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Category: IT & Telecom

Explore IT and Telecom stories with Pakistan Revenue, your go-to source for the latest updates on Pakistan’s technology and telecom sector. Stay ahead with real-time industry insights and economic developments.

  • Jazz supports breast cancer awareness campaign

    Jazz supports breast cancer awareness campaign

    KARACHI: Aimed at raising awareness on breast cancer, Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator and the largest internet and broadband service provider, conducted month-long campaigns to drive reinforcement for prevention, reminder of periodic checkups, and educate the masses including its own employees.

    Pakistan has the highest incidence of breast cancer among Asian countries; one in nine women is at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,000 women die of breast cancer every year, out of which only 19,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.

    Jazz offices and experience centers were lit up pink to serve as a reminder and draw attention to this critically important message, encouraging women to have regular check-ups and destigmatize the taboos associated with breast cancer.

    Additionally, the company collaborated with Pink Ribbon to organize nationwide awareness sessions for all branches and joined hands with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre for SMS and billboard awareness campaigns.

    “Jazz is committed to empowering Pakistani women through the power of the internet by providing digital access to effective, quality essential health care services. With over 21,000 women remaining undiagnosed with breast cancer, our campaigns were aimed at creating conversation around this topic. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have lost their lives fighting against breast cancer,” said Sabahat Bokhari, Head of D&I, Jazz.

    Shaukat Khanum, Pink Ribbon, and ITTEHAD teams also visited Jazz offices to highlight the importance of breast cancer early detection, destigmatizing the examination, timely diagnosis, and efficient treatment methods. Jazz has provided employees with Pink Cards (valid for family members as well), which offer females up to 50% discount on various healthcare tests such as hormone profiles, and mammograms, among other women-related medical tests.

  • NdcTech wins best sales partner award

    NdcTech wins best sales partner award

    NdcTech, a global IT and consulting company providing transformational services for the banking sector and a long-standing partner of Temenos has recently won the Best Sales Partner Award at Temenos MEA Annual Sales and Partner Summit 2022 owing to its exceptional sales capabilities.  

    The best sales partner award recognizes NdcTech’s strong footprint in the MEA region and ability to penetrate into new markets and geographies while providing value-added services to Banks & Financial institutions in the region.

    On this occasion, Ammara Masood, CEO, NdcTech said: “We are thrilled to be recognized as the best sales partner among other regional and global partners of Temenos. Together with Temenos, we have been able to create value for our clients and successfully transform the banking sector around the world. We aim to foster this partnership and capture new markets to become the best sales partner of Temenos across the globe.”

    This year, NdcTech participated as the bronze sponsor in the Temenos MEA Annual Sales & Partner Summit which brought all partners of Temenos under one roof and provided networking opportunities to all delegates. Our experts met with the senior management of Temenos and showcased NdcTech’s unmatched offerings for the banking sector. NdcTech now plans to expand its avenues with the wide recognition it has garnered in the market by winning the Best Sales Partner Award.

    NdcTech is currently serving over 115 clients in the Middle East, Africa, & APAC region.

  • Discovery Edition Redmi Note 12 Series launched

    Discovery Edition Redmi Note 12 Series launched

    Beijing, CHINA: Redmi on Thursday unveiled the next iteration of widely acclaimed Redmi Note Series Discovery Edition – Redmi Note 12 Series.

    Focused on introducing flagship smartphone features at an accessible price, the new Redmi Note Series feature major imagery upgrades, including 200MP camera, Sony’s IMX766, newly added OIS and Xiaomi AI Image Solution.

    Notably, Redmi Note 12 DISCOVERY EDITION, the top end model, features 210W HyperCharge, capable of charging to 100% in an unprecedented, industry-leading speed in just 9 mins.

    A giant leap forward for mid-range imaging systems with Samsung HPX and Sony IMX766

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launched Redmi A1 Series under $100

    Redmi Note 12 DISCOVERY EDITION and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ both offer leading imaging hardware in their leagues. Firsts to feature Samsung HPX, a 200MP sensor at 1/1.4″ with 2.24μm Super Pixel, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), 7P lens and ALD low-reflective coating, the two devices supports outputting in 3 different resolutions for different scenarios:12.5MP using 2.24μm Super Pixel for quick snaps and night shots, 200MP for full, crisp details and 50MP for a perfect balance between image quality and capturing speeds.

    Redmi Note 12 Pro features Sony’s IMX766 flagship sensor on its main camera, with a sensor size of 1/1.56″ and pixel binning at 2μm, along with OIS for superior imaging performance.

    It is also the first time where Xiaomi AI Image Solution is brought to Redmi Note Series. By integrating both software and hardware, photo capturing speeds, and capabilities such as image stabilization, night scenes, noise reduction, and color retention are dramatically improved.

    Drawing inspirations from classic film photography, Redmi Note 12 Pro Series also offers a brand new Film mode, featuring 5 new filters and frames, each with its own color tones, grains and vignette styles.

