This year, the anticipation surrounding Apple’s annual luncheon and product reveal has been tantalizing, to say the least. Rumors have been swirling for months about what new technologies may be unveiled, and their final announcements certainly did not disappoint!
First, Apple introduced their two latest phone models- the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus. They have the distinction of featuring the two largest screens (4.7” and 5.5”, respectively) that an Apple phone has ever featured. The new phones are also slightly slimmer than the iPhone 5S and boast improved battery life and a better camera.
Source: Apple.com
Apple also proudly unveiled their brand new Apple Pay program, which will allow owners of the iPhone 6 and 6 plus to begin making their purchases with a convenient tap of their phone- no cash or credit card needed! Although this capability isn’t groundbreaking (Several competitors have tried similar applications) no one has been able to quite capture this market in an optimal way. Apple, with its legions of loyal consumers and recent success track record may be the company poised to take this technology into the mainstream. The software behind it is called NFC (Near-Field Communication) and every phone will have a chip which allows the wireless transfer of money. For most people, not having to search for a credit card or cash will be a huge convenience! Much like it was with checks, the pace of an average payment transaction is quickening, and the time it takes to drop everything in search of payment has become too slow. The use of Apple Pay promises to be a substantial time-saver.
iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Feature Recap
Larger Screens Slimmer Design Improved Battery Life Improved Camera Performance Apple Pay Function
The final and perhaps most exciting revelation at this year’s launch was the highly anticipated Apple watch! For months there have been rumors circling that the current president of Apple, Tim Cook intended to reveal a wearable tech device, most likely a watch. It turns out that the rumors were true! The Apple Watch won’t be available until early next year, but the excitement for its release is tangible. To meet the demands of the fashion conscious as well as the tech savvy, the watch will feature the sleek rectangular design which iPhone has made famous. The displays are flexible and fully customizable, and Apple has presented three distinct varieties:
Standard- Stainless Steel Sport- Iodized Aluminum Case Edition- 18 karat gold
Appealing to the fashion forward everywhere, there are also six different bands which can be purchased and interchanged with the models for aesthetic variety! It isn’t just good looking however; to ensure their durability, the Apple Watches have all been equipped with flexible displays which are made from sapphire crystal.
For the tech fans, this new device takes interaction and responsiveness to another level. The watches are all equipped with advanced motion detection; it will automatically awaken when your arm is lifted. It can also be used as an advanced medical and vital signs device which can track your heart rate, footsteps and even your sleeping patterns. If the Apple Watch catches on, the waves which can be made in the field of healthcare would be tremendous! The smart watch’s display also features a touch screen, which is advanced enough to decipher between a gentle tap and applied pressure- both of which can be used as unique commands. There is a side knob which Apple has touted as the Digital Crown and will allow users to easily scroll or zoom on the main screen. The previously mentioned NSF technology which is available on the new iPhones will also be featured on the Apple Watch; a simple waive of your arm would take care of your payment transactions. Be advised, however, that the watch will need to be linked to an iPhone 5 or newer to use this function. While the prices for the Sport and Edition models were not yet revealed, the standard Apple Watch will begin at $349.00 when sales commence next year.
Aumcore is constantly innovating and integrating new technology as part of our successful business model. The healthcare features of the new Apple Watch align closely with some of our own efforts to advance healthcare with technology. Imagine a pair of glasses which can scan barcodes and provide product details on the spot. We’re in the midst of creating just that! Using Google Glass and our soon to be released app, doctors and patients alike will be able to easily gauge important specifications about over the counter prescriptions, locate nearby pharmacies and much more! As if that weren’t enough, we’ve also got two exciting new applications on the way which will make brilliant use of the larger screen and better resolution featured in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus!
So tell us, what do you think? Do you love the design and features of the new Apple Watch? Why or Why not? We want to know your thoughts!
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