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The iPhone Ecosystem Expands
9 September 2014
It's no coincidence that Apple unveiled its Watch at the same time it introduced its latest generation iPhones. They are part of the same, expanding ecosystem. And that's good news for photographers.
APPLE WATCH
While much might be said of what the $349 Watch itself can do, for photographers it functions as an interesting peripheral not just to the iPhone but to your camera.
Imagine, for example:
- A version of Triggertrap that runs on the Watch, communicating with a dSLR tethered to an iPhone.
- Using the Watch as a remote viewfinder for your iPhone.
- Using the Watch as a remote trigger directly to a WiFi-enabled camera.
With its built-in WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, those scenarios are realistic.
IPHONE 6, IPHONE 6 PLUS
The new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus features larger screens than the iPhone 5 family, as expected, but they also introduce some hardware innovation Apple calls Retina HD that plays out a little differently on each model.
Here's the size information in pixels:
- The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 sports a 1334x750 screen resolution with 38 percent more pixels than the iPhone 5s.
- But the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus boasts 1920x1080 resolution, 187 percent more pixels than the iPhone 5s.
But both Retina HD displays features:
- Higher contrast that the previous generation to deliver deeper blacks
- Dual-domain pixels for more accurate colors at wider viewing angles
If the iPhone is your pocket camera, that's going to make Playback a lot more rewarding.
How about the brains behind that beauty?
The new 64-bit A8 chip is faster and more energy efficient and, combined with Metal, the new graphics technology in iOS 8, promises enhanced display performance. In addition the A8 chip uses an Apple-designed image signal processor that both still and video profit from.
That gives it 20 percent more CPU performance and 50 percent faster graphics performance in a size that's 13 percent smaller than the A7 chip in the iPhone 5.
And the built-in iSight camera got an upgrade as well.
The five-element f2.2 lens is matched to a new 8-megapixel sensor with Focus Pixel sensor technology to autofocus faster using phase-detect autofocus. Dedicated hardware resources also provide faster face detection.
iPhone 6 Plus users will also benefit from optical image stabilization technology to compensate for hand shake in low light. It also works with iOS 8 to reduce subject motion. Note that this is lens-based optical image stabilization that is determinted by the built-in gyroscope working with the A8 chip and M8 motion coprocessor and is only available on the larger iPhone. The iPhone 6 offers digital image stabilization instead.
Panoramas, which are informed by the gyroscope, are now 43-megapixels and HDR photos can be captured in a single click that reads highlights before shadows.
High-definition video on iPhone now enjoys faster frame rates up to 60 fps for 1080p video and 240 fps for slow motion, as well as continuous autofocus, cinematic video stabilization and time-lapse video.
The FaceTime HD camera now captures over 80 percent more light with a new sensor, larger f2.2 aperture and advanced new features including burst mode and HDR video.
See Apple's iPhone Comparison Page for more detail.
CONCLUSION
It's always tempting to let skepticism masquerade as intelligence. And Apple has left a lot of pretenders in its wake as its products prove out over the years.
But it is difficult to imagine let alone appreciate what a morning's announcements might mean to what we can do tomorrow.
For creatives, that kind of difficulty is exciting. And that makes today an exciting one for us.
Apple Unveils Apple Watch, Apple's Most Personal Device Ever
CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Apple has unveiled Apple Watch, its most personal device ever, featuring revolutionary new technologies and a pioneering user interface with a beautiful design that honors the rich tradition of precision watchmaking. Apple Watch introduces a specially designed and engineered Digital Crown that provides an innovative way to scroll, zoom and navigate. The Digital Crown is Apple's most revolutionary navigation tool since the iPod Click Wheel and iPhone Multi-Touch . Apple Watch will enable you to communicate in new ways right from your wrist by sending and receiving messages, answering calls to your iPhone and with Digital Touch, sending something as personal as your own heartbeat. Apple Watch also introduces comprehensive health and fitness apps that can help people lead healthier lives. Apple Watch is available in three distinct collections: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition.
"Apple introduced the world to several category-defining products, the Mac, iPod, iPhone and iPad," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "And once again Apple is poised to captivate the world with a revolutionary product that can enrich people's lives. It's the most personal product we've ever made."
"With Apple Watch, we've developed multiple technologies and an entirely new user interface specifically for a device that's designed to be worn. It blurs the boundary between physical object and user interface," said Jony Ive, Apple's senior vice president of Design. "We've created an entire range of products that enable unparalleled personalization."
Apple Watch introduces a revolutionary design and iOS-based user interface created specifically for a smaller device. Apple Watch features the Digital Crown, an innovative way to scroll, zoom and navigate fluidly, without obstructing the display. The Digital Crown also serves as the Home button and a convenient way to access Siri . The Retina display on Apple Watch features Force Touch, a technology that senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way to quickly and easily access controls within apps. Apple Watch introduces the Taptic Engine and a built-in speaker that together discreetly enable an entirely new vocabulary of alerts and notifications you can both hear and feel. Apple custom-designed its own S1 SiP (System in Package) to miniaturize an entire computer architecture onto a single chip. Apple Watch also features WiFi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 4.0 to pair seamlessly with your iPhone.
