Miscellaneous iPad Facts

Miscellaneous iPad fact: According to Steve Jobs, a 7-inch screen would be too small to express the software, and 10 inches was the minimum for a tablet screen.

iPad Miscellaneous Facts

Pre-iPad Period

  • iPad Popularity: Since 2013, iPad tablets have been the second most popular tablets by sales throughout the world against Android-based devices.
  • Macintosh Folio: The Macintosh Folio was the first tablet computer prototype designed by Apple. It was supposed to be a stylus-based device, and it was developed by Jonathan Ive. However, Apple decided not to continue working on this tablet.
  • Newton MessagePad 100: Introduced in 1993, this was the first tablet computer designed and marketed by Apple. It was powered by an ARM6 processor, which was developed by Acorn Computers. Later, Apple designed and sold several more Newton-based PDAs. The last one, the MessagePad 2100, was discontinued in 1998.
  • PenLite: In 1993, Apple developed a prototype PowerBook Duo based tablet, the PenLite. The company decided not to market this computer in order to avoid hurting MessagePad sales. Apple released several more Newton-based PDAs; the final one, the MessagePad 2100, was discontinued in 1998.
  • iTablet and iSlate: When rumors started that Apple was going to re-enter the tablet market, people predicted such names as iTablet and iSlate, before the iPad was announced on January 27, 2010.
  • What Came First, the iPhone or iPad: Steve Jobs said in 2011 that Apple had begun developing the iPad before the iPhone. In fact, Jonathan Ive and his studio at Apple Inc. were developing a tablet prototype (“very crude, involving projectors”, and we quote Jonathan Ive) since 2004. However, Jobs and Ive concluded that the smartphone was more important.
  • K48: During the development of the first iPad, its internal codename was K48. This name was revealed in the court case which involved the leaking of iPad information before its launch.

iPad 1st Generation

  • Concern about Wi-Fi: In June 2010, Israel briefly prohibited importation of the iPad because of concerns that its Wi-Fi connectivity might interfere with other devices.
  • Record Sales: 300,000 first-generation iPads were sold on their first day on the market. By May 3, 2010, Apple had sold one million iPads. That’s half the time it took Apple to sell the same number of first-generation iPhones. Three million sales were reached after 80 days on the market. On October 18, 2010, Steve Jobs announced that Apple had sold more iPads than Macs for the fiscal quarter. In total, Apple sold more than 15 million first-generation iPads.
  • OS: The iPad was originally shipped with a customized iPad-only version of the iPhone OS, dubbed v3.2. On September 1, 2010, it was announced that the iPad would get iOS 4.2 by November 2010. Apple released iOS 4.2.1 to the public on November 22, 2010..

iPad 2

  • iPad 2 Cameras: The iPad 1st Generation had no camera at all. Cameras were introduced with the release of the iPad 2. This device has a front VGA camera and a rear-facing 720p camera. Both of them are capable of still images and 30fps video. On this iPad, images are taken at a low quality 0.3 megapixels, and the rear-facing camera has a 5× digital zoom for still images only.
  • Siri and Songs: If you like the song playing on the radio, in a café, or anywhere else, you can ask Siri about the title of the song, as Siri knows the tune!
  • E-mail Notifications: If you are waiting for a response to an email and would like reply notifications, when viewing a message, tap the mark message button, then tap Notify Me. To quickly respond to a notification, slide the notification up to dismiss it. You can also pull it down to reveal actions you can take.
  • Reaching Contacts: To reach your favorite people, double-click the Home button, then tap a recent contact to call or message them.Message Time: To see what time messages were sent, just drag the bubble to the left.
  • Family Sharing: You can buy an app once, and the rest of your family can use it too. With Family Sharing, all family members can share purchases, even if they have their own accounts. To set it up, go to Settings > iCloud.

iPad 3

  • LTE Concerns: A brief controversy erupted around the iPad 3 when it was revealed that the advertised LTE did not work in some countries.
  • iPad 3 Discontinued: The iPad 3 was discontinued on October 23, 2012, after only 221 days of availability, following the announcement of the fourth generation iPad, even when more the three million iPad 3s were sold in the first three days after its release.
  • Sending Audio Messages: To send an audio message, in Messages, touch and hold the record audio button. After you have recorded the message, swipe up to send the recording. To delete it, swipe left.
  • Managing Mail: To quickly manage your mail, swipe a message to the right to mark it. Swipe left for other options, and swipe farther to delete it. You also can change the actions in Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Swipe Options.

