Technology - Google News

Apple's upgraded iPad and iPad Mini have arrived — here's everything you need to know - CNN

Posted: 15 Sep 2021 07:44 AM PDT

CNN —

Apple just took the wraps off of the latest standard iPad, which is getting a really nice power boost, and the new iPad Mini, which is getting a massive overhaul complete with attractive color options and some significant upgrades under the hood.

Wondering which new Apple tablet is for you? Here's how they both stack up.

How to preorder the new iPad and iPad mini

Both new iPads are available for preorder now and are set to ship on Sept. 24, with the iPad starting at $329 with 64GB of storage and the iPad Mini starting at $499 with 64GB of storage.

Both iPads can be upgraded to 256GB of storage for those who need more space ($479 for the iPad; $649 for the iPad Mini) and can both be configured with optional cellular connectivity (starting at $459 for the iPad and $649 for the iPad Mini).

Same classic iPad with some pro-level upgrades

Apple

On the outside, the latest version of Apple's classic $329 looks pretty unchanged. But it's getting a notable speed bump that could make it even better for the office or classroom — not to mention one of the iPad Pro's best features.

The iPad will now feature Apple's A13 Bionic processor, which the company says should deliver 20% better performance than the previous-gen model. Apple also says you'll get three times the speed of a top-selling Chromebook, and that it's six times faster than the most popular Android tablet out there. We found the eighth-gen iPad to be very reliable for running multiple programs at once and hopping on FaceTimes while using apps, and we found that its benchmark scores (including a strong nine-hour battery life) beat out the seventh-gen model by a decent margin. However, we did see some slowdown when doing heavier tasks such as video editing, so we're curious to see if the new model's processor bump will make the base iPad a more reliable machine for serious creative work.

There are a few notable camera upgrades here, most significant of which is the arrival of Center Stage. This feature, which we loved on the latest iPad Pro, allows your tablet's camera to keep you in frame even as you move around while on FaceTime calls or Zoom and Webex meetings. When you combine that with the tablet's new 12-megapixel ultrawide front camera, the new iPad could be one of the best tablets out there for video conferencing and remote learning. Just note that while the front camera experience will be similar to that of the iPad Pro, you won't be getting the latter tablet's LiDAR sensor, which is a depth-sensing camera that allows you to do things like accurately measure real-world objects or enjoy better performance for augmented reality programs.

Apple

Other upgrades include a TrueTone display, which allows the screen to automatically match its color temperature to the room you're in for the best viewing experience. This feature is typically found on Apple's more expensive tablets and laptops, and it's one we've found handy to have over the years. The slate will continue to come in Space Gray and silver, and because the new iPad's design is relatively unchanged, it'll work with all existing iPad accessories, including Apple's Smart Keyboard.

For those who own an iPad released in the last few years, this new update is largely more of the same save for a better processor, upgraded display and new camera tricks. However, if you find that your older iPad is starting to chug during everyday use — or don't have an iPad at all — this new model looks like a good entry point that promises fast performance and especially good video conferencing capabilities.

Meet the all-new iPad Mini

Apple

The iPad Mini just got its biggest refresh yet, with a sleek new look that takes more than a few cues from the latest iPad Air models while packing some seriously promising tech upgrades into its tiny frame.

Apple's smallest iPad now comes in a range of attractive and vibrant colors, including purple, pink, a gold-like Starlight and Space Gray. Like the iPad Air, it has a Touch ID sensor built right into the power button up top, which allows the screen to be almost completely borderless.

Speaking of the display, the new Mini's 8.3-inch screen now features Liquid Retina, which is Apple's proprietary take on a traditional LCD display that packs pixels together very tightly to create images that are dense in detail and light on jagged edges or blurriness. We found this type of display to deliver especially crisp text and images on the more premium iPad Air, and we're eager to see how it stacks up on this smaller slate.