    210W HyperCharge – charging to 100% in 9 mins

    READ MORE: Google Career Certificates to bring digital revolution in Pakistan

    Based on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi Note 12 DISCOVERY EDITION features an unprecedented 210W wired fast charging, capable of topping up a 4,300mAh battery to 100% in a mere 9 minutes.¹

    To achieve such high-power fast charging, the design of the smartphone, battery cell, charger, and even the fast charging cable have been completely revamped. Three 100W fast charging chips are used and are distributed in a winged layout, reducing heat generation and maximizing high-power fast charging time. On the battery front, Redmi Note 12 DISCOVERY EDITION adopts a 10C dual-cell battery, and features optimized structural design and materials built using a new manufacturing process. Also featuring are cutting-edge technologies such as MTW technology, ultra-thin coating, and ultra-low viscosity electrolyte, together to greatly improve the charge and discharge capacity. The charger adopts dual GaN design, which greatly improves the power density, and the new customized 10.5A specification fast charging cable has an ultra-low impedance of 70mΩ, with an increased current capacity of 75% compared with the 120W/6A cable.

    Redmi Note 12 Pro+ utilizes Xiaomi Surge P1 charging chip, offering a charging and battery combo of 120W HyperCharge and 5,000mAh large battery, and comes with an in-box 120W GaN charger. Redmi Note 12 Pro offers 67W turbo charging and 5,000mAh battery, which charges to 50% in 15 mins.¹

    Flagship level display – the only flexible OLED display in its class

    Redmi Note 12 Pro Series adopts a flagship-level flexible OLED display of up to 900nits and a pixel density of 394PPI using diamond-pixel arrangements. By utilizing a flexible OLED display, the chin of the device is as slim as 2.9mm for an immersive viewing experience.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro released with exciting features

    The display supports 16,000 levels of automatic brightness auto adjustment, as well as PWM 1920Hz tuning, classic and paper-like Reading mode, and hardware-level low-blue light eye protection. On top of that, the display features 10-bit color depth, 100% P3 color gamut coverage, Dolby Vision®, HDR10 and 10+ certification and Sunlight Display for a complete visual experience.

    A flagship experience without compromises

    Redmi Note 12 Pro Series debuts with the energy-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 1080 mobile platform, which is based on TSMC’s 6nm process and comes with A78+A55 octa-core structure. Scored over 510,000 in AnTuTu, Redmi Note 12 Pro Series supports 5G with dual SIM dual standby and Wi-Fi 6. Combined with MIUI 13’s Focus Algorithms, Atomized Memory, Liquid Storage, Memory Extension and other optimization technologies, Redmi Note 12 Pro Series guarantees smooth operations in all scenarios, whether for daily use, mainstream gaming or high-speed internet demand.

    To ensure the high performance and the stability of power-efficient HyperCharge, Redmi Note 12 Pro series also provides a full range of guarantees in terms of heat dissipation. Redmi Note 12 DISCOVERY EDITION adopts a multi-dimensional cooling system with 3000mm² large VC. Also introducing the new 1268mm² dissipation material—graphene phase change materials, and together with high thermal conductivity aluminum alloy mid-frame, graphite and copper foil, the total heat dissipation area reaches nearly 30,000mm².

    Redmi Note 12 Pro series is also equipped with dual stereo speakers, with Misound 5.0 self-developed algorithm and Hi-Res / Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. Other notable features include: X-axis linear motor, Bluetooth 5.2, multifunctional NFC, IR blaster and 3.5mm headphone jack.

    Redmi Note 12 YIBO EDITION

    Based on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi has also introduced a special edition in collaboration with celebrity Yibo Wang, Redmi Note 12 YIBO EDITION, featuring a stylish design using advanced holographic levitation craft precisely aligned with 1 million micro-graphics and 1 million micro-lenses, which makes the 3D effect more realistic and prominent.

    Redmi Note 12 Pro also offers a new color—purple, which utilizes nano-level depth processing to seamlessly integrate 900-thousand sand pattern and 1632 different size halo under 4-layer overlay, presenting a dreamy texture blending levels of reality and illusion.

    Redmi Note 12 5G: upgrade to OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate

    Redmi Note 12 5G also brings its latest upgrade on the launch. It features a 6.67″ Samsung OLED screen with up to 1,200nits peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. The display also covers 100% P3 color gamut, offers high refresh rate, supports classic and paper eye protection mode, as well as being accredited with SGS certification for low blue light.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launched Redmi A1 Series under $100

    Redmi Note 12 5G features a large 5,000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging. In terms of performance, Redmi Note 12 5G is the first to adopt Snapdragon® 4 Gen 1 Mobile Platform, with a AnTuTu performance score of nearly 400,000, providing full support for daily use.

