Apple iPad Air 2 Revealed

Apple has revealed the latest version of the iPad, called the iPad Air 2.

The 9.7-inch iPad Air 2 is just 6.1 millimeters thick. That’s 18% thinner than the first iPad Air, which was 7.5mm. Apple claims that this is now the world’s thinnest tablet. The display has an anti-reflective coating which makes it 56 percent less reflective.

The iPad Air 2 is powered by a new A8X, 64-bit chip based on the A8 processor in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. A8X delivers 40 percent faster performance as opposed to this tablet’s predecessor with 2.5 times improved graphics performance. The iPad Air 2 also includes M8 motion co-processor and a barometer.

The iPad’s camera is greatly improved. Its now an 8 megapixel with f/2.4 aperture which is capable of taking 1080p HD video and panorama shots up to 43 megapixels. It includes both burst and time-lapse modes.

The front-facing FaceTime camera is upgraded too, with an f/2.2 aperture that lets in 81% more light. It has improved face detection, the ability to capture HDR videos and a burst selfie mode.

Additionally, the iPad Air 2 features a Touch ID fingerprint scanner built into the home button. It also means the iPad Air 2 is compatible with Apple Pay, the company’s new mobile payments system. However, there is no near-field communication (NFC) radio onboard, meaning Apple Pay on the iPad Air 2 is intended for shopping within apps that support it, not in-store shopping.

The iPad Air 2 is available for preorder at the Apple Store website. Prices start at $499 for 16GB, $599 for 64GB and $699 for 128GB. 4G LTE versions will be available: $629 for 16GB, $729 for 64GB and $829 for 128GB. The iPad Air 2 comes in three color options, Space Gray, Silver and Gold.

Sources: ubergizmo.com, mashable.com