San Francisco: As someone who prefers an iPad Mini over the full-size version, I'm probably not the right customer for an even larger iPad.
But the iPad Pro does have promise for heavy-duty users, particularly if you pay $99 for a stylus and $169 for a physical keyboard cover, on top of the $799 starting price. The keyboard doesn't feel as flimsy as ones for Microsoft's Surface tablets, but you don't get to change viewing angles as the Surface's adjustable kickstands allow.
What I like most is the new stylus, known as Apple Pencil. That's not an Apple Pen, mind you. The stylus does mimic a pencil when you try to draw on the iPad Pro's screen. When you choose a black pencil, it comes out gray, like a real pencil. The line appears thicker when you press harder, and you can shade in areas by drawing with the Pencil lightly from an angle.
iPad Pro will be available in November this year.
Apple TV
Although Apple TV's new app store will enable non-video apps, such as games and home automation, video will remain the centerpiece.
The new remote shows a lot of promise, with a touchpad much like what's found on laptops. You can fast forward more quickly, or even hit the microphone button and tell the Siri voice assistant to "fast forward five minutes." And when you encounter dialogue that's mumbled, just say, "What did she say?" Siri will rewind 15 seconds and temporarily turn on closed captioning.
New Apple TV will be available in October.
New Software
I've been using a preliminary, "beta" version of the new iPhone and iPad software, iOS 9, for more than a month. I particularly like that you can get transit directions on Apple Maps and scroll through photos more quickly. The font is bolder and easier to read. The update isn't as huge as what you got in previous years, but I'm not complaining when it's free.
Likewise, the Apple Watch's software update will enable new types of third-party apps. It should address many of the watch's current limitations, but it'll take time to try out.
Updates will be available on coming Wednesday.
AP
