Apple iPad and Mac event October 16, 2014: what to expect, and what to wish for.
Next Thursday, October 16th 2014, Apple hits the stage for the second time, in a much smaller setting, this time around, at the Cupertino headquarters, where media outlets have been invited directly by the company.
The new 2014 Apple iPad is expected to be unveiled. While some of the unknown variables seem to gravitate around whether or not the iPad will get a significant update, hardware and software-wise, part of the anticipation is focused on all the different Apple product lines that truly need a refresh, especially Mac laptops and desktops, as well as a clearer insight into the Mac OS X Yosemite.
Significant attention has been given to rumors surrounding a MacBook Air with Retina display, which has been in the wishlist since 2012, in which the MacBook Pro was picked as the recipient of the high definition display.
The Mac Mini has not received any update in quite a few years. A product surprisingly versatile, considering the focus on mobile technology, a new Mac Mini has also been collecting dust in the wishlist, probably longer than any other Apple product. the Mac Mini Server is one of the most popular Apple devices used for server-side applications, due to its convenient form factor, and powerful specs, yet some users have been demanding a more optimized airflow.
Will the iPad be truly different?
Time will tell, but if history teaches anything, Apple is the company least likely to “mess with the formula” unless absolutely necessary. The iPhone is the perfect case in point. Every little feature implemented in the Apple iPhone over the years has been carefully selected and crafted in such a way as to provide a better product.
What about this iPad Pro? Will Apple unleash a 13 inches tablet? Does it even make sense? There are some who think so, especially when taking into account Apple’s partnership with IBM, and its strides towards conquering the enterprise market. A 13 inch iPad makes sense, but only if the OS that comes with it is able to offer an enterprise-class experience.
When the developers version of iOS 9 was released, reports talked of new, unheard of, iOS features. Talks of a split-screen mode similar to Android began to bubble up, as well as responsive user interfaces able to adapt dynamically to new screen sizes.
Could this be an indication that the iPad Pro is, not only a possibility, but that will push the iPad product line into renewed success?
12 inch MacBooks?
While phones and tablets get bigger, laptops seem to get smaller. A rumored 12 inch Macbook seems to be on the horizon. A sensible choice, considering the combination of the success of the Chromebooks, with predictions of a soon-to-be-released, and greatly improved, Microsoft Windows operating system, with the potential to conquer, once again, users appeal, with future Microsoft Surface tablets and products.
Back-to-school sale statistics have seen a surge in Chromebook sales, most likely due to the small price tag and form factor. A 12 inch “Macbook Mini”, would be more than welcome a product, as it closes the gap around buyers who may still be debating between spending more for what they want, or spending less for what they need.
Retina display iMacs?
This would be tremendous news from Apple, bringing unheard of 6400x3600p, 5760×3240p and 4096×2304p resolutions to new iMacs, as well as more future desktop products.
How to watch the Apple event live
Much like for the previous Apple event, live stream is likely to be available only to Apple devices running OS X or iOS, however, some of the media outlets attending the event will be likely to stream their own internal feed, through more compatible sources, such as YouTube, Google Hangouts and various kinds of browser-friendly channels.