Apple has launched its new 9.7-inch iPad.

Strongly focused on the educational market, the recently updated device is now available in Apple stores and shipped to schools.

Priced at $ 299 for students and $ 329 for consumers, Apple is trying to supplant the Google-powered Chromebooks that many teachers use.

According to research by FutureSource Consulting, sales in the K-12 mobile PC market for 2017 saw sharp increases for Google and Windows device sales, and declines for Apple’s iPad.

Apple hopes that a new selling point, the addition of Apple Pencil support to this low-end device, will stimulate interest and sales.

Previously, the stylus was only available on high-end iPad Pro tablets.

Apple has priced the pencil at $ 89 for students. They imagine that the children will use the pencil for art projects and similar school assignments.

The company has also pushed device storage for educational models. There is 200 GB available to help students work and maintain larger projects. Others will find that standard models start at 50GB.

Speed ​​could be a selling point. The iPad features its new A10 Fusion chip with a 40% faster processor for graphics performance.

It comes with a 64-bit architecture and a quad-core design.

Apple says the machine is “blazingly fast” and can easily handle editing 4-K video, playing graphics-intensive games, or experiencing the latest augmented reality applications.

The device can provide Wi-Fi speeds of up to 866 Mbps and LTE speeds of up to 300 Mbps.

Another feature is the ease of multitasking. Apple says you can work on your business plan, do some research on the web, and make a FaceTime call to a friend all at the same time.

Like other iPad models, it comes with front and rear cameras. The front is an 8 megapixel lens with 1080p HD video capability.

There is an intuitive on-screen keyboard. Users can also use a separate version compatible with Blue Tooth.

The device weighs just one pound and is just 7.55mm wide for easy mobility.

Battery life should be 10 hours on a single charge.

Additional features include a touch ID, the new Dock app that changes with iOS11, and the vibrant Retina display.

Along with the device, Apple is releasing some new apps specifically for the classroom. One is actually called “Classroom” and it allows users to see what students are working on in class.

Another app is “Everyone Can Create”, a kind of free curriculum of what kids can do on their iPads.

“ClassKit” is a platform that allows developers to create puzzles, quizzes, and lesson plans for students.

Apple promotes the apps and the educational community will make good use of many others.

The new iPad comes in three different colors. A new gold finish is included along with silver and space gray.

While Apple fans can take a look at this lower-priced iPad with improved features, it remains to be seen if it will stop the popularity of Android devices among educators and students.

The tech giant may have to go back to class to learn how to change its educational ruin.

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