iPad 4

  • Carrier: The iPad 4 can be used with any compatible GSM carrier, unlike the iPhone, which is usually sold locked to specific carriers.
  • Slower Speeds: On the first generations of the iPad in the U.S., data network access via T-Mobile’s network was limited to slower EDGE cellular speeds because TMobile’s 3G Network used different frequencies at the time.
  • Micro-SIM: iPads up to the 4th generation use a Micro-SIM, while the first-generation iPad Mini uses a Nano-SIM, as introduced with the iPhone 5.

iPad Mini

  • Nano-SIM Used: The iPad Mini first generation uses a Nano-SIM as introduced with the iPhone 5.

All iPads Models

  • Best Invention of 2010: The iPad was selected by Time magazine as one of the 50 Best Inventions of 2010.
  • Screen Rotation: The iPad’s built-in applications support screen rotation in all four orientations, including upside-down. Consequently, the iPad has only the relative position of the home button changes, but no intrinsic native orientation. By the way, the iPhone and iPod Touch’s built-in applications, work in three orientations, portrait, landscape-left, and landscape-right.
  • Physical Switches: There are four physical switches on the iPad: a home button located near the display (this button returns the user to the main menu), and three plastic physical switches on the sides, wake/sleep, volume up/down, and a software-controlled switch. This switch used to lock the screen to its current orientation. Since iOS 4.2 was introduced, it became a mute switch, and rotation lock has been transferred to the onscreen menu. With the arrival of the iOS 4.3, released with the iPad 2, a new setting was added to allow users to specify whether the side switch was used for rotation lock or mute.
  • Cameras: The iPad cameras (front and rear) shoot photo and video in a 4:3 full screen aspect ratio, unlike the iPhone 4, which shoots in a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The iPad does not support tap to focus, but does allow a tap to set auto exposure.
  • Ethernet and USB Port: The iPad has a headphone jack and a proprietary Apple dock connector, but no Ethernet or USB port. The Apple Camera Connection Kit accessory provides two dock connector adapters for importing photos and videos via USB and SD memory cards.
  • Apps for iPad: The iPad comes with many applications, including Safari, Mail, Photos, Video, iPod, iTunes, Maps, App Store, iBooks, Notes, Calendar, and Contacts. Many of these apps are improved versions of applications developed for the iPhone or Mac. There are about half a million iPad specific apps on the App Store. In December 2010, some iPhone and iPad users lodged a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that some applications were passing their information to third party advertisers without consent.
  • Audio Output: The iPad has two internal speakers reproducing left and right channel audio. In the original iPad, the speakers push sound through two small sealed channels leading to the three audio ports carved into the device, while the iPad 2 has its speakers behind a single grill. A 3.5-mm TRRS connector audio-out jack on the top-left corner of the device provides stereo sound for headphones with or without microphones and/or volume controls. The built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR interface allows wireless headphones and keyboards to be used with the iPad. The device has a microphone that can be used for voice recording.
  • Video Output:  The iPad also features a 1024×768 VGA video output for limited applications and screen capture, connecting an external display or television through an accessory adapter.
  • iPad Software: The iPad shares a development environment with the iPhone. The iPad runs its own software, which can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store. They can also use software written by developers who have paid for a developer’s license on registered devices.
  • iPhone Applications:  iPads run almost all third-party iPhone applications. These apps are displayed at iPhone size. They also may be enlarged to fill the iPad’s screen. Developers may also create apps for iPads or modify existing apps to take advantage of the iPad’s features. Application developers use iOS SDK for developing applications for the iPad.
  • Battery: The internal rechargeable lithium-ion polymer (LiPo) batteries are made in Taiwan, either by Simplo Technology or Dynapack International Technology. The iPad is charged with a high current of 2 amperes using the included 10 W USB power adapter and USB cord with a USB connector at one end and a 30-pin dock connector at the other end. The iPad can be charged by a standard USB port from a computer, but in this case, it is limited to 500 milliamperes (0.5 amps). As a result, if the device is running while powered by a normal USB computer port, it may charge very slowly, or not at all. However, newer Apple computers and accessories have high-power USB ports and can provide full charging capabilities.
