Apple held an event today where it made a couple of announcements which included a new iPhone, an iPad and more. But let’s start with Tim Cook’s opening remark that was targeted to FBI.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said “We believe strongly that we have a responsibility to help your protect your data and protect your privacy,” he said. “We will not shrink from that responsibility.” This shows that Apple believes in the security and privacy of its’ customers.
Research and ‘Liam’
Apple’s VP of Environment Lisa Jackson announced that 93 percent of its facilities worldwide run on renewable energy, and reached its goal of 100 percent in 23 countries, including China and the United States. She also said 99 percent of its packaging is now made from recycled paper. Apple also showcased ‘Liam’ which is their smart robot that recycles old iPhones in a rather smart manner.
Carekit
Apple announced Carekit which is a research tool that will enable people to better understand data for various health conditions. iPhone owners will now be able to better track health vitals such as temperature, heart rate and range of motion for those with Parkinson’s Disease or those that have undergone surgery. Data from Carekit can be shared with doctors, and close friends or relatives to adjust treatment. Apple said that Carekit will be available starting April this year.
WatchOS and Apple Watch changes
Apple announced that a new update for WatchOS 2.2 will be rolling out to Apple Watch owners and for those who haven’t bought an Apple Watch yet. Apple has dropped the entry price of the Apple Watch to $299. Apple watch now has woven nylon bands with some funky color choices and their also added new Sport and leather bands.Finally multiple watches can be linked to a single iPhone if you have more than one.
tvOS and Apple TV updates
Apple announced minor updates for it’s TV based OS such as folders, Dictation, Live Photos and better Siri Integration. Apple had to brag about it’s figures just like in every other keynote. Apple says tvOS now has more 5000 apps.
iPhone 5SE – A new iPhone
We expected a new iPhone today and Apple also knew that we even knew the name of the new iPhone 5SE. Apple officially unveiled a 4 inch iPhone 5SE after showing numbers that indicated that many users still preferred the traditional 4 inch size. The iPhone 5SE comes with the same performance and camera as the iPhone 6S in a smaller footprint.
The 5SE has 12-megapixel camera with all the standard features, such as panorama, time lapse, slow-motion, 4K video capture, and Live Photos. The selfie cam has a true-tone flash as well. It offers LTE speeds 50 percent faster than the iPhone 5s. It’s got Touch ID and Apple Pay built in, too.
The iPhone SE starts at $399. Without a contract, you can purchase the device via its monthly payment plan starting at $17 and pre-orders will start in March 24th and it will be available in stores on March 31. Apple plans for the device to be in 110 countries by the end of May.
iOS 9.3 is now available
In what Apple dubbed as the biggest “dot update” to iOS, iOS 9.3 is now available for download. The update brings features such as the color-temperature changing Night Shift, Notes with Touch ID and password support. The News app also added Editors’ Pick, Top Stories and trending topics. CarPlay was updated with better Maps and an easier way to select music.The Health app now shows app suggestions to enable you get suggestions on which apps to download.
Apple didn’t forget students and teachers by adding features for students, teachers and administrators. Teachers can also glance at screens with a tap using the Classroom app, so they can get a better idea of how students are finding information. Educators can also launch apps to students’ devices, and lock those devices into an app to keep kids focused
A smaller iPad Pro
The rumours were on point this time. Apple unveiled a 9.7 inch retina display iPad Pro which weights less than one pound. Apple says the new iPad Pro has a Oxide TFT display for high contrast ratio, and is 47 percent less reflective than the iPad 2 which the lowest reflectivity of any tablet.
The new iPad Pro comes with four audio speakers, A9X chip, M9 motion coprocessor, a graphics drive as powerful as an Xbox 360, and a ‘Hey Siri’ handsfree compatibility. It also has the brightest screen with the widest color gamut Apple ever built. It’s designed to recognize ambient light to adjust the colors onscreen to best cast the tones for the most natural hues.
It has the same camera as the iPhone 6S with a dual tonne LED flash light to support the 12MP rear camera for shooting videos even in 4K. The Selfie cam packs 5MP.
The iPad Pro starts at $599 for 32GB and Wi-Fi and goes all the way up to 256GB of storage. That configuration applies to the original 12.9-inch iPad Pro as well. For those who love accessories, they include a smart keyboard, Lightning SD card reader, USB camera adapter, and the Apple Pencil.
Apple knows you love rose gold and it announced iPad Pro’s availability in Rose Gold. You can pre-order it starting on March 24th and ships on the 31st.
Well, the “Loop You in” apple event had a lot of anticipation but every good show comes to an end. Of course the feedback from the public is always different. Let us know what you loved and hated.
