Smart Cover Stories April 20, 2021
In addition to updates to the MagSafe iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands, the company has also released two new colors for the iPad Smart Folio and Smart Covers. These new colors are “Electric Orange” and “Mallard Green.” They are available for all current iPad models.
Smart Cover Stories May 10, 2016
Apple has today been granted a patent for an iPad Smart Cover with more smarts than usual: it incorporates a built-in display, and even a Wacom-style drawing tablet.
The patent illustrates a number of different ways the Smart Cover display could be used, from simply extending the iPad’s own display through text-only displays of things like reminders to a combined display and touchpad. Some of the options show the display acting as a full input device too, allowing both handwritten notes and drawings.
While we of course add our usual disclaimer that Apple patents way more things than it actually makes, two element of this patent have actually made it into production …
Smart Cover Stories December 13, 2015
Apple Pencil is a terrific digital stylus that transforms iPad Pro into a highly capable electronic sketch pad and notebook, but it’s dead simple design potentially leaves something to be desired for some users. For example, its cylindrical-shaped symmetrical body lacks a basic pen clip for attaching it to your shirt pocket or elsewhere, which makes it look prettier and simpler but means it easily rolls down inclines and can’t attach to cases or pockets. Apple has weighted it internally to sit in place on a flat surface cleverly with the Apple Pencil marking facing upward, but it’s still no match for a slight slant and where exactly are you supposed to put it?
Smart Cover Stories November 10, 2015
With iPad Pro officially going on sale tomorrow (possibly at midnight tonight Cupertino time if Apple follows past launches), it’s time to move our attention to accessories for the device.
Will you go the Apple route and stock up on the official but pricey Apple keyboard, case & cover, and Apple Pencil? Or perhaps you’re looking for accessories with features that aren’t offered by Apple’s. Whatever the case, below we’ve started rounding up the best of the best accessories for iPad Pro. Most are available to order now while a couple are coming soon. We’ll be adding more as they pop up in the weeks following the iPad Pro’s launch. expand full story
Smart Cover Stories January 10, 2015
Apple showcases iPad with creative Smart Cover storefront display at Apple Store
Apple has had some interesting retail storefront displays for the iPhone, iPad and Mac in the past, but its latest effort all but tops the cake. At the iconic Apple Store on Regent Street in London, the Cupertino-based company now has a row of iPads on display with colorful Smart Covers that automatically open and close.
This video (from Vid.Me) does not explain how the Smart Covers are able to move on their own, although magnets underneath the shelf are almost certainly involved. Anyone who has used a Smart Cover knows that the accessory is not actually able to open and close by itself, but that hasn’t stopped some customers from inquiring about the trick at Apple Stores.
Smart Cover Stories December 2, 2014
9to5Toys Last Call: Canon laser printer $40, iPad mini Smart Covers $16, 2x JBL Lightning speaker docks $37, more
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Canon LBP6200d Monochrome Laser Printer: $40 shipped (Orig. $170)
Apple iPad mini Smart Covers as low as $16 w/ free in-store pickup from Best Buy (Reg. $39)
Daily Deals: Two JBL OnBeat Micro Lightning speaker docks: $37, more
Get unlimited access for one month to over 15,000 digital Marvel comics for 75¢
Smart Cover Stories October 16, 2014
Apple Smart Covers and Smart Cases updated for iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3
In addition to introducing the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, Apple has refreshed its online store with new Smart Cases and Smart Covers to compliment and protect the new hardware.
The latest iPad Air Smart Cover will work with both the iPad Air and iPad Air 2. The iPad Air Smart Cover is available in polyurethane for $39 with options in black, white, pink, yellow, blue, green, and red. Apple says each iPad Air Smart Cover is available to ship in 1-3 days currently.
The iPad mini Smart Cover is available at the same $39 price point in the same colors. All three 7.9-inch iPad mini generations are compatible with this accessory. Apple also says the iPad mini Smart Cover will be available to ship in 1-3 days currently.
Apple has also updated its Smart Case for the iPad Air 2. Because the iPad Air 2 is thinner than the previous generation iPad Air and features a second microphone in place of the previously existing mute/rotation toggle switch, the new iPad Air 2 cases are only compatible with the new tablets. The iPad Air 2 Smart Case is available for $79 in leather with options in black, red, midnight blue, olive brown, and soft pink. These new cases are currently unavailable for order and coming soon for store pickup.
The iPad mini Smart Case is also available in leather at $69 with the same color options available. Apple says it will be begin shipping 1-3 days after ordering.
Smart Cover Stories October 31, 2013
Apple Online Store lists Smart Case and Cover for older iPads as discontinued (Update: no longer discontinued)
Update: A few hours after these listings appeared on the store, Apple has reversed course and no longer lists either case as discontinued. However, both cases are now only available in gray rather than the full range of colors that were previously available.
Despite keeping the iPad 2 around for yet another year, Apple has discontinued the cases that it designed alongside the second-generation tablet. Both accessories are still available for sale for the time being, although some colors are now listed as “unavailable to ship” and will probably be removed in the coming days.
This move is likely due to the constantly-decreasing demand for the older iPad model in favor of the new iPad Air, which neither of these cases will fit. The iPad Air goes on sale tomorrow morning starting at $499 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi model.
Smart Cover Stories October 21, 2013
Apple has published multiple patent applications for keyboard covers for its iPad that sort of resemble what Microsoft did in its keyboard cover for Surface. Until now, however, Apple has relied on third-party vendors like Logitech, Zagg (who has already announced a new iPad 5 keyboard case) and Belkin to provide these covers. Logitech and Zagg have had keyboard covers for the iPad since before both the patent application above and Microsoft’s Surface announcement.