    Pricing and Availability

    Redmi Note 12 Pro Series sales starts at 8pm, Oct 30 via official Mainland China channels. Redmi Note 12 DISCOVERY EDITION is available in black at a recommended retail price of RMB 2,399.

    Redmi Note 12 Pro+ comes in blue, white, and black in two storage variant 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB at a recommended retail price of RMB 2,199 and RMB 2,399 respectively. Redmi Note 12 YIBO EDITION will be available starting from Nov 11 at a recommended retail price of RMB 2,599.

    Redmi Note 12 Pro is available in blue, white, black and purple in four storage variants, 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, with a recommended retail price of RMB 1,699, RMB 1,799, RMB 1,999, RMB 2,199 respectively.

    Redmi Note 12 5G comes in three colors, blue, white and black, in four storage variants, 4GB+128GB, 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, with a recommended retail price of RMB 1,199, RMB1,299, RMB 1,499, RMB 1,699 respectively.

    Additional ecosystem products

    Launched alongside Redmi Note 12 Series are Xiaomi Book Air 13, Redmi X86, Redmi Smart Projector Series, Mijia DD Combination Washer Dryer 12kg (Grey), and Mijia Graphene Baseboard Heater (Simulation Flame).

    Xiaomi Book Air 13 is currently the slimmest Xiaomi laptop offering. Sporting a 13.3″ OLED display with E4 material, the device is as slim as 12mm and weighs 1.2kg. It is also the first Xiaomi laptop to support a 360° fold, as well as Xiaomi Stylus, powering work and entertainment needs in a new way. Recommended retail price starting at RMB 5,999.

    Redmi X86 features a giant 86″ 4K MEMC fullscreen display, with a screen-to-body ratio of up to 97%. It offers a resolution of 3840*2160, and a wide 178°viewing angle for an immersive audio-visiual experience. Recommended retail price at RMB 5,299.

    Redmi Smart Projector Pro is capable of projecting a screen size of up to 120″ at 1080P. Both Redmi Smart Projector Pro and Redmi Smart Projector sport an Amlogic T950D4 quad-core CPU, along with accurate HSL color adjustments and dual speakers, the devices present a brand new smart viewing experience. Recommended retail price starting at RMB 1,399.

    Offering up to 60° hot water sterilization for eliminating germs and capable of simulating six kinds of hand-washing modes to protect delicates, Mijia DD Combination Washer Dryer 12kg (Grey) can accomodate more load with a large washing capacity. To support the large load, it is equipped with a more efficient and durable direct drive motor. While it is also a dryer, it offers a 9kg-load drying capability. Recommended retail price at RMB 2,399.

    The simulated flame version of Mijia Graphene Baseboard Heater (Simulation Flame) is an efficient heater, adopting the combination of dynamic water mist and LED light to simulate flames present in a real fireplace. With a built-in large capacity water tank, it puts moisture into the air while in work. Recommended retail price at RMB 499.

  • Samsung launches maintenance mode privacy to hide personal information

    Samsung launches maintenance mode privacy to hide personal information

    SEOUL, Korea: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. on October 25, 2022 launched globally the rollout of Maintenance Mode, a new privacy feature coming to select Samsung Galaxy devices, following a successful pilot program in Korea and initial launch in China.

    Maintenance Mode can relieve user anxiety that comes with giving a personal device to someone for repairs, by letting users block access to their personal information, such as their photos, messages or contacts.

    “Our whole lives are on our phones, from credit card information to family photos. With Maintenance Mode, we are giving extra reassurance that Galaxy users can keep their privacy, even if they hand their phone to someone,” said Seungwon Shin, VP and Head of Security Team at Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics.

    “This is just the latest example of our constant efforts to introduce new ways to make people feel safe and in control, so they can explore new mobile experiences with peace of mind, knowing we have their back.”

    Maintenance Mode is a way of creating a separate user account when you hand in your device to be repaired so they can operate core functions without being able to access to any of your private information. All the user needs to do is select Maintenance Mode in the ‘Battery and device care’ menu within ‘Settings’, and reboot their smartphone. As soon as it’s rebooted, all their personal information including their photos, documents and messages will be restricted.

    READ MORE: Samsung launches 55-inch curved gaming screen

    Once Maintenance Mode is switched on, the person who was entrusted with the device won’t be able to retrieve user-installed apps either. Data or accounts generated when using Maintenance Mode are automatically deleted as soon as the owner exits Maintenance Mode. They will be able to download apps on Galaxy Store, but those will be automatically deleted along with any data or accounts created as soon as the owner exits Maintenance Mode.

    Samsung Galaxy devices are protected by Knox, Samsung’s defence-grade security platform, which offers a multi-layered approach to protection. Through open collaboration with trusted industry partners, any potential threats can be discovered and neutralized more quickly.

    Integrated hardware and software security safeguards in all areas of the device, from the chips inside to the apps users download. Real-time protection ensures security is constantly enforced, day and night. With this industry-leading security in place, users can be assured of their privacy.

