Apple releases Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader for the iPad Pro's USB 3.0 port

Now available in the online Apple Store is the first accessory available for the USB 3.0 port on the Apple iPad Pro. The Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader will allow you to transfer photos and videos directly from your digital camera at USB 3 speeds, to the iPad Pro. On other Apple iPad models, and on the Apple iPhone, the Camera Reader will allow such data to transfer at USB 2 speeds.

USB 3.0 can reach a signaling rate of 5Gbps, ten times faster than USB 2.0. Faster data transfers are welcomed by iPad Pro users, which means that you can expect many to shell out the $29 for the accessory. The Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader supports images using JPEG and RAW. It also works with SD and HD video formats.

Once the microSD card from your camera is inserted into the card reader, the Photo app on your iPhone or iPad is opened automatically. Photos are divided up into Moments, Collections and Years. You can store all of your full resolution pictures and video in iCloud, and limit who gets to see these images or videos with iCloud Photo Sharing.

Apple added the USB 3.0 port to its 12.9-inch slate somewhat uncharacteristically, considering that Cuprtino has favored the use of its proprietary connectors and ports. But for a project as important as the iPad Pro, Apple decided not to hold back anything pertaining to faster data transfers.


source: Apple via AppleInsider