Sketchbook Case for iPad Back on Indiegogo for Version 2

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Longocase is back on Indiegogo with a new iteration of its Sketchbook case for iPad Pro. I covered the first one and used that first version of the case extensively, and it’s a great case for Apple Pencil artists. The new version on Indiegogo is an update for Apple’s newest iPad Pro models (10.1-inch and 12.9-inch), but it also brings some improvements to the case itself. The idea is to have a case that protects your iPad, has room for your Apple Pencil, but then can fold back out of the way just like a paper sketchbook. it uses wide wire bindings to do this, again, like a sketchbook. Version 2 adds kickstands to the inside panel that work when the case is opened and folded back. It also adds leather to the interior, and features two straps to hold your Apple Pencil in place. Longocase has already hit their modest $2,000 goal with a month left to fundraise. As of this writing, Early Bird pledge levels at $19 will get you a Sketchbook when they ship in August. There are tons of pictures at Indiegogo, and more information on what they’re using the money for. Artists should definitely check it out.

Using Type to Siri as a Smart Command Line on iPad Pro

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In an iPad Diaries entry, Federico Viticci describes how he uses Type to Siri on his iPad Pro as a sort of “smart command line.” Type to Siri is a feature introduced in iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. Although billed as an accessibility feature, it lets you type to Siri instead of talking. This can be helpful if you’re in public and you feel awkward talking to your iPhone. On iPad and Mac, it might even be more efficient to use Siri this way, since these devices have keyboards. Since you’re typing rather than talking, it could even be a bit better since there is little room for Siri to misunderstand you. To make it faster to use, Federico created specific text shortcuts for commonly used commands.

Using Type to Siri as a Smart Command Line on iPad Pro

Watch Apple's New Commercial, 'iPad Pro - Markup'

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Apple has a new spot called iPad Pro – Markup. It shows the same young woman featured in the What’s a Computer? spot. In this commercial, she’s sitting around with her iPad Pro talking to a friend with FaceTime. She snags a screenshot, marks up the screenshot, and then sends it to the friend in iMessage while continuing the conversation. It’s all fluid, natural, and easy. It ends with the tagline, “A new way to markup instantly.” On the one hand, I’m not sure how many kids can afford an iPad Pro. On the other, I think this delivery speaks perfectly to young people, and that’s entirely the target market.