AllYouCanTech

Evaluation of the Logitech Flip Folio: An Appropriate iPad Keyboard Case for Certain Users

### Logitech Flip Folio: A Multifunctional Keyboard Case for iPad

Recently, Logitech introduced a groundbreaking new keyboard case for the iPad Air and iPad Pro, named the Logitech Flip Folio. This item adopts a distinctive strategy for iPad accessories, aiming at a segment that has not been thoroughly tapped into previously.

#### Overview

The Logitech Flip Folio does not make use of the smart connector, marking a shift from other Logitech keyboards for iPad. This design decision is vital to the product’s operation. Unlike conventional iPad keyboards that merge the keyboard and iPad into one cohesive unit, the Flip Folio provides users the option to detach the magnetic Bluetooth keyboard from the iPad. This adaptability permits users to elevate their iPad on a surface while typing with ease.

Although some users may find the lack of a trackpad disappointing—considering its role in the iPad experience—the general idea of the Flip Folio is captivating. The product consists of two components: a sturdy folio case and a magnetic Bluetooth keyboard. The combination is not excessively bulky, rendering it a sensible option for portability. The keyboard functions on CR2016 batteries, which deliver up to two years of battery life under regular use, removing the necessity for frequent recharging.

#### Verdict

Having utilized the Flip Folio for a few weeks, it’s evident that this keyboard is a valuable acquisition for those in search of an iPad keyboard that presents notable versatility. Unlike Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which confines the iPad and keyboard into a singular laptop-like arrangement, the Flip Folio fosters new opportunities for iPad utilization.

The Flip Folio is equipped with numerous magnets that enable users to set their iPad in landscape mode while positioning their phone next to it for improved productivity. Moreover, the keyboard can connect with up to three devices, allowing users to type on their phone as well.

Nonetheless, there is a constraint regarding compatibility with iPad Pro models. The Flip Folio only accommodates the M4 iPad Pro model, leaving M1, M2, or older iPad Pro model users without support. This limitation is perplexing, as the keyboard functions through Bluetooth, but Logitech has verified that earlier iPad Pros are not compatible.

#### Wrap Up & Pricing

In summary, the Logitech Flip Folio is a welcome entry into the market. Although it comes with a higher price point for a keyboard case, it undercuts Apple’s Magic Keyboard by about 50% while offering a markedly different experience.

The Flip Folio is retailing for $159.99 for the 11-inch iPad models and $179.99 for the 13-inch iPad models. It is compatible with M1, M2, and M3 iPad Air models, as well as M4 iPad Pro models.

To conclude, the Logitech Flip Folio signifies a notable advancement in iPad keyboard design, presenting versatility and functionality that appeals to a broad spectrum of users.

Apple Investigates Purchase of AI Search Firm Perplexity, Based on Report

As Apple races to catch up in the generative AI arena, a recent report indicates that the company is contemplating its largest acquisition to date.

According to Bloomberg, Apple executives have engaged in internal conversations regarding a potential offer for Perplexity AI, a rapidly expanding AI startup renowned for its conversational web search platform.

## This would represent Apple’s largest acquisition to date

As stated by Mark Gurman, these discussions are still in the preliminary phase and may not lead to an official bid, but the concept has allegedly been discussed among Apple’s mergers and acquisitions head Adrian Perica, services chief Eddy Cue, and the company’s top AI leadership.

Perplexity recently concluded a funding round that valued it at $14 billion, which would make an acquisition a groundbreaking step for Apple, significantly higher than the $3 billion Beats acquisition in 2014.

Here’s what Gurman says about the potential acquisition:

> “Acquiring Perplexity would provide Apple with a boost in AI talent, an established brand in the AI realm, and a consumer product. A deal could also help enhance future recruitment efforts.”

While the report mentions that Apple has conducted several meetings with Perplexity in the past few months, and its internal AI divisions have been closely assessing the technology, Apple chose not to comment, and Perplexity stated it has “no awareness of any ongoing or future M&A discussions.”

## The rationale for acquiring Perplexity

Firstly, there’s the potential risk of Apple’s $20 billion annual search agreement with Google being dismantled due to the US government’s ongoing antitrust litigation. Eddy Cue himself hinted at this during his testimony earlier this year, asserting that the industry is shifting away from conventional web search towards AI-powered responses.

Secondly, Perplexity possesses what Apple currently lacks: a consumer-centric AI search product with real-time web access and brand recognition in the AI sector, all at a much lower (though still exorbitant) cost compared to direct rivals like OpenAI. Perplexity even boasts its own iPhone assistant that, despite the system’s deliberate constraints, performs significantly better than Siri and ChatGPT in various tasks.

Perhaps this is the reason, beyond a complete acquisition, that Apple is also reportedly investigating a possible partnership that could integrate Perplexity into Safari as a search alternative or incorporate it into Siri’s responses.

One significant challenge: Samsung. The report indicates that Samsung is nearing the finalization of its own substantial partnership with Perplexity, which could complicate any exclusive deal with Apple. Notably, Bloomberg reported earlier today that Meta has also engaged in acquisition talks with Perplexity but appears to have abandoned the idea in favor of its recent $14B investment in Scale AI.

