Bridging the gap with laptops, Apple adds trackpad and mouse support to iPad

People using an iPad as their daily driver for work have reason to cheer. Apple recently added trackpad and mouse support to the iPad through a software update. However, for most power users, this functionality can be fully utilised only if the feature is included in the Microsoft’s Office suite.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, a trade publication, Microsoft is bringing trackpad and mouse support to its Word, PowerPoint, and Excel apps on the devices running on Apple’s iPadOS. This feature will be rolled out in a phased manner, and is expected to reach all users over the next couple of weeks.

This move would help Apple’s iPad bridge the gap with laptops and desktops in terms of productivity, as – despite their impressive hardware credentials - tablet computers are viewed in some quarters as lifestyle products, unsuitable for use as primary device for performing work-related tasks.

Microsoft said the update would bring new start screens to its Office suite on iPad, expanding its Fluent design language across its apps. It is reportedly working on “multiple document support in Excel, powerful contextual menus, and offline file support for cloud files.”

For iPad users who’d been considering replacing their laptop with their tablet, this is an update that will reinforce the argument that an iPad can get work done without a considerable drop off in performance compared to high-end laptops.

Adding a trackpad to Apple’s Magic Keyboard can cost as much as $289 (Rs. 21,315), but cheaper option abound, such as Logitech’s keyboard case and those by other hardware manufacturers.