The Latest news from Apple
Watch out for update to IWatch
Apple has recently also announced an upgrade to its smartwatch operating system that will be released on 16 September.
Watch OS 2 will allow third-party apps to run natively on the device rather than relying on a linked smartphone’s processor.
Apple announced new versions of its smartwatch and a software upgrade
In addition to loading faster, the apps will also gain the ability to play video and access the Watch’s microphone and sensors.
GoPro is taking advantage of this to allow users to see live streams from its action cameras on Apple’s wearable.
Facebook also revealed it is bringing its Messenger app to the platform.
IPhone gets an upgrade
The idea behind the new iPhone’s 3D Touch feature is that users can call up different functions by pressing the handsets’ screens firmly.
Examples of how it can be used include:
previewing an email or photo
swapping weapons in a video game
quickly switching into selfie photo mode
The handsets also gain the ability to shoot 4K videos – which means four times the amount of pixels of 1080p high definition video.
The iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus come in a new colour as well as offering 3D Touch
In addition, their back cameras have been upgraded to offer 12 megapixels rather than eight – Apple said it had ensured the extra resolution had not come at the cost of more noise.
The iPhones also get a processor boost. They will go on sale in a fortnight’s time.
One expert remarked that the upgrades were not as big as had been seen in some years, but were likely still enough to continue year-on-year sales gains.
“In developed markets Apple has a huge potential to sell to existing iPhone users who were not able to upgrade when the iPhone 6 launched because they were tied to contracts and then decided to wait until now,” commented Francisco Jeronimo from the research firm IDC.
“But in markets like China it’s about attracting new users.
“Those who were not attracted by the iPhone before will probably continue not to be interested.
“For the others, the new features themselves will not make a significant difference – it’s more important for Apple to grow awareness of its products.”
Apple TV
The device uses a remote control that features a touch-sensitive panel and a microphone that allows it to be voice-operated.
It uses the firm’s Siri virtual assistant to let owners ask what shows or movies based on their desired themes or favourite actors are available, and can bring back results from a range of services.
In addition, it can play video games.
“The future of TV is apps,” declared Mr Cook. The firm had previously described its TV boxes as a “hobby”.
Apple was one of the first tech companies to offer an internet-connected TV box, but Amazon, Roku and several smart TV-makers beat it to offering an app-focused experience.
Mr Cook acknowledged it had taken his company several years to introduce a TV app store.
“I don’t think they have missed an opportunity by waiting until now,” commented Ian Maude from Enders Analysis.
“There’s a lot of people out there who want to watch content that is only available online from the TV, and if Apple can show its device does things better than the alternatives you would expect them to start winning market share pretty quickly.”
Apple did not unveil a rumoured TV shows and movies subscription package of its own for the box, but Mr Blaber suggested that might follow next year.
“Broadcast content remains the challenge but growth in Apple TV will ultimately leave content providers with little option,” he said.
The new Apple TV offers an alternative to dedicated video game consoles
Much of the Apple TV presentation was dedicated to the video games it can play. The remote is motion sensitive, and works in a similar fashion to Nintendo’s Wii controllers.
The US firm has already had huge success with video game sales on its iPhones.
But one industry watcher questioned how disruptive the new box would be as a gaming device.
“There are already plenty of examples of set-top boxes and micro-consoles that play games, but none of those has had a dramatic impact on the market,” commented Piers Harding-Rolls from IHS Technology.
“That’s not to say that Apple entering the market won’t be significant.
“But when you think of what the high-end consoles can do – allowing things like Sony’s forthcoming Morpheus VR headset – what they offer can’t be replicated in terms of power.”
Source -BBC News
