Apple Announces iPhone 6, Apple Watch, and Apple Pay (VIDEO)
Apple continues to shake the world of technology with its latest announcement. At the company's big unveiling in Cupertino, California, three new products were announced that are sure to get consumers throwing money in Apple's general direction.
The iPhone 6 is the latest iteration of the company's unfathomably popular smartphone. This latest model will come in two sizes, with the first having a screen that measures 4.7 inches, close to an inch larger than the current model. The second model will be even larger: the iPhone 6 Plus sports a screen that is 5.5 inches, which practically makes this the IMAX of iPhones. Yet screen size doesn't necessarily mean the phones will be bulkier. In fact, Apple revealed that these will be the two thinnest iPhone models yet.
But that's not all, as the iPhone 6 will come with iOS 8, a new keyboard, a one-handed controller, and a HealthKit suite. Color options are limited, but gold, silver, and "space grey" sound more than good enough, to me. (Seriously, "space grey"? What, is it moon-colored?)
The iPhone 6 is priced at around $199—$399, with 16GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB models available. Meanwhile, the iPhone 6 Plus will go for around $299, with the same storage options available.
Credit: Apple
As for another huge device announced at the big event, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch.
The wearable device will have full iPhone integration, including a new interface based on the traditional dial on standard watches. The screen can tell the difference between a touch and a tap, which already puts this a step above my own Galaxy S5 (sorry, Samsung). The Apple Watch will also provide force feedback, and charge via magnet charger connected to the back of the device. It will come in two sizes, in three different models: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition, with Standard, Athletic, and Luxury versions. However, there's one catch: you'll need at least an iPhone 5 in order to use it. But if you've read this far, odds are you're mostly up-to-date on your Apple hardware -- or close enough, one would hope. Apple Watch is coming in 2015, with a $349 price tag. So start saving up!
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
Lastly, Apple announced a feature called ApplePay, which will be built into every iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus from here on out. The feature, which uses an NFC chip and a brand new Secure Element chip for security, will allow users to add cards they have linked to their iTunes account(s).
The big draw here is the simplicity with which users can add new cards: you simply take a picture, and Apple verifies the card with your bank. Afterwards, the card is added to Passbook. All your information remains secure throughout the process, thanks to the use of device-specific account numbers and one-time-use security codes. Furthermore, Apple will not track your purchases, where you purchased them, or how much you spent. The cashier also won’t see any of your personal information either (name, credit card number, or security code). It keeps the process relatively streamlined to avoid security breaches.
ApplePay will be supported by American Express, MasterCard, and Visa, as well as most major department stores, drug stores, and restaurants. McDonald’s is already on-board, adding ApplePay to its drive-thru payment options. This is great news, if only because it means we'll be able to get our order that much faster once Shamrock Shake season rolls around. Oh, and I suppose it's good for what it means to security, given the recent iCloud hacking scandal or the unpleasantness with Home Depot (although "unpleasantness" is probably putting it mildly).
Check out video highlights of the announcement below (along with official ads including voice cameos by Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake!):
Via: Entertainment Weekly