iPhone X Event Round-up
Tim Cook opened Apple keynote talking about Steve Jobs and his legacy. It was the first event held in Steve Jobs Theatre located in the new Apple campus. But in this post we would like to focus on presented products, starting with new…
Apple Watch Series 3
From the outside there is only one difference between old and a new Apple watch — red dot on a digital crown. Inside we will find 70% faster processor and built-in altimeter. Of course it supports all new features of upcoming WatchOS 4, like improved training app, integration with Apple Music and new watch-faces.
The most important feature is LTE connectivity. Watch will share the same phone number as your iPhone and will be fully independent. For example, you can take only your watch to the beach and not worry what to do with your iPhone when you go swimming. However, this feature is available in selected countries.
Apple Watch Series 3 has a slightly different line-up than its predecessor. Stainless steel and ceramic case (including new, gray color) is only available for Apple Watches with cellular connectivity. As a results in markets, where Watches with LTE won’t be available, Series 3 will be offered only in aluminum.
AppleTV 4K
From the name of the AppleTV we can guess what is the most important new feature. New AppleTV looks the same as older one, but it is powered by the same processor as the iPad Pro and supports 4K video with HDR (High Dynamic Range). HDR delivers brighter and more realistic color. However, you need a good TV to actually experience it.
All your movies that you bought from iTunes in HD will be available in 4K HDR for free.
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 plus
Apple skipped the 7S and introduced new iPhone 8 and 8 plus. We must wait till the next generation to see if there is a new naming scheme for iPhone or Apple just wanted to harness the buzz that arise with rumors about next-gen iPhone.
New iPhones have a new design, with glass back. Apple claims that is the most durable glass ever in a smartphone. The glass back enables wireless charging. We can see a shift in Apple philosophy about it. After iPhone 5 was released Phil Schiller was interviewed by All Things D:
As for wireless charging, Schiller notes that the wireless charging systems still have to be plugged into the wall, so it’s not clear how much convenience they add. The widely-adopted USB cord, meanwhile, can charge in wall outlets, computers and even on airplanes, he said.
“Having to create another device you have to plug into the wall is actually, for most situations, more complicated,” Schiller said.
Apple will also release AirPower, an inductive charger that will allow to charge three devices (iPhone, AppleWatch and AirPods) at once. Before 2018 when AirPower will be released new iPhones can be charged wirelessly with Qi standard compliant chargers.
New iPhones have improved screen, supporting True Tone. A technology that adjust white balance to match the ambient light. It was introduced in iPads Pro.
Camera also was upgraded. Again, only Plus model has two lenses and support for Portrait mode. Portrait mode is improved with Portrait Lighting. New feature the allows to simulate studio lighting effects. A lot of improvements in iPhone photography comes from new ISP (Image Signal Processor) and new chip — A11 Bionic.
A11 Bionic has 6 cores. Four efficiency cores that are 70% faster than A10 Fusion from iPhone 7. And two performance cores that are 25% faster. Geekbench scores put that CPU on a par with performance CPUs used in MacBook Pros.
Apple ditched the rose-gold finish in favor of new hue of gold. Base capacity is increased to 64GB.
iPhone X
There was a lot of rumors and speculations about new, more expensive iPhone with edge-to-edge display. And here it is…
iPhone X (ten, not ex) has a OLED 5.8" display. Display takes almost whole front of the new iPhone. There is only a small notch on a top a screen packed with cameras and sensors.
Those sensors are used for Face ID. Since iPhone X has no home button which accommodated Touch ID sensor, Apple needed to create a new, secure way to unlock your phone. Face ID create a depth-map of your face and compares it to the saved model in the Secure Enclave. It uses infrared, so you can unlock your phone even in the darkness.
This technology enabled also animated emoji (called Animoji) and portrait mode in selfie camera. Camera is even better than in iPhone 8 plus. It has Optical Image Stabilization and larger aperture.
All features from iPhone 8 like faster processor and wireless charging are also available.
iPhone X will be available in Black and White and will start at 999$ for 64GB version.
New form factor brings another screen resolution and aspect-ratio. Also the notch on the of the screen, rounded corners and lack of the home button introduce new design considerations.