Apple

In terms of power, Apple says that the latest iPad Mini can deliver up to 40% faster CPU performance and up to 80% graphics performance than the previous generation, which sounds promising for things like split-screen multitasking or playing demanding console-like games on Apple Arcade.

One of the iPad Mini's most significant upgrades is the inclusion of USB-C, the now ubiquitous charging port that allows for things like super-fast charging and quick data transfers with compatible accessories. It's another feature that's trickled down from the more expensive Air and Pro. The Mini also supports 5G, which means that if you live in an area with the right wireless coverage, you may be able to enjoy faster-than-usual speeds when using a cellular model on the go.

The Mini's cameras both get a bump up to 12 megapixels, with the front camera getting the Center Stage feature that allows the camera to automatically follow you as you move around on FaceTime calls and Zoom meetings. The new tablet also has improved speakers that allow for stereo sound in landscape mode, which should provide a nice boost to binge-watching sessions.

Let's recap

Apple

The new iPad and iPad Mini are both looking like compelling upgrades to Apple's most affordable tablets that may even serve as worthy iPad Pro alternatives for some folks. Both tablets will likely be some of the fastest around, and both of them have some really neat camera tricks (including Center Stage) that will make them especially great for FaceTimes and work calls.

If you've yet to dive into the iPad family, the new $329 iPad seems like the best entry point yet. And if you want to pay up for a more attractive and compact design, the $499 iPad Mini may be for you. We'll be testing out both of Apple's new tablets in the near future, but in the meantime, both models are up for preorder now and are set to arrive starting Sept. 24.

Adblock test (Why?)

How To Use Bluetooth Headphones On Switch - Connect AirPods To Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Life

Posted: 15 Sep 2021 06:42 AM PDT

Switch Bluetooth Audio AirPods — *Image: Nintendo Life*

A firmware update to the Nintendo Switch has enabled the use of wireless headphones directly with the console (without the need for an external third-party dongle or workaround to use Apple AirPods, Powerbeats, and other popular Bluetooth headphones with the system.

In this Nintendo Switch wireless headphones connection guide, we'll take you through the steps to connect your AirPods to Switch and look at how to adjust the Switch's maximum headphone volume to your liking. It will also look at some common Bluetooth audio issues and offer potential solutions.

Nintendo Switch Bluetooth headphone connection guide

In this Switch wireless headphone guide, we'll look at how to connect Bluetooth headphones to Switch, as well as some common issues that crop up and questions you may have.

Note: We've used AirPods as an example throughout this article (as those are the Bluetooth earbuds that we have), but the vast majority of information below will be applicable to any Bluetooth wireless earbuds, headphones or other audio devices you may own.

Let's start with the basics...

How to connect Apple AirPods to Switch

First up navigate to 'System Settings' on the main screen (the second circular icon from the right along the bottom) and scroll down to 'Bluetooth Audio' in the left-hand column.

Note - You'll need to ensure your Switch is updated with the latest firmware — the Bluetooth audio update came with Version 13.0.0 — to check the system version, scroll down to the very bottom of the left-hand 'System Settings' column for 'System'. Just below 'System Update' it should show your 'Current system version: XX.X.X'.

Tap 'Add Device' and the system will begin searching for discoverable Bluetooth audio devices. As the prompt instructs you, you'll have to make sure the Bluetooth device (headphones, speaker, etc) is in a discoverable mode and not locked to another device.

For Apple AirPods, for example, that means you'll have to put the AirPods in their case, open the lid and hold down the button on the case until it begins pulsing with a white light (other varieties of Bluetooth headphone may have a different method of entering a discoverable mode — check the instructions of your specific headphones or earbuds).

Once the console identifies it, select the device to pair the console with your headphones. Job done!

How do I adjust my headphone volume on Switch?

Hold down the Home button (on the right Joy-Con) and a menu will pop up enabling you to adjust the volume of the connected headphones (as well as screen Brightness).

Can I use wireless headphones with my Switch in Docked mode?

Yes.

We switched form handheld to docked to handheld mode again with no BT audio interruption or disconnection.