    Samsung Galaxy devices enable control and transparency, with features such as Security and Privacy Dashboard and Permission Manager, so users can easily determine what happens to their data.

    Samsung is constantly evaluating and pushing for new ways to keep users safe. In 2021, Samsung introduced Knox Vault, which isolates the most critical information from the rest of the device. This month, the company revealed Knox Matrix, its vision for the next level of security across multiple devices. By continuously innovating to provide the most secure and private experiences that customers can trust, Samsung is committed to leading the industry in mobile security.

    Availability
    Maintenance Mode was successfully trialed on the Galaxy S21 series in Korea in July, and then launched in China in September 2022. It launches globally today, gradually rolling out over the next few months on select models running One UI 5. The rollout will continue throughout 2023, with availability expanding to more Galaxy devices. Stay tuned for more information on local availability.

  • Tax rates on usage of phone, internet applicable during 2022-2023

    Tax rates on usage of phone, internet applicable during 2022-2023

    Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified withholding tax rates on use of phone and internet applicable during the year 2022-2023.

    The FBR issued the withholding tax card 2022-2023 after incorporating amendments made through Finance Act, 2022 to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    READ MORE: Electricity withholding tax not applicable on ATL domestic consumers

    Tax authorities collect withholding tax on the usage of phone and internet under Section 236 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    Following are the tax rates and text of Section 236 of the Ordinance:

    WITHHOLDING TAX RATES:

    — In the case of a telephone subscriber (other than mobile phone subscriber) where the amount of monthly bill exceeds Rs1,000, the tax rate is 10 per cent of the exceeding amount of the bill.

    READ MORE: Tax rates on goods, passenger transport vehicles during 2022-2023

    — In the case of subscriber of internet, mobile telephone and pre-paid internet or telephone card, the tax rate is 15 per cent of the amount of bill or sales prices of internet pre-paid card or prepaid telephone card or sale of unit through any electronic medium or whatever form.

    Section 236: Telephone and internet users

    (1) Advance tax at the rates specified in Division V Part IV of the First Schedule shall be collected on the amount of –

    (a) telephone bill of a subscriber;

    READ MORE: FBR notifies tax rates on brokerage, commission during 2022-2023

    (b) prepaid cards for telephones;

    (c) sale of units through any electronic medium or whatever form; and

    (d) internet bill of a subscriber; and

    (e) prepaid cards for internet.

    (2) The person preparing the telephone or internet bill shall charge advance tax under sub-section (1) in the manner telephone or internet charges are charged.

    READ MORE: Non-ATL to pay 200% more tax on motor vehicle purchase during 2022-2023

    (3) The person issuing or selling prepaid cards for telephones or internet shall collect advance tax under sub-section (1) from the purchasers at the time of issuance or sale of cards.

    (3A) The person issuing or selling units through any electronic medium or whatever form shall collect advance tax under sub-section (1) from the purchaser at the time of issuance of sale of units.

    READ MORE: FBR notifies tax rates on prize bond, lottery winning during 2022-2023

    (4) Advance tax under this section shall not be collected from Government, a foreign diplomat, a diplomatic mission in Pakistan, or a person who produces a certificate from the Commissioner that his income during the tax year is exempt from tax.

    READ MORE: Tax rates for rental income from immovable property during 2022-2023

  • No audit of IT sector due to fixed tax regime: FBR chairman

    No audit of IT sector due to fixed tax regime: FBR chairman

    ISLAMABAD: Asim Ahmad, Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Monday said there is no audit of the IT sector due to fixed tax regime.

    There is no audit of IT sector export-oriented companies through budgetary measures in the current financial year for ensuring ease of doing business and reducing the cost of tax compliance.

    READ MORE: Electricity withholding tax not applicable on ATL domestic consumers

    “As fixed and final tax regime has been introduced in this fiscal year therefore, no tax or audit notices will be sent to the IT sector professionals and easier documentation will be the priority,” FBR chairman said.

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on youth affairs Miss Shaza Fatima and the Prime Minister’s task force on Information technology and Telecom sector, convened a meeting in the Prime Minister’s office to discuss IT sector exports taxation issues and the impact thereof particularly of small and medium IT companies and software houses, with Chairman FBR Asim Ahmad, officials of the Ministry of IT and representatives of PASHA.

    READ MORE: Tax rates on goods, passenger transport vehicles during 2022-2023

    The Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Shareef constituted a task force to devise ways to increase the Information Technology exports by $3 billion till 2023.

    On the note of exemption from the proposed 0.25 per cent tax, this will remain and it is a quarter of what the other exporters pay.

    In the Final Tax Regime, the Federal Board of Revenue has agreed in principle to resolve sales tax registration and return filing issues.

