Apple Unveils The New iPhone, Watch
By Edward Cardenas
SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Weeks of the rumors, guessing and wishing came to an end Tuesday as Apple unveiled two versions of the iPhone 6 and the Apple Watch.
The nearly two-hour event hosted by CEO Tim Cook and other Apple officials had its high points with release of the new, larger iPhones; unveiling of the Apple Pay mobile payment feature; the introduction of the Apple Watch and free download of U2's new album to all iTune subscribers.
But it also had a fair share of glitches with nearly the first half of the event streamed by Apple encountered freezing, buffering and the voice of a translator following the presenters.
iPhone 6 facts from the live stream, and CNET:
- There will be two sizes for the phone with the iPhone 6 at 4.7- and iPhone 6 Plus which is 5.5-inch screens. These are larger than the current 4-inch screens. The phones will also be thinner than the current iPhone 5.
- Prices start at $199 for the 16GB iPhone6, and $399 for a 128GB version. The iPhone 6 Plus ranges from $299 for the 16 GB to $499 for 128GB.
- Both models have increased screen resolution, and enhanced features when the phones are in horizontal mode.
- The glass curves around the edges of the phone.
- The camera and video features with enhanced blink and smile detection, image stabilization, and slow motion feature.
- A faster A8 processor.
- Longer battery life.
- Consumers can start ordering the phones Friday, and they will ship Sept. 19.
Apple Pay:
- The Apple Pay mobile pay feature allows the iPhone to be used like a credit card.
- With a simple touch, consumers can pay for purchases at retailers including Macy's, Walgreen's, McDonald's (in the restaurant and via the drive-thru). Web retailers including Groupon, Uber and Major League Baseball will accept Apple Pay.
- Apple does not collect data from where consumers shop, and each transaction uses a one-time payment number. The Find My iPhone feature can be used to suspend payments from the device.
- Apple Pay will be available on iPhone 6 and Apple Watch.
Apple Watch:
- The long-rumored Apple wearable was confirmed during the event.
- The square-Apple Watch comes in two sizes, and three different collections with the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and 18K gold Apple Watch.
- The Apple Watch requires an iPhone to operate.
- There are health apps on the Watch which can monitor everything from pulse to the intensity of workouts.
- It also can differentiate between a touch and tap on the face of the Watch to swipe between functions, but also utilizes the dial - or crown - on the side of the watch to navigate.
- Messages can be sent by voice, popular responses, drawings made on the Watch and animated emojis.
- Other apps include a check-in option for American Airlines; a W Hotels app which allows users to unlock their doors; Major League Baseball scores and a parking app to help direct car owners back to their vehicles.
- It will start at $349, and will be available in early 2015.
In addition to releasing new phones and watch, Apple announced the release of iOS 8 operating system on Sept. 17 and all iTunes subscribers can download the new U2 album for free.
Cook has been CEO of Apple since Aug. 2011, and made the announcement at a historic location for the company. Steve Jobs unveiled the Macintosh computer in 1984 at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in .