Nintendo Switch Bluetooth audio problems FAQ

Wired headphones are so 20th century *(Image: Nintendo)*

Anyone with experience with Bluetooth audio devices has probably encountered connection issues at some stage. It's probably good to remember that Bluetooth was never originally intended to transfer intensely data-heavy audio, and problems can crop up for various reasons.

In this section, we present common issues that arise with solutions and explanations. We'll be updating this guide with more questions and solutions.

My AirPods won't connect to Switch

If your headphones aren't appearing as discoverable on your Switch, or if they aren't connecting despite being previously paired with your Switch, their connection to another device might be preventing them pairing with your console.

For example, if your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, they won't be able to connect to your Switch. In that case, you'll want to disable Bluetooth on your phone (on an iPhone you can flick up from the bottom and hit the the Bluetooth icon to quickly disable BT without going into Settings).

I put my Switch to into Sleep mode and now my AirPods aren't reconnecting

If you're playing and then hit the Standby button to enter Sleep mode, your headphones will disconnect from the Switch.

Assuming you haven't repaired them with a different device, Bluetooth headphones should reconnect automatically to Switch — depending on the AirPods you're using, you may have to remove them from your ears briefly for the connection to (re)register (we found this necessary with our AirPod Pros).

It's too quiet! How do I make my headphones louder on Switch?

Some people experience very low volume with AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds on Switch.

Although it seems that the maximum volume is always below that of other audio devices (we changed to wired Apple earphones to test and found the maximum volume noticeably louder — uncomfortably so, but obviously your mileage will vary here), you may have 'Lower Maximum Headphone Volume' enabled.

The 'Lower Maximum Headphone Volume' setting is found in the 'System' settings rather than the 'Bluetooth Audio' section (at the very bottom of the column in the main System Settings menu) and is designed to prevent accidental hearing damage.

5. Nintendo Switch Lower Maximum Headphone Volume Off

If you have this enabled, simply tap the option to disable it (if you have Parental Controls engaged, you'll need to enter your Pin to unlock it — check the accompanying Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to find your Pin if you've forgotten it.

With 'Lower Maximum Headphone Volume' disabled, we found the audio to be comfortable at full volume using AirPods, and obviously easier to hear with AirPod Pros' noise cancelling enabled. However, the maximum volume while using Apple AirPods does seem to be noticeably quieter than other brands.

We'll update with more information following more testing.

I can't connect controllers while using Bluetooth headphones

This is one of the limits Nintendo highlights — a maximum of two controllers can be connected to one console while Bluetooth audio is in use.

For two players using a single Joy-Con each, you'll be fine. However, if you're playing in Tabletop mode and one person wants to use, say, a Pro Controller, a little message will pop up reminding you that:

Up to two wireless controllers can be used during Bluetooth audio.

It should be noted that playing local multiplayer with multiple Switches will also disable Bluetooth audio.

Can I use my Bluetooth mic for voice chat?

No, unfortunately this is another restriction. Nintendo explicitly states that:

Bluetooth microphones cannot be used.

Why is the audio lagging behind the onscreen action?

Bluetooth may have become a standard an industry for quickly transferring data between devices, but it's not the best when it comes to high quality audio and you may well notice some audio lag.

Our own testing indicates that the Switch does not support aptX Low Latency or aptX HD, codecs designed to reduce audio latency and increase fidelity respectively.

Lag duration will vary depending on your device. As an example, while using AirPods we found the sound of Sonic's jump (in Sonic 2) isn't heard until the character is at approaching the peak of the jump. The audio lag is noticeable and might have a negative effect if a game's audio is critical to gameplay.

Playing something like Cadence of Hyrule, for example, which relies on precise button presses to a beat, would be tricky. However, in other games you might not even notice the audio delay. It all depends what you're playing and how sensitive you are.

We hope you found this guide helpful. We'll be updating it over time, so if you've got any questions or suggestions, drop them in the comments below and we'll do our best to address them.

Adblock test (Why?)