DUBAI // Apple fans, retailers and technology experts are predicting huge demand for the new iPad after the tablet computer was unveiled on Wednesday.
A high-definition Retina screen and more powerful processor will make it the top device for movies, pictures, e-books and applications, say experts.
It also holds the promise of better software, allowing developers more freedom in creating apps.
“With a new, more powerful processor inside and that amazing Retina display on the front, we can’t wait to see how app developers use Apple’s new hardware to create new and graphically gorgeous content,” said Thomas Shambler, the editor of Stuff magazine.
Although some Apple enthusiasts would have liked a completely redesigned iPad for the latest version, Mr Shambler said Apple was right to stick with a winning formula.
“Since it did it so well the first time around, why change?” he asked. “The new iPad looks just like its predecessor, the iPad 2 – but it’s the screen that really sets it apart.
“The new iPad looks like the old one but has a faster processor, a better camera and one of the best screens of any mobile device currently available. What’s not to like?”
In general, consumers have given the tablet the thumbs up but some were a little disappointed that not all of the features they had hoped for made it into the new device.
“I would have liked to have seen the Siri voice-controlled personal assistant,” said Imran Hussain, a Dubai resident and avid Apple fan. “I have no idea why it’s not been included.”
Despite the missing feature, Mr Hussain believes the third version of the iPad will be the most successful to date.
“There’s no competition from any of the other technology companies,” he said.
The new iPad has a 2048x1536-pixel display, making it a higher resolution than most high-definition televisions; an A5X dual-core processor that will improve graphics; and an upgraded five-megapixel front-facing camera.
There is also an option to buy a 4G version of the tablet that will take advantage of faster mobile connection speeds.
The new device will be initially released in 10 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, next Friday followed by another 26 countries on March 23.
As yet there is no official release date for the UAE.
Online shops are already making preparations to import the iPad from the UK and US on release day in those countries.
“We have already had huge interest from customers wanting to pre-order the new iPad,” said Sheriff Rizwan, the chief executive of ALshop.com.
The retailer is aiming to have between 100 and 300 iPads available, but the prices were not known yesterday.
It will be selling for £400 (Dh2,317) in the UK.
Andy Castonguay, the principal analyst at Informa Telecoms & Media in Dubai, said the new iPad would maintain Apple’s dominance of the tablet market.
Mr Castonguay said improvements to the device's wireless technology were strategically the most important change.
nhanif@thenational.ae
Dubai World Cup Carnival Card:
6.30pm: Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 1,200m
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
7.40pm: Zabeel Turf Listed $175,000 (T) 2,000m
8.15pm: Cape Verdi Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m
8.50pm: Handicap $135,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap $175,000 (T) 1,600m
57%20Seconds
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rusty%20Cundieff%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJosh%20Hutcherson%2C%20Morgan%20Freeman%2C%20Greg%20Germann%2C%20Lovie%20Simone%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2%2F5%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
The specs: 2018 Genesis G70
Price, base / as tested: Dh155,000 / Dh205,000
Engine: 3.3-litre, turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 370hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 510Nm @ 1,300rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.6L / 100km
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Carzaty%2C%20now%20Kavak%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECarzaty%20launched%20in%202018%2C%20Kavak%20in%20the%20GCC%20launched%20in%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20140%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Automotive%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECarzaty%20raised%20%246m%20in%20equity%20and%20%244m%20in%20debt%3B%20Kavak%20plans%20%24130m%20investment%20in%20the%20GCC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet
Price, base: Dh429,090
Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission Seven-speed automatic
Power 510hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 700Nm @ 1,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km
MATCH INFO
Championship play-offs, second legs:
Aston Villa 0
Middlesbrough 0
(Aston Villa advance 1-0 on aggregate)
Fulham 2
Sessegnon (47'), Odoi (66')
Derby County 0
(Fulham advance 2-1 on aggregate)
Final
Saturday, May 26, Wembley. Kick off 8pm (UAE)
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
'Moonshot'
Director: Chris Winterbauer
Stars: Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse
Rating: 3/5
