Looking at latest from Apple
APPLE is bolstering its money-pumping iPhone line while looking to dive deep into businesses with iPads and dominate living rooms with Apple TV hardware tuned to app-loving lifestyles.
Tricked-out new iPhone 6 models, along with overhauled Apple TV hardware and iPad Pro tablets with enlarged screens, were major announcements at the technology titan’s media event in San Francisco this week.
South African iStore marketing coordinator Ashley Da Silva said: “We are very excited about the products announced by Apple. We are awaiting confirmation on local availability and will share this ... as soon as we can.”
Weekend Post breaks down some of the biggest announcements.
iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus Apple introduced two updated iPhones to build on the success of large-screen handsets introduced last year that have dominated the high-end smartphone market.
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus have the same overall dimensions as the previous versions, but with new technologies under the hood.
A key new feature is “3D touch”, which responds to pressure exerted on the screen to allow users to look inside messages and applications. By responding to sensing pressure, the phones enable users to dip in and out of content without losing their place.
The 6S has the 12cm display of its predecessor and the 6S Plus – which updates one of the more popular handsets in the “phablet category” – has the same sized screen.
But the devices have more powerful processors that allow for improved graphics, harder glass and a new aluminum body.
The new iPhone models sport an improved iSight rear-facing camera capable of shooting 4K video, up to 12MP from the predecessors’ 8MP and front-facing 5MP lens.
A new feature named “Live Photos” creates a brief animation by extending the captured moment, stitching several frames together.
The new models will be shipped in 16GB, 64GB and 128GB versions.
Both phones keep the sizing conventions of predecessor models the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, at 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches (12cm and 14cm) diagonally.
Animated backgrounds will also be a new feature.
ESTIMATED COST: R8 845 (iPhone 6S 16GB); R10 205 (iPhone 6S Plus 16GB) Apple TV Apple has unveiled a new gamingfocused version of its Apple TV set-top box in an effort to challenge Sony and Microsoft’s hold on the multibillion-rand gaming industry.
The new Apple TV can be controlled through a revamped version of digital assistant Siri to search for and play films and TV programmes via voice command.
Apple’s music streaming service Apple Music will also be integrated into the new operating system tvOS, which is based on the iPhone and iPad system iOS.
Most significantly, tvOS will allow developers to create apps for the Apple TV, opening up major opportuni- ties for gaming. Netflix, HBO and Hulu apps will all be available as well.
“We believe the future of television is apps,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said.
Apple TV comes with a redesigned remote control that can be used for advanced gaming features, and supports multi-player gaming.
Games that will be available for it include the new Guitar Hero title, Disney Infinity, Rayman Adventures, Super Bros Creator and Crossy Road.
ESTIMATED COST: Starting at R2 030 iPad Pro The iPad Pro features a 32cm screen and a far faster processor.
The device is the third size of iPad, following the introduction of the original iPad in 2010.
The iPad Pro also is far more powerful, with a new A9 chip that Apple said made it 1.8 times more powerful than the most recent iPad Air.
“iPad is the clearest expression of our vision of the future of personal computing,” Cook said.
The iPad Pro features a 10-hour battery life and four speakers.
It is slightly thicker than the iPad Air at 6.9mm compared to 6.1mm.
ESTIMATED COST: Starting at R10 886 Apple Pencil The pencil, which allows users to apply different levels of pressure to the iPad Pro for different effects when drawing, writing or using other apps, is the first time Apple has made such an accessory.
The iPad Pro stylus, called Apple Pencil, was designed for high-precision illustration and 3D design applications.
Apple’s late founder Steve Jobs, introducing the iPhone in 2007, famously said: “Nobody wants a stylus.” ESTIMATED COST: R1 349 Apple Surface iPad Keyboard The “Smart Keyboard” is a case that fits around the iPad Pro but also includes physical keys. ESTIMATED COST: R2 302 Hermès Apple Watch Alongside new gold and rose gold aluminium versions of the Apple Watch Sport models, a collaboration with Hermès has resulted in a new selection of Apple Watches in stainless steel with hand-stitched leather bands in distinctive styles, comprising the Single Tour, Double Tour and manly Cuff.
The Single Tour for the 38mm stainless steel case is a classic Hermès design with a buckle that gives a nod to Hermès’ equestrian heritage.
It will be available in a selection of fauve Barenia, noir box and capucine Swift leather.
ESTIMATED COST: Starting at R14 987.85 iOS 9 Siri, Apple’s virtual personal assistant, has been updated for iOS 9 to be more proactive.
It will automatically suggest apps to launch or people to contact based on usage patterns, and notify users when they need to leave for appointments, taking into account traffic conditions.
iOS 9 will learn what music you typically listen to in a certain location or at a particular time of day, so when you plug in your headphones at the gym or get into the car before work, it will automatically display playback controls for your preferred app.
Typed search queries will also deliver results from more categories, including sports schedules, Netflix movies, photos, videos and information inside apps.
ESTIMATED COST: Free