    READ MORE: FBR notifies tax rates on brokerage, commission during 2022-2023

    The definitions of IT in the June 2022 Finance Act were deliberated upon, and found to be all inclusive. The Federal Board of Revenue has also agreed in principle to propose necessary changes in law for all IT exports to attain the benefit of final tax regime.

    In principle the FBR agreed upon the proposal that if the Provincial consensus is reached, Federal Excise Duty (FED) can be reduced from 19.5 per cent to 17 per cent for Telecom sector.

    The funds received by the IT sector through applications like Payoneer etc. will be given the benefit of final tax regime through necessary changes in the law, if required.

    READ MORE: Non-ATL to pay 200% more tax on motor vehicle purchase during 2022-2023

  • Apple unveiled iPad featuring 10.9 inch display

    Apple unveiled iPad featuring 10.9 inch display

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA: Apple on Tuesday unveiled new iPad featuring 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display. It is powered by A14 Bionic chip which delivers faster performance.

    The update brings Ultra Wide 12MP front camera located along the landscape edge of iPad for an even better video calling experience, and an updated 12MP back camera to capture sharp, vivid photos and 4K video.

    A USB-C onport supports a wide range of accessories, Wi-Fi 6 brings even faster connections, and cellular models feature superfast 5G so users can stay connected on the go. Designed specifically for the new iPad, the all-new Magic Keyboard Folio features an incredible typing experience, a click-anywhere trackpad, and a versatile two-piece design.

    With iPadOS 16 and support for Apple Pencil (1st generation), iPad offers users more ways to be creative and productive. The new iPad is available to order starting today, with availability in stores beginning Wednesday, October 26.

    “We’re so excited to bring the completely redesigned iPad to our most advanced iPad lineup ever,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With a large 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful A14 Bionic chip, a first-ever landscape front camera, fast wireless connectivity, USB-C, and support for incredible accessories like the new Magic Keyboard Folio, the new iPad delivers more value, more versatility — and is simply more fun.”

    The new iPad features an all-screen design in four gorgeous finishes — blue, pink, yellow, and silver. The stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display extends to the edges, so users have even more screen area for apps, games, and having fun on iPad — all in nearly the same size as the previous generation.

    The new Liquid Retina display provides a beautiful visual experience with 2360×1640-pixel resolution, nearly 4 million pixels, 500 nits of brightness, and True Tone technology. Touch ID moves to the top button of iPad, making it seamless to unlock, log in to apps, or use Apple Pay.

    The powerful A14 Bionic chip comes to iPad, delivering a 20 percent increase in CPU and 10 percent improvement in graphics over the previous generation.This makes the new iPad up to 5x faster than the best-selling Android tablet, and for users looking to upgrade from a device like iPad (7th generation), they will see up to 3x improvement in overall performance with the new iPad.

    Advanced machine learning functions are powered by a 16-core Neural Engine in A14 Bionic — offering double the number of cores of A13 — boosting machine learning capabilities by up to 80 percent. For everyday tasks like working on a school project, editing a high-resolution video, or playing a graphics-intensive game, A14 Bionic brings remarkable performance and efficiency.

    For the first time on any iPad, the front-facing camera is now located along the landscape edge. Whether users are on a FaceTime call or recording a video for social media, they will always be looking right toward the camera.

    The landscape Ultra Wide front camera with a 12MP sensor and 122-degree field of view supports Center Stage, which automatically pans and zooms to keep users in view as they move around. The upgraded 12MP Wide back camera on iPad delivers high-resolution photos and detailed 4K video with support for 240-fps slo-mo.

    Dual microphones are designed to work in unison with the cameras, capturing audio from the camera being used and minimizing distracting background noise. New landscape stereo speakers, combined with the larger display on iPad, offer a great video-viewing experience.

    Users can do even more on iPad with faster wireless connectivity on the go. With new support for Wi-Fi 6, connections are 30 percent faster on the new iPad than the 802.11ac Wi-Fi supported on the previous generation.Cellular models with 5G allow iPad to reach peak speeds of up to 3.5Gbps in ideal conditions, providing users seamless access to files, communication with friends, and streaming content from wherever they are.

    Combined with continued support for Gigabit LTE, physical SIM cards, and eSIM with on-device activation, iPad offers amazing flexibility when it comes to connectivity. The USB-C port supports a wide range of accessories and faster charge times when used with higher power charging adapters. 

    Accessories extend the versatility of iPad and open up even more possibilities for creativity and productivity. The new Magic Keyboard Folio, designed for the new iPad, delivers an incredible typing experience with full-size keys, 1 mm of travel, and responsive feel. For the first time, iPad will have a keyboard with a large trackpad and support for a click-anywhere experience and Multi-Touch gestures, which makes scrolling, swiping, pinching, and moving the cursor even more seamless.

    The new 14-key function row allows for easy access to shortcuts and everyday tasks, like adjusting the volume or display brightness. The highly configurable and versatile two-piece design includes a detachable keyboard and a protective back cover that attaches magnetically to iPad. The keyboard magnetically attaches to the Smart Connector on the edge of iPad, which provides power and data.

