Apple has introduced the latest iPad Air, now equipped with the powerful M3 chip, making it nearly twice as fast as its predecessor. Designed for seamless performance, the new iPad Air is available in two sizes — 11-inch and 13-inch — offering users more flexibility than ever before.

Unveiled on March 4, the new iPad Air is the first-of-its-kind to feature advanced graphics, improved speed, power efficiency, and AI-driven capabilities through Apple Intelligence. 

The device supports Apple Pencil Pro, the Magic Keyboard, and iPadOS 18, enhancing its versatility for students, professionals, and creatives alike.

Here’s a look at what’s inside the new device:

The M3 chip delivers 35 per cent faster CPU performance and 40 per cent improved graphics over M1, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing for ultra-realistic gaming and rendering. The Neural Engine is now 60 per cent faster, unlocking smarter AI features across apps.

Built for Creativity and Productivity

Designed for versatility, the new iPad Air supports Apple Pencil Pro, the all-new Magic Keyboard, and iPadOS 18. The 13-inch model provides more screen space, while the 5G connectivity and enhanced cameras ensure seamless remote work and content creation.

Supercharged performance with M3

iPad Air with M3 empowers users to be productive and creative wherever they are, from aspiring creatives using demanding apps and working with large files, to travelers editing content on the go.

Get smarter with Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence delivers helpful and relevant intelligence. In Photos, the Clean Up tool makes it easy to remove distracting elements in images, and natural language search allows users to search for just about any photo or video by simply describing what they are looking for. 

With Image Wand in the Notes app, users can make notes more visually engaging by turning rough sketches into delightful images, just by drawing a circle around the sketch with their Apple Pencil. 

Users can even circle empty space within a note, and Image Wand will gather context from the surrounding area to create a relevant image that complements the note and makes it more visual.

Things go faster with ChatGPT

With ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise without jumping between applications, so they can get things done faster and easier than ever before

The latest software update introduces:

• Math Notes for real-time equation solving
• Smart Script for refined handwritten notes
• Audio transcription for searchable recordings 
• Redesigned Control Center for quick access

Siri now integrates ChatGPT, letting users access AI-powered assistance without switching apps.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders began on March 4, with availability from March 12.

(Source: apple.com)

Apple has just announced the iPhone 16e, a more affordable option in the iPhone 16 series. Starting at Dh2,599, it’s a lot cheaper than the standard iPhone 16, which starts at Dh3,399. The 16e comes in two sleek matte finishes—black and white—with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.

Pre-orders kick off on Friday, February 21, and the phone officially hits stores on Friday, February 28.

What’s New in the iPhone 16e?

Apple says the 16e delivers fast performance and impressive battery life, all thanks to the A18 chip and the brand-new Apple C1, Apple’s first-ever in-house cellular modem. Plus, it’s designed to work seamlessly with Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI system introduced last year.

Features to Get Excited About

• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display – OLED tech for a crisp, bright screen.
• 48MP Fusion camera – Takes stunning photos and videos, with a built-in 2x Telephoto system for optical zoom.
• Satellite features – Stay connected in emergencies with Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, and Find My via satellite.
• Durability – IP68-rated water and dust resistance, plus Ceramic Shield front glass that Apple says is tougher than any other smartphone glass.
• Long battery life – Lasts up to 6 hours longer than the iPhone 11 and 12 hours longer than any iPhone SE model.
• Face ID & Charging – TrueDepth camera for secure Face ID unlock, plus wireless charging and USB-C support.
  

Apple Intelligence & AI Features

Apple Intelligence brings a bunch of new AI-powered tools, including:

• Clean Up – An image-editing tool that removes unwanted objects from photos.
• Natural language search in Photos.
• Image Playground & Genmoji – Fun tools to create custom images and emojis.
• Smarter Siri – Now more conversational and able to follow up on requests. Bonus: ChatGPT integration for quick AI assistance.
  

There’s also a new Action button, letting you quickly access the camera, flashlight, or other functions. Plus, Visual Intelligence helps identify objects, translate text, and recognize animals.

With all these features at a lower price, the iPhone 16e looks like a solid choice for those wanting a high-end iPhone experience without breaking the bank.

(Image courtesy apple.com)

Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Elon Musk’s Boring Company to develop the ‘Dubai Loop,’ an advanced underground transportation system designed to seamlessly connect the city’s most densely populated areas.

The announcement was made by Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Vice Chair of the World Governments Summit, during a plenary session with Musk at the World Governments Summit (WGS).

“Today, we announce the joint project of Dubai Loop, a high-speed underground system that will connect Dubai’s most crowded districts, allowing people to travel seamlessly from point to point. We aim to transform the way people move,” said Al Olama.

A Wormhole-Like Experience

Elon Musk, who addressed WGS virtually during a session titled ‘Boring Cities, AI, and DOGE’, described the Dubai Loop as a wormhole-like transit system that will revolutionize urban mobility.

“It’ll be like a wormhole—you enter one part of the city, and boom, you emerge in another spot. It’s going to be amazing! I think once people try it, they’ll be blown away. It will seem obvious in hindsight, but until it exists, you don’t realize how transformative it is,” Musk said.

The Boring Company’s Vision

Founded by Musk in 2016, The Boring Company specializes in developing low-cost, high-speed underground tunnels to alleviate urban congestion. The company is known for its innovative approach to tunnel construction, focusing on fast, cost-efficient solutions for vehicles, freight, and high-speed transit.

The Dubai Loop marks a major step in integrating futuristic transportation into the city’s infrastructure, promising a fast, efficient, and seamless commuting experience.