iPad Air 2

iOS 9 reinvigorates iPad power users

WWDC 2015 was filled with shock and awe, at least for me, a former iPad user. In the past, I've tried my best to use my iPad for productivity, namely writing blog posts and the like. While this can be achieved with relative success, the iPad as we currently know it still lacks from a productivity standpoint.

The iPad that we know today doesn't have the ability to truly multitask—i.e. run two apps at the same exact time, and interface with those two apps at the same exact time. Although some prominent bloggers, most notably Mac Stories' Frederico Viticci, are able to aptly make due with this limitation, it's always been something that's pushed me back to my MacBook.

No matter how hard I've tried, and trust me, I've tried dozens of times, I always end up abandoning my plans of creating an iPad workflow that genuinely works for me. With WWDC 2015, and the release of iOS 9, I finally feel like we're on the precipice of something great.

The iPad Air 2, in particular, heavily benefits from iOS 9, but all iPads will benefit in a major way. Here are 6 outstanding new productivity features that promise to supercharge the workflow of those of you who use the iPad as a work machine.

Turn your iPad Air 2 into a mini laptop with Belkin QODE

If you prefer the lightweight feel of the iPad Air 2, but wish you could type like you were using your MacBook Air, the best thing you could do for yourself is invest in a good quality keyboard case. Not all cases are alike. A smooth, comfortable typing experience is very important when you need to stay productive.

Belkin’s QODE Ultimate Pro is a fully loaded keyboard case for the iPad Air 2. The hard shell provides protection for your device, while the keyboard design provides a laptop typing experience.

OtterBox Defender for iPad Air 2 offers rugged protection

I've been known to take my tablet with me camping. When I do, I want to make sure it is completely protected from the messy outdoors. Without proper coverage, dust, campfire ash, sticky marshmallows, and sunscreen, might end up all over your expensive mobile gadget.

The OtterBox Defender protects against such elements while providing durable shock resistance so you can play hard with your iPad Air 2 in hand and not worry about what might happen to it.

Lifeproof NÜÜD for iPad Air 2 is waterproof up to six feet deep for an hour

It is more likely that you will accidentally drop your iPhone into a body of water than your iPad, but it is not entirely impossible. If you are hanging out by the pool with your tablet and accidentally fling it into the water, you would be out of luck.

That is, unless it is protected by Lifeproof's NÜÜD case. This completely sealed off covering keeps out dust, snow, and even water at six-feet deep. Plus, thanks to the thin display covering, you can still use your iPad Air 2 as if it were uncovered.

Fintie iPad Air 2 Case offers 360 degrees of versatility at a great price

One of my biggest gripes about folio cases for the iPad is the fact that most of the stand features, whether it is a fold-over cover or a kickstand, only provide the ability to display the tablet in landscape mode, which reduces your viewing options by 50 percent.

Fintie makes a rotating folio case for the iPad Air 2 that flips from portrait to landscape with a simple twist. No more standing your case upright like a book, hoping your iPad won't fall over.

Keep your iPhone charged while driving with AmazonBasic’s Lightning Car Charger

You may have noticed how much juice it takes to run Google Maps or the Maps app on iOS. If you are driving for a long distance, you aren’t going to want to keep your Maps app open the entire time, unless you can charge while driving.

AmazonBasics has an MFi certified Lightning Car Charger allowing you to stay juiced up, even if you are on a long road trip with Spotify playing in the background the entire time.

SHARKK’s wireless keyboard case for iPad Air 2 rotates for portrait or landscape mode

I love using keyboard cases for my iPad. I highly recommend that anyone with a tablet invest in a keyboard case. It increases productivity significantly, while acting as a protective covering for your device.

SHARKK has a wireless keyboard case specifically made for the iPad Air 2 that features a rotating mount, so you can use your tablet in landscape or portrait mode without missing a beat.

Purported iPad Pro casing points to dual ports; could it be USB-C?

New photos posted on China social media site Sina Weibo and shared by HDBlog on Monday point to the rumored, larger, iPad Pro having two ports - if the photos prove to be legitimate. The images were first shared by VandaagApple in February.

The unconfirmed photos show an iPad with the typical Apple logo, rear-camera, and side volume buttons. However curiously, there's a port of some sorts on the left side of the device, something never before seen on the iPad line.

UK banks RBS and NatWest now allow account access via Touch ID fingerprint identification

As reported Wednesday by BBC News, two banks in the United Kingdom will soon allow their customers access their bank accounts using Touch ID-based fingerprint identification technology, a UK first.

“RBS and NatWest customers must activate the feature with their security information, but would only need to use Apple's Touch ID thereafter,” reports the BBC.

To protect their customers' sensitive financial information and mitigate risk, the banks have put a number of restrictions in place to augment Apple's existing Touch ID safeguards.