    This means the keyboard never needs to be charged or paired, and users can easily fold the keyboard behind iPad or detach it entirely. The back cover has an adjustable stand for even more flexibility when playing games, watching video, and more.

    iPadOS 16 introduces new productivity and collaboration features, so users can get even more done on iPad.

    New features in Messages allow users to edit or unsend recently sent messages, recover recently deleted messages, and mark conversations as unread so they can come back to them later. There are also new collaboration features in Messages that make starting and managing shared projects quick and seamless.

    Freeform, a powerful new productivity app built into iPadOS with a flexible canvas and full support for Apple Pencil, gives users the ability to see, share, and collaborate all in one place.

    iCloud Shared Photo Library allows users to share photos seamlessly and automatically among up to six family members.

    Safari adds shared Tab Groups to browse the web with others, and the browsing experience gets even more secure with passkeys. 

    In Mail, users can now schedule emails ahead of time and are even given a moment to cancel delivery of a message before it reaches a recipient’s inbox.

    The Weather app comes to iPad, designed to take full advantage of the stunning display with beautiful animations, and with just a tap, users can see the most important weather information.

    Live Text uses on-device intelligence to recognize text in images across the system, and the feature now comes to video, making text completely interactive in paused video frames. Visual Look Up now allows users to lift the subject from an image or isolate a subject by removing the background with just a tap.

    The new iPad models are designed to minimize their impact on the environment and include — a first for iPad — 100 percent recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards. The new iPad is also the first iPad to feature recycled copper, with 100 percent recycled copper in the foil of the main logic board. It also features recycled aluminum, tin, and rare earth elements.

    All iPad models meet Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and are mercury-, BFR-, PVC-, and beryllium-free. Redesigned packaging eliminates the outer plastic wrap, and 97 percent of the packaging is fiber based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of completely removing plastic from all packaging by 2025. 

    Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations, and by 2030, plans to be 100 percent carbon neutral across the entire manufacturing supply chain and all product life cycles. This means that every Apple device sold, from component manufacturing, assembly, transport, customer use, charging, all the way through recycling and material recovery, will have net-zero climate impact.

    The new iPad is available to order starting today, October 18, at Apple Store in 28 countries and regions, including the US, with availability in stores beginning Wednesday, October 26. 

    Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of $449 (US), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $599 (US). The new iPad, in 64GB and 256GB configurations, comes in blue, pink, yellow, and silver. 

    Apple Pencil (1st generation) is compatible with the new iPad. A new USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required for pairing and charging and is included in the box with a new version of Apple Pencil (1st generation) for $99 (US).

    For existing owners of Apple Pencil (1st generation), the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is sold separately for $9 (US). 

    The new Magic Keyboard Folio designed for the new iPad is available for $249 (US) and comes in white. 

    The new Smart Folio designed for the new iPad is available for $79 (US) in white, sky, watermelon, and lemonade. 

    iPad (9th Generation) will remain in the iPad lineup. Wi-Fi models of iPad (9th generation) are available with a starting price of $329 (US), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $459 (US), in silver and space gray finishes. 

    Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of $419 (US), the new Magic Keyboard Folio is available for $229 (US), and Apple Pencil (1st generation) is available for $89 (US).

    iPadOS 16, the powerful operating system designed specifically for iPad, is available beginning Monday, October 24, and ships for free with the new iPad. iPadOS 16 will be available as a free software update for iPad (5th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and all iPad Pro models. 

    Customers can trade in their current iPad and get credit toward a new one. When their device has been received and verified, Apple will credit the value to their payment method.

  • Apple introduces iPad Pro with supercharged chip, many new features

    Apple introduces iPad Pro with supercharged chip, many new features

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA: Apple on Tuesday announced the new iPad Pro with supercharged by M2 chip and many other advanced features.

    (more…)
  • Apple launches 4K TV

    Apple launches 4K TV

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA: Apple launched the next generation Apple TV 4K which is more powerful, entertaining and affordable in price.

    Driven by the A15 Bionic chip that delivers faster performance and more fluid gameplay, the new Apple TV 4K features endless entertainment options for everyone to enjoy on the biggest screen in the home. HDR10+ support joins Dolby Vision on Apple TV 4K, so users can watch their favorite movies and TV shows in the best quality possible across more TVs.

    Running tvOS, the powerful and intuitive OS for the living room, and featuring the popular Siri Remote, Apple TV 4K simplifies the way users discover and enjoy their favorite content. Its seamless integration with other Apple devices and services magically transforms the living room in different ways for the entire family, while also adding convenience as a smart home hub.

    The new Apple TV 4K is available in two configurations: Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi), which offers 64GB of storage; and Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), which offers support for Gigabit Ethernet for fast networking and streaming, Thread mesh networking protocol to connect even more smart home accessories, and twice the storage for apps and games (128GB).