Do you believe Apple should acquire Perplexity? If not them, who do you think Apple should pursue for acquisition? Share your thoughts in the comments.

iOS 26 to Allow Third-Party Applications to Create Their Own AirDrop Alternatives

### Apple Eases Control on Local Wireless Sharing with iOS 26

Apple’s stronghold on local wireless sharing is finally relaxing, albeit somewhat reactively. With iOS 26, developers will have access to a new API that enables third-party applications to discover and connect with nearby devices over Wi-Fi, independent of an internet connection. Here’s how it functions.

#### Wi-Fi Aware

As noted by iHelpBR, the essence of this news revolves around Wi-Fi Aware, which will enable nearby devices to locate one another and establish a direct peer-to-peer connection via Wi-Fi, even if they aren’t on the same network.

This is the same basic principle that Apple’s AirDrop has utilized for years, but now it’s being made available to all. Here’s what Apple’s Swetank Saha has to say about the new feature:

> “With Wi-Fi Aware, you can unlock new experiences and enable your apps to seamlessly discover and connect to nearby devices. Some examples include: media streaming, high-speed file transfer, accessory control, screen sharing, and if necessary, you can do all of these simultaneously.”

During the WWDC25 session “Supercharge device connectivity with Wi-Fi Aware”, Saha showcased its practical application: you launch an app on both devices, view a list of nearby peers, and tap to start a connection. There’s even an optional confirmation code step, similar to AirDrop, to ensure you’re connecting to the correct device.

#### Not Just for File Transfers

While rapid local file sharing is the clear primary use case, Apple is positioning this API as a resource for much more than just that. Developers could leverage it for virtually any application that would benefit from a swift, local connection without reliance on the cloud, including screen sharing, streaming media between devices, and updating or configuring accessories such as smart glasses or drones.

And since Wi-Fi Aware is an open standard, apps aren’t confined to Apple-to-Apple transfers. In theory, a developer could create something that enables functionality between iPhones and Android devices that run the same app. It’s not AirDrop for Android, but it’s the closest Apple has come to facilitating that type of cross-platform interaction.

#### Reading Between the (Regulatory) Lines

Officially, Apple isn’t linking this action to regulatory pressure, but the timing is hardly coincidental. The European Union has been urging Apple to enhance iOS’s interoperability with third-party hardware and services, specifically highlighting local sharing as an area that needs to become more accessible.

This API allows Apple to tick that box without actually opening up AirDrop itself.

Discover the Vast’s Haven-1 Space Station using Apple Vision Pro

**Vast’s Haven-1: Leading the Way in Commercial Space Stations**

Vast is on the cusp of transforming low Earth orbit with its groundbreaking initiative, Haven-1, which is set to become the first commercial space station. Planned for launch within a year, Vast has sparked enthusiasm through a virtual reality (VR) fly-through experience, directed by the company’s Chief Astronaut, Andrew Feutel. This engaging experience is available on platforms like Meta, Steam, and Apple, enabling the public to envision the future of living in space.

Haven-1 is intended to be launched using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, noted as the most economical medium-lift rocket on the market. Vast has established a strategic alliance with SpaceX to support crewed missions utilizing the Crew Dragon spacecraft. This partnership will also ensure that Haven-1 is furnished with Starlink connectivity, providing reliable data transmission and internet access for research and communication purposes.

The VR fly-through reveals a sleek and contemporary design for Haven-1, sharply contrasting with the cluttered interiors of the International Space Station (ISS). While the ultimate design may change, the initial visuals offer an encouraging preview of the station’s capabilities. Haven-1 will house a crew of four, featuring individual quarters, multifunctional furnishings, and generous space for both governmental and private research projects.

Vast seeks to obtain a NASA Commercial LEO Destination contract, positioning Haven-1 as a temporary residence for NASA astronauts after the ISS is retired. In contrast to other companies focused on creating extensive ISS replacements, Vast’s approach centers on launching a smaller, short-term station that will be deorbited following four missions. This tactic enables Vast to potentially advance ahead in the competitive arena of commercial space stations.

Following Haven-1, Vast intends to develop Haven-2, a notably larger and modular station capable of facilitating spacewalks, robotic tasks, and accommodating a crew of twelve. This growth highlights Vast’s dedication to enhancing human engagement in space.

In the near term, Axiom Space stands as the main competitor with its Axiom Station, which is set to attach modules to the ISS before detaching just prior to the ISS’s retirement. Axiom’s proficiency in overseeing crewed missions to the ISS provides it with an advantage, as it prepares for its fourth private astronaut mission. However, Vast is resolute in its efforts to compete with Axiom’s lead, especially in obtaining future NASA missions.

For those eager to delve into Haven-1’s design, the VR experience led by Andrew Feutel offers an intriguing chance. Even without a VR headset, the experience can be accessed on Vast’s YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to connect with the future of commercial space exploration.

As the launch of Haven-1 nears, the enthusiasm surrounding commercial space stations continues to rise, signifying a new chapter in humanity’s journey to explore and inhabit space.