Apple has unveiled its newest tablet, the iPad Air 2, which is even thinner than its predecessor
The new tablet has dropped a dress size to measure up at just 6.1mm thick, 18% thinner than the original iPad Air.
The insides squeezed into that svelte frame have been given a thorough upgrade. For starters, a new processor now runs the show; the Apple A8X is said to be 40% faster than the chip that runs the iPad Air.
Also present here is Metal, the new graphics technology that forms part of the iOS 8 operating system and that enables the iPad Air 2 to offer graphics that rival home gaming consoles.
Touch ID – which enables fingerprint recognition for locking and unlocking the device and making app purchases – is present here, as it is on the iPhone 6.
And, despite the fact that most people would still prefer to slowly nibble off their own foot rather than be seen taking pictures with their tablet, the iPad Air 2 does of course have a couple of cameras.
The rear camera has an 8MP sensor, updated optics and a slew of new features including panoramic, time-lapse video, slo-mo and 1080p HD video.
The FaceTime camera on the front lets in 80% more light than the iPad Air’s and features burst mode as well as HDR stills and video.
As you’d expect, the iPad Air 2 retains a high-resolution Retina display. If you ever found yourself squinting at your iPad Air, you’ll be delighted to hear that, according to Apple, this one reduces glare by (a remarkably precise) 56%.
Framing that lovely screen is a casing that comes in a choice of three colours, gold, silver and ‘space grey’ (because adding the word ‘space’ to any colour instantly makes it more interesting. ‘Do you want a grey one?’ ‘No chance, I can have silver…or gold…’ ‘Ah but it’s SPACE grey’ ‘Oh well, why didn’t you say so…’)
How much then? Plump for the 16GB, wi-fi only model and you’ll be stumping up £399. Add on extra storage and/or mobile internet connectivity and you’ll see the price rise accordingly – up to £659 for the 128GB model with mobile. Mmmm, shiny.