  • Battery Life: Like any rechargeable battery technology, the iPad’s battery loses capacity over time and can’t be replaced by the user. Apple will replace an iPad that does not hold an electrical charge with a refurbished iPad for a fee. As a refurbished unit is supplied, user data is not preserved, and the refurbished iPad comes with a new case. The warranty on the refurbished unit varies. Independent companies also provide a battery replacement service. Alternatively, it is possible for a technically competent user to buy and install a new battery, but the task is challenging.
  • iPad Adapters: Each generation of iPad requires a corresponding dock. A dock that included a physical keyboard was only supported for the original iPad. All iPad generations are compatible with Bluetooth keyboards that also work with Macs and PCs. The iPad can be charged by a standalone power adapter (wall charger), also used for iPods and iPhones. A 10 W charger is included with the iPad.
  • Apple Connection Kit: Apple sells a camera connection kit that consists of two adapters for the dock connector. One of them uses USB Type A, the other an SD card reader. The adapter can be used to transfer photos and videos and to plug in a USB audio card or MIDI keyboard.
  • Third Party Connection Kit: Third parties sell an adapter that includes USB, SD, and microSD on a single unit. An adapter to VGA connectors allows the iPad to work with external monitors and projectors. Another adapter mirrors the screen onto HDMI compatible devices in 1080p and works with all apps and rotations. It allows the iPad to charge through another dock connector.
  • HDMI Adapter: While the HDMI adapter was released for the second-generation iPad, it also works with the first-generation iPad, the iPhone 4, and the fourth-generation iPod touch.
  • Smart Covers: Smart covers are screen protectors that magnetically attach and align to the face of the iPad 2, 3, or 4. The cover has three folds which allow it to convert into a stand, which is also held together by magnets. The Smart Cover is easily detachable. It has a microfiber bottom that cleans the front of the device and wakes the device when the cover is removed. The covers are sold in five different colors of both polyurethane and leather (leather being more expensive). Smart Covers are not compatible with the original iPad.
  • Smart Case: In June 2012, Apple started selling the Smart Case – a case with the combined function of a smart cover and a back-protection case. This case is compatible with the iPad 2, and iPad 3rd & 4th generation devices.
  • iTunes Store Account: Regardless of which operating system the iPad is running, an iTunes Store account and Internet access are required to operate it.
  • Controlling the iPad: The iPad is designed to be controlled by bare fingers. Thus, non-conductive gloves and styli do not work with its display. Special gloves and capacitive styli have been designed though to control the screen if needed.
  • iBooks and iBookstore: All iPads have an optional iBooks application that can be downloaded from the App Store. The iBooks app displays books and other ePub-format content downloaded from the iBookstore. Major book publishers including Penguin Books, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Macmillan have committed to publishing books for the iPad.
  • Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook and iPad: Despite its being a competitor to both the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook, both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble have made Kindle and Nook apps available for the iPad.
  • iSight Camera: With a 12megapixel (12MP) iSight camera, you can be sure to capture sharp, detailed stills like the ones shot on the iPhone 6. That includes shooting and editing 4K video, which is up to four times the resolution of 1080p HD video.
  • Live Photos: Live Photos bring your still photos to life with sound and movement. Simply touch and hold anywhere on your 12-megapixel still and experience the moments just before and after it was taken, so your photos turn into living memories.
  • FaceTime HD Camera with Retina Flash: The Retina display isn’t just a place to see your content — it’s a flash for your FaceTime HD camera. Powered by a display chip that allows the display to flash three times brighter than usual, the Retina Flash helps illuminate selfies in low light and at night. A True Tone flash matches the ambient light for more true-to-life colors and natural-looking skin tones.
  • iPad and Space: Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield took an iPad with him to the International Space Station in 2013. He used the tablet computer for entertainment, listening to songs, and watching movies. How did the accelerometer work in space? Just fine. A tip for future orbit walkers: shake your iPad to lock it in landscape mode.
  • iPad and South African Schools – iSchools: More than 4500 iPads are being used across South Africa in 140 primary and secondary Africa schools, both by teachers and students. Each school in the program is issued with one mobile iPad lab consisting of 20 iPads, a projector, and a MacBook Air.

