple Watch models. The sport model uses Ion-X glass which is similar to the Gorilla Glass used in many smartphone screens. The higher-end Apple Watches use sapphire-crystal glass; the same material is found in Rolex and Breitling watches.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-scratch-resistance-ion-x-vs-sapphire-glass-27380853/
Monthly Archives: May 2015
Apple Watch wait time tipped as result of faulty taptic engines
Anxious to get your hands on the Apple Watch? The long wait could be due to a faulty taptic engine from a Chinese supplier, limiting the availability of the hotly demanded wearable. The information comes from sources who have knowledge of the situation, and involves the component that causes the smartwatch to gently “tap” the wearer’s wrist, producing a more pleasant sensation than a buzz or other alert. The defective components are said to have surfaced after February’s mass production kicked off, and some finished watches were scrapped as a result.
The sources spoke to the Wall Street Journal, which is reporting that Chinese supplier AAC Technologies Holdings Inc. in Shenzhen supplied the defective taptic engines. The problem is said to result from some of the taptic components breaking down “over time”.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-wait-time-tipped-as-result-of-faulty-taptic-engines-29381483/
Apple Watch torture tests include liquid nitrogen, .50 cal bullet
There are certain things to be expected when a new notable product is launched — there will be fanfare and critics and coveting and all sorts of things, and at some point once the product rolls out there will be destruction. Lots and lots of destruction. The Apple Watch is no exception, of course — we’ve seen products get cooked and blended and shot and dropped and smashed and just about every other “torture test” you can think of, and now it’s the Apple Watch’s turn.
The torture tests were performed by FullMag, which has uploaded a bunch of them to YouTube. The first below is perhaps the most enjoyable, at least for those who enjoy seeing objects get smashed into a billion tiny projectiles. More than one Apple Watch meets its death before all is said and done, however.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-torture-tests-include-liquid-nitrogen-50-cal-bullet-01381813/
LG has a stranglehold on smartwatch display market
If you own a smartwatch, you understand how crucial the display is to your experience. On such a small screen, interaction is crucial and paramount to the experience, but varies from watch to watch. A new report tells us that while your experience may vary, the company behind the actual display might not. According to DisplaySearch, LG makes about 67% of smartwatch displays, with their partnership with Apple for Apple Watch driving those numbers. LG also commands about 90% of the smartwatch display revenue.
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https://www.slashgear.com/lg-has-a-stranglehold-on-smartwatch-display-market-12383189/
Android Wear fires back at Apple Watch
Google takes aim with a feature update to Android Wear just one day after Apple releases their own software boost to Apple Watch. This update for Android Wear includes many of the features mentioned in Google’s first teaser for their next boost – now coming to a number of watches this week. The main feature in this collection is a new Launcher – this allows you to access apps by swiping left from the watch face. Much easier to access than before.
This update also brings on a new set of Wrist gestures – allowing you to flick through screens without even touching the watch display. Have a peek at this demo video to see what it means to work with these new wrist gestures.
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https://www.slashgear.com/android-wear-fires-back-at-apple-watch-20384547/
Samsung Galaxy S6 brutally destroyed by Desert Eagle
Samsung Galaxy S6 undergoes toughness test which includes a shot with a Desert Eagle sidearm. While the crew in this test do indeed apply a carbon fiber skin from DBrand, it… really doesn’t do much to protect the phone. As it’s not meant to really – not from a bullet, anyway. This gun-based toughness test is mostly a fun sort of deal, as there’s only one device that’s truly able to stop a bullet, and I think you know the brand name.
Oh you can watch this gun test in 4K, as well. Don’t you worry about a thing. Make this video as big as you want. This video comes courtesy of Unbox Therapy, a group that prides themselves in destroying smartphones for your pleasure.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-brutally-destroyed-by-desert-eagle-20384549/
Google presents Live Cases for Android devices with Skrillex on no.1
Google introduces a number of Live Cases, accessories that attach to a set of Android devices and provide NFC-based content and abilities. This first case includes a button that allows you to launch apps. It also allows you to connect (with NFC) to content through the case. In this edition, that means getting some stuff made in collaboration with the musical artist Skrillex. Sound like a good deal to you? Or do you need a live wallpaper to go with that as well? Because you’ll get that too.
