When will Apple make the iPad we all want?

As a long-time user of Apple’s ecosystem, I’m always eager to dive into new software releases, and the iPadOS 26 public beta is no exception. Having spent a week with it on my iPad Pro 13-inch, I can confidently say it’s a monumental leap from previous iPadOS versions. The “Liquid Glass” design language brings a beautiful, fluid aesthetic, and the enhanced multitasking features with a new windowing system truly push the iPad closer to a desktop-like experience.

The ability to fluidly resize app windows, place them exactly where I want, and manage multiple applications simultaneously is a game-changer for many users. The addition of a Mac-like Preview app for PDF annotation and the improved Files app with features like colored folders and a more intuitive layout are welcome additions that undeniably boost productivity. For quick, simple tasks like checking email, managing my calendar, or even light document editing while multitasking with other apps, iPadOS 26 shines. It feels more capable and versatile than ever before.

However, despite these significant advancements, after a week of intensive use, I’m still firmly in the camp that iPadOS 26 is in no way a replacement for macOS. My workflow on my MacBook is almost automatic – I don’t think about how to do something, I just do it. Simple actions like dragging a file directly to the desktop or seamlessly saving a document to a specific, easily accessible location are still a struggle on iPadOS. While the file system has improved, it lacks the intuitive fluidity and directness of Finder on a MacBook.

The display, too, presents a challenge for my specific workflow. I’m using the iPad Pro 13-inch, and its almost square 4:3 aspect ratio, while great for some content consumption, simply doesn’t work for my professional tasks. I find myself constantly wishing for more horizontal screen real estate. This is where devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, with its wider display and the desktop-like experience offered by Samsung DeX, truly stand out as a better option for power users seeking a more traditional computing layout in a tablet form factor.

I understand that this is just the beginning for iPadOS 26, and Apple will continue to refine it. But it begs the question: why can’t Apple give us what many power users truly desire? A MacBook with a detachable display that functions as a tablet running a tabular version of macOS. Imagine the seamless transition from a full desktop environment to a touch-first tablet, all powered by the same robust operating system. This would truly bridge the gap between portability and professional capability, offering the best of both worlds without the inherent compromises that currently exist between iPadOS and macOS.

iPadOS 26 is undoubtedly a significant step forward for the iPad, making it a more powerful and versatile device than ever before. But for those of us who demand the full, uncompromised functionality of a desktop operating system in a portable form, the wait for a truly converged Apple device continues.

Amazon finally brought color to its most popular e-reader, but after extensive testing, we’ve found it’s a pricey upgrade that fumbles its one big promise.

As a tech enthusiast who has owned nearly every Kindle iteration since the second generation, the announcement of the Kindle colorsoft felt like a watershed moment. The promise was tantalizing: the perfect, glare-free e-ink screen I love for novels, now enhanced with a splash of color for magazines, children’s books, and most importantly for me, the vibrant world of graphic novels. I bought it on day one, ready to be wowed.

Instead, I’m left with a device that feels like a solution in search of a problem. While it remains a competent e-reader for text, its marquee feature—the color screen—is not just underwhelming, it’s a genuine letdown for its most obvious use case.

The Good: It’s Still a Great Kindle

Before diving into the negatives, let’s be clear: for reading standard books, the Kindle Colorsoft is as reliable as ever. It inherits all the features that have made the Paperwhite line a fan favorite. The text is sharp (at 300 PPI for black-and-white), the battery life is measured in weeks, not hours, and the adjustable warm light makes nighttime reading a joy. It’s lightweight, portable, and the IPX8 waterproof rating means you can read worry-free by the pool or in the bath.

If your library is 99% novels, this Kindle will serve you well. The only color you’ll see is the book cover in your library, which is a nice touch but hardly a revolutionary experience. For the core Kindle function, it’s business as usual.

The Bad: A Catastrophic Failure for Comics and Graphic Novels

My primary reason for this upgrade was to finally have a dedicated e-reader for my comic book collection. I envisioned a device that could replicate the experience of a printed comic on a paper-like screen. The reality is a grainy, washed-out, and frustrating mess.

The core of the problem lies in the E Ink Kaleido 3 display technology. While it can render black-and-white text at a crisp 300 PPI, the color resolution is slashed in half to a mere 150 PPI. The result is immediately noticeable. Colors are muted and lack the vibrancy you’d expect. They look more like a faded newspaper comic strip than a modern graphic novel.

Worse still is the text rendering within comic panels. The dialogue is often tiny and difficult to decipher. The natural instinct is to pinch-to-zoom, but this is where the experience completely falls apart. Zooming in on the low-resolution color layer turns the image into a pixelated disaster. The already fuzzy text becomes a jagged, illegible blur, and the artwork loses all its detail. It’s a chore to read, completely defeating the purpose of a relaxing reading session.

