News

Virgin Hyperloop Concept Video Provides A Peek At The Future Of Transportation

Published

3 years ago

February 2, 2021

If the idea of traveling at speeds up to 670 mph while sitting inside a futuristic pod propelled by strong electromagnets through an airless tube sounds like a cool sci-fi concept to you, then you should watch the latest video published by Virgin Hyperloop.

The video shows how the Hyperloop concept, which was first proposed in 2013 by Elon Musk, might enable a faster, greener, and more cost-efficient mode of travel in a not-so-distant future — at least in the United Arab Emirates.

Unlike many existing train stations, the one from which the passengers in the video board their pods is clean, bright, and inviting. The pods themselves echo the same optimistic vision of the future, where traditional materials and high-end technology work in unison to create a more pleasant transportation experience.

Every passenger seat is equipped with wireless charging, and translucent LCD screens that double as dividers between individual rows of seats show the remaining travel time and current speed. Smaller info displays inform passengers about Wi-Fi and toilet availability, both of which are guaranteed to come in handy during longer trips.

When will first passengers be able to enjoy this exciting new mode of transportation? Sometime in 2030, most likely. Virgin Hyperloop, which receives financial backing from Dubai’s regime-backed DP World, must first receive its safety certification before it is allowed to operate in the United Arab Emirates.

So far, Virgin Hyperloop has successfully completed its first passenger test, during which the pod accelerated to around 100 mph. That’s a fairly impressive speed, but there’s no denying that the company has a long way to go before it hits 670 mph.

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When it does, its Hyperloop system could be a game-changer for all people who commute long-distances on a regular basis. Jay Walder, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop, said that the company’s Hyperloop system must be affordable for people to use. As such, prices should be much closer to driving than flying thanks to the fact that multiple pods (each carrying up to 28 passengers) can travel inside the same tube mere milliseconds apart.

Related Topics:United Arab Emirates Virgin Hyperloop

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Apple Announces New iPad Pro With M4 Chip And Updated iPad Air

“This is the biggest day for iPad since its introduction,” said CEO Tim Cook in a video posted to Apple’s website.

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2024

Nour Nasir

Apple

Apple’s latest updates to its popular iPad Air and Pro models were announced on Tuesday, May 7. These are the first changes since 2022, the longest stretch between new models since the iconic device was revealed in 2011.

Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions of the iPad Pro have received a huge design overhaul. The most noteworthy change is the move to OLED screens, with the 12.9-inch version receiving a small bump in size to 13 inches. Apple claims the new tablets are brighter and more vibrant than outgoing models, thanks to a technology it calls “tandem OLED” or “Ultra Retina XDR”.

The 13-inch model now measures an astonishing 5.1 mm in thickness, which Apple says is its slimmest device ever. (The 11-inch version is 5.3 mm thick.) For those who prefer the look of a matte display, a nano-texture coating will also be available for the first time on the Pro models.

Finally, the new iPad Pros have received a processor bump to the latest M4 chip, which Apple says is an “outrageously powerful chip for AI”, offering an example of its ability to quickly and efficiently isolate subjects from backgrounds in videos.

The iPad Pro 11-inch starts at $999, and the larger 13-inch version starts at $1,299 with 256GB of storage.

Updated iPad Air In Two Sizes

The sixth-generation iPad Air didn’t receive as many upgrades as the iPad Pro but significantly does now come in two sizes. As with the Pro models, buyers now have the choice between an 11-inch and 13-inch screen, meaning they don’t need to invest in a Pro version just to get a 30% bump in display size.

Apple kept the same design for the iPad Air that it first revealed in 2020, complete with a USB-C port and Touch ID in the top button. The only difference is the front camera placement, which has been moved to the center of the iPad when in landscape orientation.

The 11-inch iPad Air is priced at $599 for the entry-level model, while the 13-inch version starts at $799.

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New Magic Keyboard Case

Apple also announced an updated (thinner, lighter) Magic Keyboard for its Pro iPads. The refreshed version now includes a function row (with controls for screen brightness). An aluminum palm rest and large trackpad with haptic feedback also help the premium case feel more like a Macbook.

The new Magic Keyboard is available for both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros and will be priced at $299 or $349, respectively.

Apple Pencil Pro

Apple also announced a new Apple Pencil, named Pro, at its event. The new model looks exactly the same but adds a “squeeze” function that opens a new tool palette. Meanwhile, a built-in gyroscope sensor lets you alter the orientation of the tools you’re using as you twist the device, offering finer control. Finally, the new pencil gets support for Apple’s Find My network, which should keep minds at rest at the prospect of losing the $129 device.

Finally, to round off Apple’s series of announcements, the entry-level iPad was reduced to $349 — a $100 price cut.