This case contains “built-in smarts”. In this case that means a customizable shortcut button that you can do whatever you like with. This button can launch a webpage, launch an app, or launch you camera, for instance.
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https://www.slashgear.com/google-presents-live-cases-for-android-devices-with-skrillex-on-no-1-20384587/
Broken Android factory reset leaves critical data intact
Factory reset or wipe is often used not just to start fresh but to also as a necessary step when selling a used Android device. Well, that’s the theory anyway. Researchers from Cambridge University claim that they are just that: theories. Unfortunately, in practice, that might not be completely the case. Their tinkering of 21 smartphones from five manufacturers, all running Android versions 2.3 t 4.3, showed that factory wipe actually leaves some data locations intact. Worse, some of these locations are the very places that store credentials and encryptions keys that are supposed to be private and safeguarded.
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https://www.slashgear.com/broken-android-factory-reset-leaves-critical-data-intact-22384817/
Olloclip debuts new ultra-wide/telephoto ‘Active Lens’ for iPhone 6
Olloclip is at it again, transforming ordinary smartphone cameras into professional-grade devices with its clip-on lenses. We wenthands-on with the Olloclip 4-in-1 lens last fall, shooting photos and videos through the accessory. Olloclip’s latest offering is the Olloclip Active Lens which includes just two lenses. A telephoto and an ultra-wide lens fit over both rear and front facing cameras at the same time; it’s designed specifically for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Another draw for this model is portability, as it comes with a new system of pendants to keep Active lens safe when out of use.
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https://www.slashgear.com/olloclip-debuts-new-ultra-widetelephoto-active-lens-for-iphone-6-21384620/
iOS 9 will work with your old iPhone
Apple’s next iPhone and iPad software tipped to focus on quality, will work on older devices. Word this week is that the next operating system suite for Apple mobile and desktop machines will be aimed at delivering a highest-quality experience to the user. Not that Apple products with iOS or OS X didn’t promise this before, but this round it’s suggested that every product released over the past several years will be getting onboard with the same top-notch quality experience, working well top to bottom.
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https://www.slashgear.com/ios-9-will-work-with-your-old-iphone-22384937/
This iPhone 5C saved its owner from a shotgun blast
There is a growing trend of YouTube videos where recently released mobile devices, like new iPhones and Samsung Galaxies, get shot by weapons such as sniper rifles and shotguns, all while being filmed with precision cameras, allowing us to see the phonesbreak and shatter in super-detailed slow motion. This iPhone 5C might resemble something from those videos, but it wasn’t shot for the sake of entertainment. No, it was shot by someone who was trying to murder the owner.
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https://www.slashgear.com/this-iphone-5c-saved-its-owner-from-a-shotgun-blast-22384860/
This is the Iron Man Galaxy S6 Edge
This week the folks at Samsung have revealed a big teaser – the entire device, that is to say – for the Iron Man edition Galaxy S6 Edge. The teaser image is shrouded in black. Amp up the levels and you’ll see the whole device. This machine is hot rod red and gold, just like Tony Stark ordered it. Ready to be low-key as the Mark 2 itself. Now we’ve just got to see the front – but we can pretty much guess the rest from here.
Earlier reports suggested the Iron Man edition of the Galaxy S6 Edge would feature gold trim. They were right. Earlier reports did not mention an Iron Man helmet donning the back of the Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition. Now we see that mask plainly.
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https://www.slashgear.com/this-is-the-iron-man-galaxy-s6-edge-22384904/
Galaxy Note 5 Edge is better off S Pen-less
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 Edge edition is tipped to be released without the standard S Pen. This follows well with feedback from commenters on their experience with the S Pen and the first Galaxy Edge, as slipping off the bend isn’t all that uncommon. A much larger edition of the Galaxy S6 Edge is what this new Galaxy Note 5 Edge would be, with two edges like its smaller relative and no S Pen inside. A simple way to move beyond the required stylus, or a mistake waiting to happen?
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https://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-note-5-edge-is-better-off-s-pen-less-22384910/
MPOW Edge Bluetooth headset mini-review
Whether you’re using your smartphone or your smartwatch, usingBluetooth headsets has become necessary in many instances — when driving, when multitasking, and such. There are full Bluetooth headsets that resemble headphones, but often times a small ear piece is all you need, something small tucked behind the ear that can be popped in and out without fanfare. MPOW has a couple of them, but one in particular has enjoyed a healthy fan base, theMPOW Edge Bluetooth 4.0 headset. We grabbed one for ourselves and have all the details in this mini-review!