iPad and Apps

  • Drag Your Hand Left or Right to Quickly Switch Between Apps: Apple lets you take advantage of your iPad’s larger screen by allowing you to switch between apps quickly using four or five fingers and dragging them sideways. You can also close out apps this way by pinching all of your fingers together. To enable this feature, go to Settings, toggle on Multitasking Gestures, and you’re all set.
  • Create an Arcade and Controller: With Joypad, you can play over 50 arcade-style games on your iPad using your iPhone as a controller. Just download the Joypad Game Console for iPad (Free), and the Joypad Game Controller (Free) for your iPhone.
  • Read and Annotate Any PDF with GoodReader: GoodReader is the easiest way to see your PDFs in all their glory, annotations and all. You can also mark up PDFs on your end too, and the app will automatically work with your iPhone.
  • For Better Night Reading, Invert the Colors: Black text on a white background can strain your eyes, especially at night. To invert colors on your iPad, go to Settings > General > Accessibility, and toggle on Invert Colors.
  • Antireflective Coating: To create the astonishingly thin silhouette of the iPad Air, Apple Inc. started by redesigning the Retina Display. The electronic giant added an antireflective coating. That gave the iPad Air the least reflective display of any tablet in the world. Then, they fused what had previously been three layers into one. This made the display thinner and better, with more vivid colors and greater contrast.
  • Reduce Transparency and Darken Colors: Transparency is incorporated into many areas of latest operating system, but you can darken things up by going to Settings > General > Accessibility > Increase Contrast. Once there, you can toggle on the option to both reduce transparency and darken colors.
  • Use Facebook Messenger to Make Phone Calls: Facebook’s Messenger app (free) now allows you to make phone calls to your Facebook friends using Wi-Fi or your data plan.
  • Edit Photos: The iPad is great for editing photos. If you’re editing in the flagship app, you can switch between the edited and non-edited version of a photo. While editing, touch and hold the photo to temporarily show the original. That way, you can easily decide whether the changes you’re making improve the image.
  • Magnifying Glass: To turn the magnifying glass on and enjoy all the details on your photos, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Zoom. Then to make it appear, simply double-tap the screen with three fingers.
  • Use Launch Center Pro to Create Task Shortcuts: Highlighted on Apple’s “Best iPad Apps of the Year” list, Launch Center Pro is like “speed dial for everyday tasks.” You can create shortcuts for actions, like searching Wikipedia or Scanning a barcode to search on Amazon, letting you get things done with a single tap.
  • Secure Data: You want to make sure your web history, cookies, and other browsing information on your iPad Air 2 isn’t get tracked across the Internet. In simple words, you want to keep your web browsing, location, social and other data private. It is possible to adjust privacy settings on your iPad Air 2. Even better, it’s easy to do. In fact, Safari pioneered private browsing. To make it more convenient and easier, on iOS 7 and later OS Private Browsing can be enabled from the tabs, bookmark, and smart search field screens.
  • Use Password Manager for Your iPad Air 2: Useful tip: Use a password manager to protect your iPad Air 2. Consider using 1Password, LastPass, oneSafe, or other password manager apps for iPad. To tell the truth, due to the lack of browser plugins on iOS, iPad password managers aren’t as well integrated as they are on Mac or Windows. However, there are still many in the App Store to choose from.
  • Review and Change Your Privacy Settings: What happens if you, inattentively, gave an app access to your location data, contacts, and other sensitive information? It’s easy to remove this access as the newest iOS make it easy to review your privacy settings. Besides, the access to a VPN service can help keep your data private as well, if you are on a network you don’t trust. You can also clear all personal, private, and website data from Safari on your devices, including the iPad Air 2. You can do this even if you didn’t initially use Safari’s private browsing. So, all potentially compromising or embarrassing data on your iPad Air 2 will be safe. This includes mail, messages, photos, and more. Frankly speaking, you even have the permanent option of securely wiping your device, and thus removing old backups.
  • Use the iPad as a Card Table: The next time you’re looking for a deck of cards, just use Card Table. The app turns your iPad into a card table, and players use their iPhones to hold the cards in their hand.
  • Quickly Navigate to an App’s Settings Using Siri: When you have an app open on your iPad, simply hold down the Home button to bring up Siri and say, “Settings.” Siri will then bring up the settings page for that particular app.
  • Watch Free Movies and TV Shows (Legally) With Crackle: There’s no need to sign in or pay to enjoy Crackle. And while you won’t always see the newest movies or TV shows, there’s plenty of original content and old-time favorites to keep you entertained.

Links

  • Don’t forget: The best place online to sell used iPad is at iGotOffer. Free instant quote, free fully insured shipping, best price online, fast payment: iPad for sale.

Comments

This post currently has 2 responses

    • Hi, Dan, thank you for asking. Concerning the Audio Messages: To send an audio message from iPad, in Messages, touch and hold the record audio button. When the message has been recorded, swipe up to send the recording. To delete it, swipe left. Good luck!

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