Apple iPad Pro: First Impression

I am not going to get into why I dislike iOS devices. This is simply an unbiased and objective look at Apple’s largest tablet, the recently unveiled iPad Pro.

The Good

Display/Screen

It has a larger screen: 12.9 inches. Also there are more pixels. Not that I am impressed by that sort of thing. Personally, 720p is more than adequate for mobile hand held devices; 1080p at the most. Anything higher is superfluous. But that’s another matter.

A Word On iOS 7

This seems to be a popular opinion that the primary objective of the on-going redesign of iOS that will culminate in iOS 7 is to get rid of the skeuomorphic illustrations. Many even go on to imply that skeuomorphism is the major problem with iOS today. Though we are yet to see any glimpse of iOS 7, I think the suggestion that skeuomorphism is its bane is nothing but a fallacy. Yes, iOS in its present form is outdated and is a bit of a mishmash but suggesting that skeuomorphism is the reason behind its almost archaic nature will onlyserve to portray a lack of understanding of user interfaces and user experience. Unfortunately, many others have also adopted this reasoning.

Reflecting on Scott Forstall's Dismissal

It is no longer news that Apple’s iOS chief, Scott Forstall has been fired. While no official reason has been given for the decision, there has been much talk that his sacking is not unconnected to the substandard iOS 6 Maps software. There has also been talk by former employees and insiders that he was difficult to get along with. While some of the rumours will most certainly be untrue, I am also mindful that there is no smoke without fire. My musings on all the reports and rumours raise some very cogent questions and point to a much bigger problem.