The MPOW Edge Bluetooth headset is a small sleek earpiece with a low price point (about $15, depending on where you get it) and a high-level design. The entire unit is made of plastic and looks like steel from a distance, with a sharply angled facade and light silver color (an identical color to my MacBook Air). Nestled in the front is a long button with a brand imprint and LED status indicator.
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https://www.slashgear.com/mpow-edge-bluetooth-headset-mini-review-22384862/
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro review
The Yoga 2 Pro was arguably the finest convertible Ultrabook money could buy when it launched in late 2013 – and it continues to impress today. It was sleek, packed a best-in-class QHD+ display and could transform into a multitude of positions depending on how you wanted to use it.
- Update 21/5/2015: Lenovo has swapped the Intel Core M5Y70 on the original Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro for a newer Intel Core M5Y71. The latter has a slightly higher base/boost clock speed (1.1/2.6GHz vs 1.2/2.9GHz) so you get a bit more oomph. This hasn’t trickled to the UK though till now. The company has also cut the price of the cheaper model from £999.95 to £799.95 in the UK after a £200 cashback offer with places like John Lewis offering a three-year warranty. Note that there is also a new BIOS update that was rolled out only a few days ago.
At $1,099 (£1,099, around AUS$1,254), it was also relatively affordable compared to competing Ultrabooks boasting displays with high pixel densities.
- Buy Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro Convertible Ultrabook Tablet – Intel Core M 5Y70, 256GB SSD HDD, 8GB RAM, 13.3″ QHD+ 3200×1800 Touchscreen, Intel HD 5300 Graphics, AC Wireless, Bluetooth, HD Webcam, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 8.1 (Light Silver) at Amazon for $899.99
On the flip side, its battery life, unwieldy tablet mode and lack of 802.11ac Wi-Fi meant that there was still plenty of room for improvement. By addressing these concerns, I could see Lenovo returning with a smash hit on its hands.
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https://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/lenovo-yoga-3-pro-1268489/review
Nikon Coolpix S6300
Introduced in February alongside the Nikon Coolpix S9300, as part of a duo of slim superzoom compact cameras, the Nikon Coolpix S6300’s headline feature is its 10x optical zoom lens.
In 35mm equivalent terms, that sees the optic starting at 25mm at its widest point, rising all the way up to 250mm. That’s quite a lot of bang for your buck, and should make this an ideal travelling companion for the casual photographer.
There’s also a 4x digital zoom option available, which theoretically boosts its capability up to 1000mm in 35mm equivalent terms.
Along with that lens, there’s a back illuminated 16 million pixel, 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor, which promises to deliver a lot of detail. Full HD video recording is available, along with sensitivity up to ISO 3200, both delivered by the EXPEED C2 processing engine housed inside the camera.
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https://www.techradar.com/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/compact-cameras/nikon-coolpix-s6300-1094143/review
Pebble smartwatch comes in super fly blue, green and pink for a limited time
After releasing well over a year ago the Pebble Smartwatch has been long over due for a make over and now its available in three new bright colors for a limited time.
Pebble launched its inaugural wearable in three previously unreleased shades of new Fresh Green, Hot Pink, and Fly Blue. Other than the swanky new colors these Pebble smartwatches still offer up the same functionality and $150 (about £88, AU$161) price point.
Act fast though. Pebble told TechRadar these colorful bands will only be available for a limited time until supplies last.
After they’re gone buyers will have to go back with to the old black, grey, red, white, and orange colors. Alternatively, users looking for a more professional band could go for the Pebble Steel, essentially the metal version of the smartwatch.
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https://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/other-devices/pebble-smartwatch-comes-in-super-fly-blue-green-and-pink-for-a-limited-time-1260382
Lytro Light Field Camera review
Despite the best efforts of some avid post-capture sharpeners the focus point of most images is set at the point of capture. However, the Lytro Light Field Camera allows the focus point to be changed after the image is captured, so you switch from an object in the foreground being sharp to the background. The image refocuses before your eyes.