Specs at a Glance

• Display: 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 Display
• Resolution: 300 PPI (black-and-white), 150 PPI (color)
• Storage: 16GB or 32GB (Signature Edition)
• Front Light: Adjustable warm light, auto-adjusting on Signature Edition
• Waterproofing: IPX8 (rated for 60 minutes in 2 meters of fresh water)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (for Audible)
• Charging: USB-C (Wireless charging on Signature Edition)
• Battery Life: Up to 8 weeks (varies with use)

The Ugly: The Price Tag Just Isn’t Justified

This brings us to the most significant issue: value. The Kindle Colorsoft carries a premium price over its standard black-and-white sibling. That extra cost is solely for a color display that fails spectacularly at its most logical application.

If you want to read graphic novels, you are unequivocally better off with a tablet like an Apple iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab. Their backlit LCD/OLED screens offer brilliant colors and ultra-high resolutions that make artwork pop and text crystal clear, even when zoomed in. Yes, they are more expensive and have more glare, but for this specific use case, they are infinitely superior.

The Kindle Color occupies a strange, unsatisfying middle ground. It’s not the best device for novels (the standard Paperwhite is better value), and it’s a demonstrably poor choice for comics.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Is the color screen worth the extra money? A: In my opinion, absolutely not. The color is low-resolution and washed out, failing to add any meaningful value for its primary use case (comics and graphic novels). For standard books, you’re paying a premium just to see the cover in color.

Q: Is it good for reading magazines or children’s books? A: It suffers from the same issues. While better than nothing, the muted colors and low resolution mean photos and illustrations lack the vibrancy they would have on a tablet. Text-heavy magazines are fine, but image-rich ones will disappoint.

Q: How does it compare to an iPad for reading comics? A: It’s not even a competition. The iPad (or any modern tablet) provides a vastly superior experience for comics. The colors are brilliant, the resolution is razor-sharp, and zooming is seamless. The only advantages for the Kindle are battery life and the lack of screen glare.

Q: Should I buy this if I only read novels? A: No. You can get the exact same (and arguably better, due to no color filter layer) black-and-white reading experience from the standard Kindle Paperwhite and save yourself some money.

The Verdict

The Kindle Colorsoft is a product built on a compelling idea but executed with deeply flawed technology. It tries to be a jack-of-all-trades and ends up mastering none. It’s an e-reader that’s outmatched in value by its own siblings and outclassed in performance by its tablet competitors.

For now, this is one splash of color you can safely skip. Stick with the classic Paperwhite for your novels and look to a true tablet for your graphic novel fix.

Aug 20th Made By Google Event

Get ready, Pixel fans! Google has officially announced the date for its highly anticipated annual hardware event: August 20th. The tech giant is promising a showcase of its latest innovations under the “Made By Google” banner, with new iterations of their popular Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds leading the charge. But the tagline “and more” hints that we might be in for a few surprises this year.

For months, rumors have been swirling about the next generation of Pixel devices, and Google’s confirmation finally puts those speculations to rest. While the company remains tight-lipped about the specifics, the August 20th event is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone invested in the Google ecosystem.

Pixel Phones: The Center of Attention

The star of the show will undoubtedly be the unveiling of the newest Pixel phones. Following Google’s established release cycle, we can likely expect the debut of the Pixel 10 and potentially a larger Pixel 10 Pro. These devices are anticipated to feature the latest generation of Google’s Tensor chip, promising enhanced performance, improved AI capabilities, and advancements in camera technology that Pixel users have come to love. Expect refined designs, potentially with new color options and material choices, as Google continues to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation.

Pixel Watch: Refining the Wearable Experience

Google’s foray into the smartwatch market with the Pixel Watch was met with enthusiasm, and the August event is expected to bring us its successor. The Pixel Watch 2 (or whatever the official name may be) will likely build upon the foundation laid by the first generation, addressing user feedback and incorporating new features. We could see improvements in battery life, enhanced health tracking capabilities, and tighter integration with the broader Pixel ecosystem. With competition heating up in the smartwatch space, Google will be aiming to solidify its position as a serious contender.

Pixel Buds: Elevating Audio with AI

Completing the expected trio of major announcements are the next-generation Pixel Buds. Google’s wireless earbuds have consistently offered a compelling combination of audio quality and smart features, seamlessly integrating with Google Assistant. The upcoming Pixel Buds are expected to continue this trend, potentially introducing advancements in noise cancellation, battery performance, and personalized audio experiences powered by AI. Keep an ear out for potential design tweaks and new color options to complement the new phone and watch releases.

“And More”: What Else Could Google Have in Store?

The intriguing “and more” in Google’s announcement leaves room for exciting possibilities. Could we see updates to the Pixel Tablet, which the user has previously shown interest in? Perhaps new smart home devices are on the horizon, further expanding Google’s ecosystem. Given the user’s past searches related to smart glasses and general tech innovations, there’s even a chance we might get a glimpse into Google’s future ambitions in the realm of augmented reality or other cutting-edge technologies. Only time will tell what surprises Google has up its sleeve.

The Countdown Begins

With August 20th just around the corner, the anticipation for the Made By Google event is already building. Pixel enthusiasts and tech lovers alike are eager to see what innovations Google will unveil. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for detailed coverage as the date approaches. This year’s event promises to offer a glimpse into the future of Google’s hardware and how it will continue to shape our digital lives.