    Customers can order the new Apple TV 4K with Siri Remote today at a new starting price of $129, with availability beginning Friday, November 4.

    “Apple TV 4K is the ultimate way for Apple users to enjoy their favorite entertainment on the biggest screen in the home, and now it is more powerful than ever,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

    “The new Apple TV 4K is unlike anything else out there, given its seamless connection to other Apple devices, ease of use, and access to amazing Apple content. It offers something for everyone in the family to love.”

    The next generation of Apple TV 4K is an entertainment powerhouse, bringing the best video and audio capabilities to the biggest screen in the home. At the heart of the new Apple TV 4K is A15 Bionic, making the device even more powerful and energy efficient. CPU performance is now up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation, delivering greater responsiveness, faster navigation, and snappier UI animations. GPU performance is now up to 30 percent faster than the previous generation for even smoother gameplay.

    Apple TV 4K now supports HDR10+, in addition to Dolby Vision, expanding rich visual quality across more TVs, producing the eye-popping details and vibrant colors intended by content creators. Users can also enjoy a home theater experience with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 7.1, or Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound for immersive audio.

    With the Siri Remote, users enjoy a touch-enabled clickpad that provides speed, fluidity, and precise control to easily navigate the simple, elegant user interface of Apple TV. On the Apple TV app, customers can access award-winning series and films on Apple TV+, as well as over 100,000 movies and series to buy or rent, and direct premium subscriptions to popular streaming services.

    Apple TV 4K works seamlessly with other Apple devices, starting with a magical setup process with iPhone and effortless control at any time with the Apple TV Remote in Control Center. The deep integration of Apple hardware, software, and services with Apple TV 4K unlocks an unparalleled experience that brings the best of the Apple ecosystem to the living room.

    Apple Music offers access to a catalog of over 100 million songs, expertly curated playlists, and music videos through Apple TV 4K. With original content from the most respected and beloved people in music, autoplay, time-synced lyrics, lossless audio, and immersive Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, Apple Music offers the world’s best listening experience.

    Apple TV+ is the home of premium drama and comedy series, feature films, documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, including this year’s Oscar Best Picture winner, “CODA”; record-breaking Emmy Award winner “Ted Lasso”; hit drama “Severance”; “Shantaram,” based on the bestselling novel; and acclaimed series “Bad Sisters,” “Mythic Quest,” “Pachinko,” and many more. Viewers can also enjoy films such as “Sidney,” a documentary honoring the legendary Sidney Poitier; “Causeway,” starring and produced by Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence; and the holiday story “Spirited,” starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer. Apple TV+ also offers live sports, including “Friday Night Baseball,” and Major League Soccer matches coming in early 2023.

    Apple Arcade on Apple TV 4K features award-winning premium games, with new titles and major content updates added weekly, all without ads or in-app purchases. Players can pair popular game controllers to enjoy hit titles like “NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition” and “Jetpack Joyride 2,” along with longtime favorites like “Sneaky Sasquatch,” as well as “Warped Kart Racers” with a new multiuser mode.

    Apple Fitness+ is an award-winning fitness and wellness service designed to be welcoming to all users, wherever they are on their journey, and help them live a healthier day. Apple TV 4K users can enjoy the largest library of workout content in 4K Ultra High Definition with over 3,000 studio-style workouts and meditations, all led by a diverse and inclusive team of trainers. This fall, iPhone users can subscribe to and enjoy Fitness+ in the 21 countries and regions where it is available, even if they don’t have an Apple Watch. Usersonly need an iPhone to sign up, and can then experience Fitness+ on Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad with onscreen trainer guidance and interval timing, and estimated calories burned will be used to make progress on their Move ring. Fitness+ users with Apple Watch can take their motivation to the next level with personalized real-time metrics that display on Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad.

    This fall, new features coming to the Apple TV experience with tvOS 16 include updates to Siri that will make it even easier for customers to use their voice to control Apple TV and interact with the results.5 Siri on Apple TV features a complete redesign, and will be able to recognize each user’s voice, so they can easily access their movies, shows, music, games, and apps, and pick up where they left off. By using the Siri Remote and asking “What should I watch?” users can get tailored recommendations.

    When wearing AirPods, users can say “Hey Siri” to search and enjoy a hands-free way to control Apple TV. Siri support on Apple TV has expanded to Chile, Finland, and South Africa, and will launch in Denmark, Luxembourg, and Singapore later this year, bringing Siri on Apple TV to 30 countries and regions.

    With iCloud Shared Photo Library on Apple TV, everyone in the family will be able to enjoy everyone’s photos together on the big screen. Cross-device connectivity on Apple TV 4K will enable developers to integrate personalized experiences between their iPhone and Apple Watch apps with Apple TV. 