Lytro has managed to achieve this feat by fitting a microlens array in front of the Light Field Camera’s sensor to scatter light exiting the lens in different directions depending upon the angle at which it hit the array. This information is then used to calculate how the light would have responded if the lens was focused at a different distance.
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https://www.techradar.com/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/compact-cameras/lytro-light-field-camera-review-1165502/review
Aztech WIPC402 Wireless-N Pan/Tilt IP Camera review
Home security used to be an exclusive business, but now you can buy a network camera for under £60 (about AU$90, US$93). However, the Aztech WIPC402 clocks in at £100 (about AU$150, US$155), so why pick this over a more budget-friendly option?
It’s more expensive because it enables you to pan and tilt the camera directly from your iOS device, and has plenty of other features to boot. It’s also got built-in Wi-Fi, so just needs to be plugged into the mains.
There are infrared LEDs around the lens for night vision, and the camera comes complete with a kit for ceiling or wall mounting should you wish to do so.
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https://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/peripherals/multimedia/cctv/aztech-wipc402-wireless-n-pan-tilt-ip-camera-1147642/review
Samsung Galaxy Mega range could see poorly-named mega mobiles
Not content with the sizable 5-inch Galaxy S4 and pocket-busting 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2, Samsung could be planning even bigger smartphones.
SamMobile claims there are two supersized handsets in a new range, the first going by the name Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 – or GT-I9152 if your prefer.
The Galaxy Mega 5.8, as the name suggests, will apparently rock up with a 5.8-inch display, a white body and become available around week 22 – whatever that means; are they talking about a standard January-December year or Samsung’s financial year or what?
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https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-mega-range-could-see-poorly-named-mega-mobiles-1141961
Forget smartwatches – wearable tech is going elsewhere
Smartwatches are the talk of the town at the moment with the recent arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Gear,Qualcomm Toq and Nissan’s Nismo Watch, but E Ink reckons they’ve all got it wrong.
TechRadar spent some time talking to E Ink’s Director of Product Management, Giovanni Mancini, who explained where the current crop are going wrong and where the future of wearable tech lies.
“Some of the smartwatches so far have been panned because they give the user something else worry about without offering any additional functionality,” he told us.
“We believe smartwatches will only really take off when they deliver functionality which is unique to a capability.”
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https://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/other-devices/forget-smart-watches-wearable-tech-is-going-elsewhere-1180940
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite officially announced ahead of MWC 2014
Just this morning we reported on the leaked user manual for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite, all but confirming its existence. Now Samsung has made it official in a press release.
We thought that Samsung may hold out until MWC 2014 to announce its new tablets, but clearly the Korean firm has other ideas.
The new tab is aiming for the low end of the market with its 7-inch 1024 x 600 screen, 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 2MP camera and just 8GB of built in storage. However it does include a micro SD card slot.
The slate is shipping with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, has a 3600 mAh battery and comes in white and black.
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https://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/samsung-galaxy-tab-3-lite-officially-announced-ahead-of-mwc-2014-1215843
HTC will reveal its wearable at CES, but it’s not a smartwatch
Speculation about HTC’s wearable gadget has been swirling for months, but we’re close. Very close.
According to a HTC spokesperson speaking toVenturebeat, the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer is set to launch its debut piece of wearable technology in the first quarter of 2015. However, much to everyone’s surprise, the device is not going to be a smartwatch.
Back in October HTC America’s head Jason Mackenzie confirmed that a wearable was due to be launched, but was delayed due to it not being ready.
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https://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/other-devices/htc-will-reveal-its-wearable-at-ces-but-it-s-not-a-smartwatch-1276389
Lenovo Z40
Going with a budget laptop will save you bit more cash at the bank, but it often also means putting up with a lot of trade offs. Whether it’s an unattractive chassis, poor performance, color washed screen or a truncated battery life, computer manufacturers have to cut corners somewhere to break even on an affordably-priced machine. For the most part, it’s an unavoidable process.
However, with the Lenovo Z40 I don’t think its maker simply cut too many corners getting to its target price point. Starting at $599 (£399, AU$799), this dirt cheap 14-inch multimedia machine is seriously hampered by a short 3 hour battery life and low quality LCD screen.
I’m sad to say that this is a laptop you’ll want to steer clear of. Let’s get into what led me to be terribly disappointed with the Lenovo Z40.
