Learning Using iPads
Students practise on their iPads at the Steve Jobs school in Sneek August 21, 2013. The Steve Jobs schools in the Netherlands are founded by the O4NT (Education For A New Time) organisation, which provides the children with iPads to help them learn with a more interactive experience. Reuters/Michael Kooren

Apple's September press event has got the market talking especially after it introduced a new iPad breed featuring a "pencil" and a "keyboard." Whereas the new tablet just appears like a bigger version of previous models, Apple emphasises its "Apple Pencil" as a secret weapon. Will the stylus and keyboard make any difference?

Steve Jobs previously said during the introduction of the iPhone that a stylus is not necessary as the finger is the best pointing device. However, since the stylus makes for a more accurate input device, it makes sense for Apple to package it as part of its platforms' content creation functionalities. Experts see the stylus as a great tool for photo editing and graphic design.

In Apple's case, the new pencil on the iPad Pro can detect position, force and title. It resembles Adobe's Digital Pen and ISKN smart surface. According to the Tech Crunch, the new stylus can also replace the Wacom tablet. Apple has included a lightning connector so users can charge the stylus directly on the iPad. This works best for app developers as well.

To highlight the functionality of the new inclusion, Apple asked Microsoft to go on stage and demonstrate the use of the pen on Microsoft Office. People can use the stylus to circle items and annotate documents. It can also draw shapes on PowerPoint slides, directly convertible to graphic objects. The pencil will be packaged as an accessory along with the Smart Keyboard on the iPad Pro.

“Apple Pencil is one of the most advanced technologies we’ve ever created,” said Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller, during the event. He also claimed that the iPad Pro will be around 80 percent faster compared to portable PCs release in the past months. Other features include Apple’s A9X mobile processor and 13-inch display.

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