Apple Watch comes in three distinct collections -- Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition -- available in two different sizes, 38mm and 42mm. The beautifully designed and durable enclosures are crafted from custom alloys of polished or space black stainless steel, space gray or silver anodized aluminum and 18-karat rose or yellow gold. Apple also created an entire range of watch straps: the high-performance elastomer Sport Band; the Milanese Loop in a flexible magnetic stainless steel mesh; the Leather Loop in soft, quilted leather that conceals magnets for quick fastening and adjustment; the leather Modern Buckle, which closes with a solid metal clasp; the leather Classic Buckle; and the stainless steel Link Bracelet. Apple Watch comes with a unique charging system that combines Apple's MagSafe technology with inductive charging for a quick connection that snaps into place.
Apple Watch is an extremely accurate timepiece that's also customizable for personal expression. Apple Watch comes with 11 watch faces ranging from traditional analog faces to new faces like the dynamic Timelapse face; the Astronomy face with its interactive, real-time 3D model of the earth, sun, moon and planets; and the Solar face, a contemporary sundial. Apple Watch can be personalized in appearance and capability with additional information such as upcoming events, moonphases or your activity level, enabling millions of possible configurations.
Taking advantage of its location on your wrist, Apple Watch provides timely information that can be viewed at a glance. Smart Replies and dictation let you respond quickly to messages and with Handoff, you can start a message on your Apple Watch and continue where you left off on your iPhone. Swipe up from the watch face for Glances that quickly show you information you care about, such as your current location, stocks or your next meeting. Pressing the side button brings up Friends, a view of your favorite people, so you can contact them quickly and easily. Digital Touch allows you to send a sketch, a gentle tap, an audio message through Walkie Talkie or even your own heartbeat. Apple Watch lets you interact quickly and conveniently with the world around you, so you can pay for coffee using Apple Pay ,* board a plane with a Passbook boarding pass, control your Apple TV or get directions.
Apple Watch includes a groundbreaking Activity app designed to help motivate you to be more active throughout the day and an all-new Workout app designed to provide the metrics you need during dedicated workout sessions. Apple Watch uses the accelerometer, a built-in heart rate sensor, GPS and WiFi from your iPhone to provide a comprehensive picture of your daily activity. The Activity app measures three separate aspects of movement: calories burned, brisk activity and how often you stand up during the day. The Workout app provides goal-setting and pacing during popular session-based workouts, such as running and cycling. The companion Fitness app on iPhone collects your activity data so you can see your activity history in greater detail. Apple Watch uses this history to suggest personal, realistic goals, reward fitness milestones and keep you motivated.
Apple introduces WatchKit, providing new tools and APIs for developers to create unique experiences designed for the wrist. With Apple Watch, developers can create WatchKit apps with actionable notifications and Glances that provide timely information. Starting later next year, developers will be able to create fully native apps for Apple Watch.
Pricing & Availability
Apple Watch will be available in three collections. Apple Watch, with a polished or space black stainless steel case and a choice of straps; Apple Watch Sport, with a space gray or silver anodized aluminum case and Sport Band; and Apple Watch Edition, with an 18-karat rose or yellow gold case and a choice of straps exclusive to this collection. Apple Watch straps include the Sport Band in black, blue, green, pink and white; the Classic Buckle in black and midnight blue; the Leather Loop in bright blue, light brown and stone; the Modern Buckle in midnight blue, brown, soft pink, rose gray and bright red; the Milanese Loop in stainless steel; and the Link Bracelet in brushed stainless steel and polished space black. Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 starting at $349. Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running the latest version of iOS 8.
Apple Announces iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus, The Biggest Advancements in iPhone History
Dramatically Thin Design Features Stunning Retina HD Displays, Powerful A8 Chip, Advanced Cameras & Apple Pay
CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Apple has announced iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the biggest advancements in iPhone history, featuring two new models with stunning 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch Retina HD displays and packed with innovative technologies in an all-new dramatically thin and seamless design. The new iPhones feature a precision unibody enclosure of anodized aluminum that conforms seamlessly with the shaped glass of the display, resulting in a completely smooth and continuous surface. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are engineered to be the thinnest ever, delivering a bigger display in a design that is still comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Packed with innovative new technologies, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus include: the Apple-designed A8 chip with second generation 64-bit desktop-class architecture for blazing fast performance and power efficiency; advanced iSight and FaceTime HD cameras; ultrafast wireless technologies; and Apple Pay , an easier way to simply and securely make payments with just the touch of a finger. Both models include iOS 8, the latest version of the world's most advanced mobile operating system, featuring a simpler, faster and more intuitive user experience with new Messages and Photos features, QuickType keyboard, a new Health app, Family Sharing and iCloud Drive .
"iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are the biggest advancements in iPhone history," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "The iPhone is the most loved smartphone in the world with the highest customer satisfaction in the industry and we are making it much better in every way. Only Apple can combine the best hardware, software and services at this unprecedented level and we think customers are going to love it."
For the first time iPhone is available in two new sizes: iPhone 6 features a stunning 4.7-inch Retina HD display with 1334x750 resolution, providing 38 percent more viewing area than iPhone 5s, while iPhone 6 Plus features an even bigger 5.5-inch Retina HD display with 1920x1080 resolution, providing 88 percent more viewing area and nearly three times the pixels than iPhone 5s. The Retina HD displays offer advanced technologies including higher contrast for deeper blacks and dual-domain pixels for more accurate colors at wider viewing angles.
With second generation 64-bit desktop-class architecture, the all-new A8 chip offers faster performance and is more energy efficient, delivering higher sustained performance with great battery life. With Metal, a new graphics technology in iOS 8, developers can take performance of the A8 chip even further to bring console-class 3D games to iPhone. The A8 chip also includes a new, powerful Apple-designed image signal processor that enables advanced camera and video features.
Both models include the M8 motion coprocessor that gathers motion data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, compass and the new barometer, which senses air pressure to provide relative elevation. The M8 motion coprocessor can continuously measure your motion data, even when the device is asleep, saving battery life for fitness apps that use the sensors all day. With iOS 8, motion data from M8 appears in the Health app so you can see how many flights of stairs you've climbed or how far you've walked or run. Developers can use CoreMotion APIs that take advantage of M8 and HealthKit to create apps that help you take better care of your health and fitness.
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus introduce Apple Pay, an easy way to securely pay for physical goods and services in stores or apps with just the touch of a finger. Users can pay securely and conveniently in stores by simply holding the phone near the contactless reader while keeping a finger on Touch ID ; there is no need to unlock your iPhone or launch an app. With Apple Pay, you can also make one-touch purchases within apps, without having to enter credit card or shipping information. All payment information is kept private, encrypted and stored securely in the Secure Element, a chip inside the new iPhones.
The iSight camera gets even better with a new sensor featuring Focus Pixels for faster autofocus, making it easier to quickly capture any moment. iPhone 6 Plus users will also benefit from optical image stabilization technology that compensates for hand shake in low light and works with iOS 8 to reduce subject motion. High-definition video on iPhone improves with faster frame rates up to 60fps for 1080p video and 240fps for slo-mo, as well as continuous autofocus, cinematic video stabilization and time-lapse video. The FaceTime HD camera now captures over 80 percent more light with a new sensor, larger f2.2 aperture and advanced new features including burst mode and HDR video.
With faster LTE download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users can browse, download and stream content faster. The new iPhones also support high-quality voice calls over LTE (VoLTE) as well as WiFi calling. With support for up to 20 LTE wireless bands -- more than any other smartphone in the world -- the new models make it easier to experience high-speed networks around the world. Both iPhones also include 802.11ac WiFi with speeds up to 433 Mbps and Bluetooth 4.0.
The new iPhones come with iOS 8, the biggest release since the launch of the App Store , delivering a simpler, faster and more intuitive user experience and new features including QuickType keyboard, a new Health app, Family Sharing and iCloud Drive. With more than 4,000 new APIs, iOS 8 allows developers to further customize the user experience with major extensibility features and robust frameworks such as HealthKit and HomeKit. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users also have access to the revolutionary App Store, which offers more than 1.3 million apps to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users in 155 countries around the world.
Pricing & Availability
iPhone 6 comes in gold, silver or space gray and will be available in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $199 for the 16-GB model, $299 for the 64-GB model and, for the first time, a new 128-GB model for $399 with a two-year contract. iPhone 6 Plus comes in gold, silver or space gray and will be available in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $299 for the 16-GB model, $399 for the 64-GB model and $499 for the new 128-GB model with a two-year contract. Both models will be available from the Apple Online Store, Apple's retail stores and through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, additional carriers and select Apple Authorized Resellers. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK beginning on Friday, Sept. 19 and customers can pre-order both models beginning on Friday, Sept. 12.
Apple-designed leather cases will be available in black, soft pink, olive brown, midnight blue and for $45 for iPhone 6 and $49 for iPhone 6 Plus and silicone cases in black, blue, pink, green, white and for a suggested retail price of $35 for iPhone 6 and $39 for iPhone 6 Plus through the Apple Online Store, Apple's retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.
iPhone 5s will be available in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $99 for the 16-GB model and $149 for the 32-GB model and an iPhone 5c 8-GB model will be available for free. iOS 8 will be available as a free software update starting on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Some features may not be available on all products. Apple Pay will be available to U.S. customers as a free software update to iOS 8 this October.