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https://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/lenovo-z40-1274259/review
Lenovo’s new K80 smartphone has a massive battery and 4GB of RAM
Lenovo is on a roll of late with new devices coming out of its sheds more frequently. Today’s launch event took place in China and saw the arrival of the new K80 handset.
Sporting 4GB of RAM, this seems to be the company’s answer to the ASUS ZenFone 2, which had the privilege of being the first smartphone to pack 4GB of RAM by default. Although the Xiaomi Mi Note Pro also has 4GB of RAM, it’s still not available on a wider scale yet.
The Lenovo K80 is a specs powerhouse and comes with a handful of other features which will make it tough to beat in the midrange segment. Read on for the full specs sheet of the K80.
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https://www.techradar.com/
Garmin Fenix 3
While the world fawns over the Apple Watch, serious runners and adventurers know an outdoor sportswatch is a far better way of spending your money, and this is Garmin’s most ambitious effort yet.
Following on from last year’s Garmin Fenix 2, the Fenix 3 brings with it a new colour screen, more activity modes and faster GPS locking. You get a limited number of smartphone notifications, if you want them, but the emphasis is on tracking your vital statistics as you journey through the great outdoors (or work out inside).
All that for the hefty sum of £369 ($499, AU$650) with a grey or silver strap. For £449 ($599, AU$849) you can pick up a premium Sapphire edition of the Fenix 3 with extra-tough glass on the face (hence the name) and an additional metal strap.
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https://www.techradar.com/reviews/wearables/garmin-fenix-3-1292175/review
Will Samsung really launch the Galaxy S6 at CES 2015?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 will grace us with its presence at some point in 2015, but the likelihood of it arriving within the first week of the new year is highly unlikely – although that’s exactly what the latest rumours suggest.
Why are we so sceptical? The rumour originates from analysts working for Mirae Asset Securities (MAS) in South Korea, but online publication Chosun Bizdoesn’t provide any further information on how these analysts came to their CES 2015 prediction.
Earlier this month Samsung’s head of visual display was even quoted as saying “there will be no surpriseshows [at CES],” which is pretty black and white – although he may have just been referring to his division.
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https://www.techradar.com/
The Pebble Time gets a Steel version too
Pebble obviously loves Kickstarter: the original watchsmashed the site’s crowdfunding record and the new Pebble Time is set to do the same in the next few days. Now there’s a Pebble Time Steel edition as well, shown off by Eric Migicovsky on stage at Mobile World Congress.
That’s the Pebble, the Pebble Steel, the Pebble Time and the Pebble Time Steel, if you’re struggling to keep up at the back. The original watch, plus a premium edition; and the new watch, now with a premium model as well.
It has everything the Pebble Time has – timeline interface, voice input, colour screen – but is “refined, made from premium materials, and designed for busy professionals who need to accomplish more during their day” according to Pebble. It comes with a silver, black or gold finish.
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https://www.techradar.com/sg/news/wearables/the-pebble-time-gets-a-steel-version-too-1286855
Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear headphones given a colourful makeover
Sennheiser is adding a splash of colour to its high-end Momentum range of headphones.
Although Sennheiser is normally known for its industrial style, the new Momentums have been created to tackle the barrage of Beats-inspired cans entering the market, with the update offering a slimmer, sleeker headphone.
The first Sennheiser Momentum ‘phones – which made it into our rundown of the top ten headphones around – boasted luxury in spades, with real leather adorning the earcups. This has been replaced with a material called Alcantara.
This is the same synthetic material that can be found on the Sennheiser HD800 range and is used in the interior of Williams F1 cars and super yachts, so you can still impress your mates but you may need to explain to them just what it is.
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https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/audio/portable-audio/sennheiser-momentum-on-ear-headphone-range-given-a-colourful-makeover-1164279
iPad may become ‘our Pad’ with with these new iOS 9 features
iPad split-screen support is supposed to be announced during its WWDC 2015keynote on June 8, according the usually reliable 9to5Mac.
Diving the 9.7-inch iPad Air 2 screen, for example, would give users the ability to work in more than one active window for true multitasking capabilities.
Split-screen modes would include 1/2, 1/3 and 2/3 views in an effort to rivalMicrosoft Surface Pro 3 and Samsung tablets that have been doing screen-splicing all along.
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https://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/ipad-pro-split-screen-multiple-user-logins-ios-9-1294642