Apple to launch stylus with 12.9-inch iPad: It looks like Apple is also planning to introduce a stylus when it launches its long rumoured iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch tablet. Apple founder Steve Jobs disdain for the stylus is widely known. Its also the reason why Apples iPhone and iPad were among the first touchscreen devices offered without a stylus. While a number of their party styli are available in the market for users with a creative bent, it looks like Apple is also planning to introduce a stylus when it launches its long rumoured iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch tablet. According to a report by Apple-focused analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, obtained by AppleInsider, Apple is expected to launch a stylus in the second quarter of 2015 for its upcoming 12.9-inch tablet, currently referred to as iPad Pro. He cites the various Stylus-related patents and his own research as the basis for the prediction. Given that its more precise than a persons fingers, a stylus can be more convenient to use than the combination of keyboard and mouse in some cases, Kuo stated in the report. Therefore, we believe Apples stylus will improve the user experience of 12.9-inch iPad. Kuo is regarded as a credible source of Apple related developments and has a good track record when it comes to predicting future products. He mentions that most users wont need the stylus and it would be offered as an optional add-on. Coupled with its unfavorable cost structure, high selling prices may turn consumers off if the 12.9-inch iPad is always bundled with it, he added. We therefore expect the stylus to be an optional accessory before sufficient user feedback is received. Kuo believes the first iteration of the stylus would perform basic tasks but Apple will later add more features, including 3D handwriting. The addition of a gyroscope accelerometer to a stylus allows users to write not only on the display, but also on other hard surfaces and even in the air, he said. While this is a fantastic application for a stylus, we think the required software and hardware is not fully developed yet. Hence, we dont expect Apples stylus to support 3D handwriting in 2015. Kuo predicts that the Apple stylus will not help in boosting iPad sales in a major way but will allow developers to come up with innovative apps. He said that he didnt foresee significant sales of an optional stylus in 2015 and unit shipments would be close to 2-2.5 million. However, the the stylus could improve user experience and allow Apple to target specific customer groups such as the corporate sector and educational institutions. According to a recent report, iPad Pro will sport a 12.2-inch screen, while earlier reports had claimed that it will have a 12.9-inch display. The big-screen iPad is also rumoured to be as thin as iPhone 6 and have two additional speakers and a microphone located at the top of the device. It was earlier rumoured that iPad Pro will have many productivity-focussed features and may even replace Macbook Air in Apples portfolio. With the big screen iPad, Apple is likely to be aiming at business users and help revive iPad sales. - i K L i L
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 06:19:47 +0000
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