We have two more odds and ends for you on this WWDC keynote day: Apple quietly updated its AirPort Express Wi-Fi router to a new form factor, and the company released a new iPad smart case.
AirPort Express
The new AirPort Express looks a lot like a white Apple TV, and we do mean a lot. Aside from the new look and feel, the biggest change is the addition of dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi. That means it can support two different frequencies within 80.2.11n, which should mean a seamless performance for you.
According to Apple, “The new AirPort Express supports simultaneous dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi. That means it transmits at both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies at the same time. So no matter which band your wireless devices use, they’ll automatically connect to the best available band for the fastest possible performance.”
The Back of the new AirPort Express, with Ports
The device is priced at the same US$99 as the previous model, and it is available on the Apple Store now.
iPad Smart Case
Another announcement-less product that got released on Monday is the iPad Smart Case. As the name suggests, this product combines Apple’s Smart Cover for iPad with a backing case to help protect the back of your tablet.
So far, the product is available only in polyurethane (at $49), and it is available in Dark Gray, Light Gray, (PRODUCT) RED, Green, Blue, and Pink. Apple’s Smart Cover is also available in leather, but there’s no sign (yet) of a leather option for the Smart Case.
Like the Smart Cover, the top cover on the Smart Case will either wake your iPad up or put it to sleep. It will also serve as a (limited) stand, as shown in the second image below.
The iPad Smart Case is available now.
iPad Smart Case
iPad Smart Case as a Stand
iPad Smart Case - the Back