Portability has always been an important factor for mobile devices. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 and the Apple iPad Mini certainly tie in for each other when it comes to this factor. But which is the better gadget? Would you rather take the buffed Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4, or still go with the latest version of Apple’s beloved iPad Mini?

iPad Mini Retina vs Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 Hardware

If we are talking about raw numbers, then there’s no doubt that the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 will dominate the competition. Its Quad Core Snapdragon 800 and 2GB RAM would undoubtedly surpass the iPad Mini’s A7 and 1GB RAM quite easily. However, the issue of performance is what’s important here, and honestly, that’s where the ambiguity lies. Not only are the two snappy in terms of loading and browsing, but each tablet also have their own perks to make overall usage an easy experience. If we are to say anything, it would probably be the fact that the iPad Mini is better suited for its hardware, which makes up for the sheer difference in raw benchmark numbers.

Software

With the obvious exception of size, the iPad Mini isn’t much different from its bigger counterpart, which means that whatever convenience in software it will have, will be largely be affected by the latest iOS 8.1 update. There’s the Continuity feature enhancement for example, which helps Mac and iPad power users share work files across all of their devices. The Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 too, has a few interesting perks, the most notable of which is Samsung’s Multi Window feature, which actually makes it the more familiar productivity gadget, and would probably be more intuitive to use as a quasi-PC unit.

Display and Camera

Both devices feature impressive high resolution images within their small 8-inch screens. There isn’t much difference in numbers here either, and you’ll be hard pressed to tell the difference, even with the iPad Mini’s slightly lower pixel density. But it’s probably safe to say that the iPad Mini is the slightly better option, simply because of the device’s impressive screen optimization features. As for both devices’ cameras, since they’re tablets, you’d probably care less about megapixels and capture options. In fact it’d actually be a tie for this one. If you want better capture editing options, go for the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4. If you like the simpler point-and-shoot style better, go for the iPad Mini.

Battery life

Most people using the iPad Mini would usually report somewhere around 8 to 11 hours of battery life depending on usage intensity, which is just about right when compared to the official estimates. The Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is advertised to have about 10 hours of battery life, however numerous reports have revealed that it can actually last only for about 7 to 8 hours on a single full charge. The clear winner here is the iPad mini, though the Galaxy Tab’s slightly inferior battery endurance might actually be due to its power hungry buffed innards.

Spec-wise, the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 wins the competition, clearly outracing the iPad Mini in terms of numbers. But specs alone do not drive the deciding factor, and in terms of overall, everyday, average use, the iPad Mini still rakes in a lot of points, catching up or even slightly going over the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4. In reality though, there might be other similar, if not better alternatives out there, for those who are not into the premium price that these two gadgets offer.

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Tablet implementation on schools is certainly not a new concept. However, it is always fascinating to see its implementation, as it shows the tablet’s significant impact on education in developed countries worldwide. Japan is no different, and soon, another school in this country is about to distribute tablets to students in the name of education.

Starting September 26, the Asahikawa Fuji Girls High School in Hokkaido prefecture will be distributing iPad mini units to its first and second year senior high school students. This is part of the school’s curriculum shift to include updated electronic mobile devices and computers. Each student will be provided with one iPad mini, and they will be subject to two new special learning routines, the “Active Learning” and “Developmental Education Time”. For Active Learning, a 70-minuite tablet-oriented study period will be divided into a 30-minute lesson proper, 20-minute comprehensive activity session, and 20-minute subject review. Developmental Education Time will simply be a self-study method involving various pre-set subjects before school break sessions. Each of the student’s activities on the tablet will be recorded for review and assessment, as well as reference for future study implementations.

Distribution of tablets to schools often involves problems associated with students trying to bypass the unit’s access limitations. The iPad minis to be distributed at Asahikawa Fuji however, will actually have fewer restrictions. In fact the students are encouraged to use the tablet as needed, and as much as they can. The tablets are also technically owned by the students as they receive it, and they can still take the units with them even after graduating from the school.

Issues about iPads and tablets in general being used for schools have already been tackled very early on, even as the first iPad was introduced way back in 2010. Results in its implementation were largely varied, but the biggest issue still had to do with practicality. In terms of productivity, the touch-based typing interface of tablets can sometimes be described as clunky compared to a solid keyboard. Also, as mentioned earlier, Students usually use the tablets way more for extracurricular activities than for the activities that it is technically designed for.

Despite these common issues, the Asahikawa Fuji Girls High School’s faculty seems confident that the implementation of their system will help mitigate or even correct these problems. On the flip side however, it is also most likely that cultural differences in Japanese schools might simply provide a substantially different result compared to western schools.

As for the choice to use an iPad mini, it may have largely something to do with Japan’s preference over more portable mobile gadgets.

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Apple is now officially joining the VR revolution. Well, sort of.

In our current world of HD, VR is now all the hype and it’s clear that the tech market is headed that way. However, access to this wonderful technology is still awfully limited, but thankfully this Kickstarter project will make VR a lot closer to us.

AirVR is the name of the new project by the Canadian company Metatecture, and it is as you can see in the feature image, a VR headset that uses your iPad to give you that immersive VR experience. To be specific, it actually uses an iPad mini, in a function that is very similar to Google Cardboard (without the DIY hassle) and Samsung Gear VR (without the hardware limitation). So, to use the device, simply slide over the iPad mini into the headseat, and you’re pretty much ready to go.

To give your iPad mini that quality VR experience, AirVR also uses much of the sensors typically used for tracking movement and location. You have a gyro, an accelerometer, a digital compass, GPS, and its dual cameras. The immersion gets even better with its use of the iPad mini’s 7.3-inch 2048×1200 Retina display, though there might be a little pixel distortion due its use of an LCD screen. If you need to get a view of your real surroundings, you simply have to turn on the camera feed for you to briefly take a step back into reality.

There is a bunch of special apps that its developers have made to improve user experience for the AirVR. The PhotoVR lets you organize images in your private personal ‘dimension’. The MovieVR app let’s you watch a movie inside your own virtual theater. The PanoVR app even makes use of the iPad mini’s panoramic capture functions to let you relive and visit places you’re already gone to before.

Aside from the iPad mini, AirVR will also be supporting the upcoming iPhone 6 Plus, using its 5.5-inch 1920×1080 screen to deliver the same virtual reality immersion. The AirVR+ of the iPhone 6 Plus will be using the exact same hardware, albeit with a few sensor additions and of course a smaller slide frame.

AirVR promises affordability for those who are interested in supporting the project. Just how affordable? Well, for starters, you can already get the complete set for as low as $50 (CAD). Pledgers can get two devices for $90, five devices and its iOS VR development package for $200, and an additional access to AirVR’s SDK for $400 and $900.

The project currently has a goal of $20,000 (CAD), with the pledged amount so far at $3,000.

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