    Users can continue to enjoy SharePlay by starting a FaceTime session on iPhone or iPad and watching a TV show or movie on Apple TV to stay completely in sync — ensuring everyone catches a movie’s dramatic reveal or a show’s punchline at the same moment. With shared playback controls, including using the Siri Remote, anyone in the SharePlay session can play, pause, or jump ahead.

    As a home hub, Apple TV 4K securely connects to compatible smart home accessories, including HomeKit cameras, lights, shades, and more; allows the user to set scenes and control their smart home while away; and ensures that accessories can run automatically. Apple TV 4K is also an essential building block for Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard that enables a wide variety of accessories to work together seamlessly across platforms, helping to fulfill the true vision of a smart home.

    When viewing a HomeKit camera, Apple TV users can control nearby accessories — such as turning on the outdoor lights — or display multiple cameras at the same time on the TV screen for a more complete view. In addition, HomeKit Secure Video uses the on-device intelligence of Apple TV 4K to privately analyze the video to detect people, animals, cars, and package deliveries.6

    With Thread networking support, Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) connects compatible Thread-based smart home accessories reliably and securely.

    The new Apple TV 4K is designed to minimize its impact on the environment, using nearly 30 percent less power than the previous generation while achieving more powerful performance. The efficiency gains of A15 Bionic eliminate the need for an internal fan, resulting in a more compact design and contributing to a 25 percent reduction in carbon footprint over the previous generation.

    In a first for Apple TV, Apple TV 4K features 100 percent recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards, which also include 100 percent recycled tin in the solder. The thermal module is made with 80 percent recycled aluminum, while the enclosure of the Siri Remote includes 100 percent recycled aluminum. Redesigned packaging removes the outer plastic wrap, and over 90 percent of packaging is fiber based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of completely removing plastic from all packaging by 2025. The Apple TV 4K lineup is free of mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium.

    Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations, and by 2030, plans to be 100 percent carbon neutral across the entire manufacturing supply chains and all product life cycles. This means that every Apple device sold, from component manufacturing, assembly, transport, customer use, charging, all the way through recycling and material recovery, will have net-zero climate impact.

    The new Apple TV 4K with Siri Remote will be available starting at $129 (US) from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations. Apple TV 4K is also available through Apple Authorized Resellers and select pay TV providers.

    Customers can order the new Apple TV 4K beginning today, with availability starting Friday, November 4, in more than 30 countries and regions, including the US.

    The Siri Remote has the same beloved design and functionality as the previous generation, and adopts USB-C for charging. It is included with the new Apple TV 4K, or can be purchased separately for $59 (US) starting today, and is compatible with all generations of Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.

    AppleCare+ will be available for Apple TV, providing three years of technical support and additional hardware coverage, including unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection.

    Customers can try out the new Apple TV 4K at an Apple Store and have their questions answered in person. Before their visit, customers are encouraged to check apple.com/retail for information on opening hours and available services at their chosen store.

    For a limited time, eligible customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade for free.

  • Apple Music introduced in Mercedes-Benz vehicles

    Apple Music introduced in Mercedes-Benz vehicles

    PARIS: Apple and Mercedes-Benz introduced premium immersive Apple Music’s Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for first time.

    Apple Music with Spatial Audio comes fully integrated through the MBUX infotainment system in Mercedes-Maybach models, the EQS and EQS SUV, as well as the EQE and the S-Class, equipping these vehicles with studio-quality sound better than in any concert hall, and giving drivers a fully immersive listening experience with unparalleled, multidimensional sound and clarity. 

    “Sound quality is incredibly important to Apple Music, which is why we are so excited to be working with Mercedes-Benz to make Spatial Audio on Apple Music available natively in the car for the first time,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats.

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    “Spatial Audio is revolutionizing the way artists create and fans listen to music, and it’s an experience that is impossible to explain in words; you have to hear it for yourself to appreciate it. Together with Mercedes-Benz, we now have even more opportunities to bring wholly immersive music to our subscribers all over the world.”

    “We’re joining forces to offer our customers a benchmark music experience unparalleled in the industry,” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s chief technology officer and a member of the board of management.

    “We are proud that our vehicles will be the first-ever non-Apple devices to feature immersive Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. This seamless experience shows how in-car entertainment can reach exciting new levels by perfectly integrating hardware and software.” 

    Mercedes-Benz drivers who are already subscribed to Apple Music gain immediate access to an ever-growing selection of songs and albums available in Spatial Audio from some of the world’s biggest artists spanning all genres, including hip-hop, country, Latin, pop, and classical.

    Apple Music also offers curated Spatial Audio playlists like Driving in Spatial Audio and Hip-Hop in Spatial Audio, where listeners can find and discover songs from their favorite artists. Additionally, subscribers can access Apple Music’s entire catalog of 100 million songs, thousands of editorially curated playlists, and daily selections from the world’s best music experts, including all of the artists and hosts broadcasting across its Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country global live-stream radio stations.