But today, Jamie Ryan, who lists Apple Developer Relations as a recent job, says that Apple has been working on a prototype of such a device and could release it at tomorrow’s event. He thinks it could be Bluetooth 4.0 to save power and was ‘told other cover like accessories are also being looked at.’
The patent shown above also includes other innovations such as solar power, big media control buttons, multi-touch, wireless charging and even a second display… expand full story
Smart Cover Stories October 17, 2013
9to5Toys Last Call: Seagate 1TB portable HD $56, Smart Covers $15, iOS freebies, Incase Retina MBP case $19, more
Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+.
Today’s can’t miss deals:
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Smart Cover Stories September 26, 2013
New video claims to show iPad 5 Smart Cover with smaller dimensions
Update: These look to be fake…
Leading up to Apple’s rumored October iPad event, Youtube user UnboxTherapy has posted what he claims to be the next generation Smart Cover for the upcoming iPad 5.
Smart Cover Stories August 22, 2013
The US Patent & Trademark Office today published a new Apple patent application (via PatentlyApple) that details a flexible material that could be used as a hinge to create a seamless enclosure for devices like the MacBook, for example. Apple details a technical process of using specialized machinery to laser cut “flex apertures” and interlocking features in a rigid material to allow it to bend and function as a hinge. On top of creating a seamless enclosure, Apple claims the process would allow it to reduce the size of devices that are often increased due to traditional hinge solutions. Imagine if the enclosure of a MacBook didn’t include that black plastic hinge and instead appeared to be a seamless piece of aluminium connecting the display to the bottom half of the unibody.
While MacBooks might seem like the obvious application for Apple’s invention, it also notes the usual list of devices that could potentially use the technology including everything from smartphones to televisions and game consoles. The patent also shows the material being used on headphone cables to allow a flexible connection from the cable to the earbud to prevent damage, and on what appears to be an iPad Smart Cover-like accessory: expand full story
Smart Cover Stories May 9, 2013
Best Buy Apple sale: Airs $125 off, 15% off $100 iTunes card, $17 Smart Covers, Bluetooth speakers, Free games, more
From 9to5Toys.com:
Best Buy is taking $125 off the price of MacBook Airs for the next three days to celebrate Mother’s Day. That yields some of the lowest prices we’ve seen. The retailler knocks off $100 across the board, then using code MOM25 knocks off another $25.
Prices after discount:
Best Buy is also offering a $100 iTunes gift cad for $85. (Free Money!) That is a total savings of 15% off future purchases of Apps Music, Movies and any other content on the the App Store, iTunes, Mac App Store and iBook Store. This is the first iTunes deal we’ve seen in nearly 2 months and a perfect opportunity to surprise Mom on Mother’s Day.
More at Best Buy’s Mother’s Day sale and Smart Buys & Gift Ideas for every type of Mom in our Mother’s Day Gift Guide
iMac $150 off sale on most current generation configurations, now starting at $1,150 shipped
Just a few weeks ago we saw an unprecedented sale from Best Buy on current generation iMacs and now Amazon has stepped up and surpassed that deal by offering a staggering $150 off 3 out 4 standard configuration iMacs.
Other amazing 9to5Toys.com deals from around the web:
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Smart Cover Stories March 14, 2013
However unlikely—the United States Patent and Trademark office today published an Apple patent application that details a system of inductively charging an iPad through the Smart Cover. The idea is that rather than plugging in the iPad, the Smart Cover would include an inductive power transmitter that would allow it to pair with an inductive power transceiver embedded into the iPad. The result is the Smart Cover would become a wireless charging station, connecting to an external power source, and allowing you to power your iPad in various positions. Apple also explained that it could use “ambient power gathering devices, such as solar cells, can be used to gather ambient power (such as sunlight) to be stored internally in the flap for later inductive transfer.”
A method for wireless powering a tablet device, comprising: determining if a protective cover is in a closed configuration with respect to the tablet device; enabling a wireless power receiver circuit in the tablet device when it is determined that the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to the tablet device; and wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter associated with the protective cover.
Apple described the advanced Smart Cover as including multiple power transmitters to allow the iPad to charge even when using the case, for example, as a stand to prop up the device. Alternatively, the cover could continue charging the device when in the closed position or when an iPad is placed on top: expand full story
Smart Cover Stories October 29, 2012
Ahead of the iPad mini landing this Friday in the hands of those who pre-ordered, the Smart Cover for the iPad mini has been delivered to a number of customers already. Apple made the covers available to customers last Friday for $39—available in red, dark gray, light gray, pink, green, and blue.
The Smart Cover attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and folds over to cover the front. It can be folded three times for different viewing angles. Check out our review of the 10-inch version.
For those who pre-ordered, the iPad mini is currently on track to be delivered this Friday. What a tease…
Thanks, MN_Kid!
Smart Cover Stories December 20, 2011
UPDATE [Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 7:25am ET]: A Samsung spokesperson chimed in, providing us with the official statement, included at the end of this article.
After Samsung confirmed the addition of four more complaints to its German patent offensive (two are standard-related patents, the other two being utility patents) on Monday, Apple this morning fired back by extending its Australian patent complaint to include Samsung-made cases for Galaxy tablets and smartphones, according to Bloomberg.
Apple issued the notice of infringement to Samsung in Australia over the cases, and will file a statement of claim, Apple’s lawyer Stephen Burley said at a hearing in Sydney today. Samsung’s lawyer Katrina Howard said at the same hearing the company was served with the notice that the cases infringe at least 10 patents.
The two companies are embroiled in a complicated legal fight that already includes more than 30 lawsuits filed against each other across the globe. The exact nature of Apple’s patent infringement claim concerning smartphone and tablet cases is not known, but 9to5Mac can’t help but wonder whether it has something to do with this.
