by
Mark Ollig
“I’m
backstage and this is my first tweet from my iPhone 6. It’s amazing. You’re
going to love it,” read Apple’s CEO Tim Cook’s message to Twitter, just before
his presentation began.
Last
Tuesday, Apple held its much anticipated special event inside the Flint Center
in Cupertino, CA.
Once
the livestream broadcast started, I heard thunderous, hearty applause from the
large number of people greeting Cook as he took the stage.
He
waved his hand, and while smiling broadly said, “Good morning!”
As
this event was being streamed live over the Internet from Apple’s website – a
problem occurred.
Frustration:
Apple’s livestream stopped working, which left many of us who were watching,
scrambling onto Twitter and social media blogs to learn what was happening from
those reporting directly inside the Flint Center.
The
livestream eventually began working again, and the information about Apple’s
new products made it out to the masses.
The
next iPhone is, unsurprisingly, named the iPhone 6.
The
smaller iPhone 6 model has a 4.7-inch display screen, while the iPhone 6 Plus
features a 5.5-inch display screen.
Both
come in a silver, gold, or space gray finish case.
There
are three storage size configurations: 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB.
The
new iPhones have Retina HD (high-definition) screens featuring greater display
resolutions.
There
was no mention about the much rumored Sapphire display screen for the new
iPhones.
I
went to Apple’s website, wanting to “look under the hood” so to speak, to see
more details of the technology used.
The
new iPhones are using the A8 processor chip, which is built on their second-generation
64-bit desktop architecture. They are also using the M8 motion coprocessor.
The
A8 is small. This chip is produced using 20-nanometer process technology,
which, incredibly, allows it to contain some 2 billion transistors.
This
design also reduces power consumption.
One
of the feature enhancements on the iPhone 6’s video camera is cinematic video
stabilization – it’s like having a steady-cam built into your phone.
A
time-lapse video shot allows one to use a quick “tap” to capture a long period
of time, while focused on a subject.
Apple’s
presentation showed the new iPhone’s video “slow-mo” playback mode, which I
thought was pretty cool.
Also,
continuous camera autofocus shot using Focus Pixels means the focus changes are
automatic and almost undetectable.
A
new health app (application) which the Mayo Clinic assisted with, can record
and measure a person’s physical activities, and will host other third-party
applications.
The
new Apple operating system, iOS 8, will be available as a free download Sept.
17 for the new, and most of the previous, iPhones, iPods, and iPad smart
devices.
Having
the iOS 8 on one’s Apple smart device will allow folks to use Siri (Apple’s
voiced personal assistant app) to control smart devices in the home, and assist
in using health and fitness apps.
Towards
the end of this Apple special event, a brand-new Apple product was introduced.
The
audience stood and erupted with cheers as Cook announced there was “one more
thing.”
This
was reminiscent of what Steve Jobs would say at the close of a keynote address,
before revealing a new product or technology.
I
think most of us watching, and those in attendance, knew what was coming.
Yes,
it was the announcement of Apple’s wearable smart-watch.
And
no, Apple didn’t call it the iWatch.
It’s
simply called: Apple Watch.
Personally,
I would have preferred “iWatch.”
Of
course, this ergonomically-fashionable Apple Watch has all sorts of cool bells
and whistles; including the way one navigates within the apps with the user
interface, via manipulation of the “digital crown,” which resembles the metal
turning-wheel used to set the time on a regular watch.
During
the presentation, it was noted how the user interface for the original
Macintosh computer was a mouse, the first iPod used a click wheel, and the
first iPhone used a multi-touch interface on its screen.
For
Apple’s brand-new smart watch, we will need to learn how to operate a very
small mechanical metal turning-wheel, in order to control and use the apps.
Alright,
I am not so thrilled about this, but I suppose trying to navigate, zoom in on,
and open individual apps using finger “tap and swipe” on the small surface of a
glass watch is not very practical.
Apple
smartly explained this digital crown “answers the fundamental challenge of how
to magnify content on a small display.”
The
Apple Watch will be tethered to, and will communicate with the iPhone, allowing
it to send and receive messages, and answer phone calls.
The
sensors under the watch will send muscle-vibration haptic feedback signals to
the user for various notifications. They will also be used for gathering
information by Apple’s health app, such as the wearer’s heart beat and pulse.
The
Apple Watch allows one to customize its screen appearance, and a person can
choose from a variety of stylish, interchangeable wrist bands.
Oh,
and this new smart watch tells the time, too.
It
was disclosed we will need to wait until early 2015 to get the Apple Watch.
Apple’s
YouTube channel includes videos on their new iPhones, Apple Watch, and more:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Apple/videos.
Apple fans inside the Flint Center
