Apple has launched new “Magic” accessories for the Mac, shortly after they surfaced in code for the OS X 10.11.1 beta. The Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2 improve upon the original versions of each peripheral, while the Magic Keyboard joins the Magic range, with all three incorporating reusable lithium-ion batteries rechargeable over Lightning within two hours, replacing the previous reliance on removable AA batteries.
The Magic Keyboard borrows heavily from the Apple Wireless Keyboard, using an aluminum frame on top and a plastic base, with the major changes being the removal of the large battery tube on the rear, and an overall reduction in size of 13 percent. The scissor mechanism has been improved to provide 33 percent more key stability and to optimize key travel, while the letters and symbols on the keys have been changed to use the new San Francisco font.
The new battery system has allowed Apple to change the internal structure of the Magic Mouse 2, allowing it to have fewer moving parts compared to its predecessor. It is also lighter and sturdier than the earlier version, and has an optimized foot design allowing it to have a smoother glide. Magic Mouse 2 also includes a multi-touch surface, allowing for gestures to be made without requiring a separate Magic Trackpad.
Lastly, the Magic Trackpad 2 adds Force Touch to the device for the first time, including support for new gestures such as Force click. As well as using four force sensors in its body, the Magic Trackpad 2 has an edge-to-edge glass surface that’s almost 30 percent larger than the earlier version, with it also having a lower profile design prompted by the battery change.
All of the new magic devices have a battery life of around one month when fully charged, and also include Bluetooth connectivity with automatic pairing and a usable range of up to 30 feet. Available now, the Magic Mouse 2 costs $79, the Magic Trackpad 2 for $129, and the Magic Keyboard for $99. Both the Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboard will come as standard with new iMacs, with the Magic Trackpad 2 available as an optional extra.
