AT&T today announced the upcoming availability of its new Modio smartcase that will add 4G LTE connectivity to a Wi-Fi-only iPad or iPad mini. The Modio smartcase will be compatible with the iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini.
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The Modio will allow Wi-Fi iPad owners to connect to AT&T's 4G LTE network using the data available on the customers' Mobile Share plans. Mobile Share allows customers to pay for a monthly data allotment that is shared between smartphones, tablets and other connected devices.
Beyond cellular connectivity, the Modio smartcase also includes its own 4,600 mAh battery to support up to 10 hours of use, along with a microSD card slot that can be used to store up to 32 GB of media and other files. Case owners can install the accompanying AT&T Modio Data application to monitor data usage and manage cellular plan details.
The AT&T Modio smartcase for iPad mini is listed on AT&T's website as coming soon, with a version for larger iPad Air models to follow. Pricing and exact launch dates for the new cases has yet to be announced.
Top Rated Comments
The most clueless post that I've read this week. But you are forgiven. :p
Apple created the MFi program to support a healthy ecosystem of third-party accessories that they then place their stamp of approval on. There's plenty of keyboards available for the iPad if you want one today.
While it would be *nice* for Apple to officially have their own full lineup of every possible accessory, it's unrealistic.
Then they need to do something like what Samsung did for the Tab Pro tablet:
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/EJ-CT800UAEGUJ
This effectively turns the 10.5" tab pro into a laptop.
Apple has to start actually thinking about what it means to be "productive" and not just assume people want a larger tablet = productivity. Relying on 3rd parties to add the features to increase iPad productivity will result in a mishmash of disjoint add-ons that will cripple iPad's mobility in lieu of Apple simply not designing proper productivity accessories for the iPad.
The fact Apple has not created their own keyboard/case for the iPad speaks volumes of how far off Apple is in terms of understanding what it means to bring productivity to a tablet.
I was thinking the same thing. Absurd to charge each month to use the data you've already paid for. That's the deal breaker for me. I'll just use my phone's hotspot.
:apple: