Apple reveals new technology, software updates in live-streamed press conference

Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the iPhone 7 at the product launch held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016. (Gary Reyes/Bay Area News Group/TNS)
Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the iPhone 7 at the product launch held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016. (Gary Reyes/Bay Area News Group/TNS)

In a live-streamed press conference that started with “Carpool Karaoke,” Apple unveiled its new technology and updates Sept. 7. This year brings a variety of new apps, software updates and a new generation of various products.

Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced each of the products, and various members of the company went more in-depth in the presentation. There were also guests from partners like Nike, Mario and Instagram.

Updates

Apple Music is getting a new, simplified design with the goal of making everything easier to find. “Music is such a key part of the user experience,” Cook said. “It just keeps getting better.”

The 10th Apple Music Festival will be in London Sept. 10 and can be live-streamed on many Apple devices.

The App Store is welcoming a new game, “Mario Run.” Creator Shigeru Miyamoto introduced the game, to be released in time for the holidays, and led a demonstration.

Apple’s ConnectEd program, which provides technology resources for struggling schools, is now in 114 schools. The “Everyone Can Code” program is taking off in a new app, and teachers are making this part of their curriculum.

iWork, the suite consisting of pages, keynote and numbers, is introducing real-time collaboration. Susan Prescott, vice president of product management, demonstrated the feature during the conference.

Apple Watch

A new software update called “watchOS 3” is in the watch. This was previewed in June and includes new features such as new watch faces, a new doc, messaging features and an SOS app.

"Pokemon Go" is also coming to the watch. John Hanke, CEO of Niantic Inc., introduced the app and said it was created in an effort to have more “heads up” play. A demonstration of how the app works on the watch was also done.

The next generation of Apple Watch was introduced, called “Series 2.” These watches are water resistant to 50 meters and use the speakers to eject any water that may have gotten in. Watches will also feature a dual-core processor, a brighter display and built-in GPS. New cases are also available, including a white ceramic case.

Apple has partnered with Hermès for different bands, and Nike+ for a version made specifically “with runners in mind.”

The Apple Watch Series 2 will be available Sept. 16, with a price tag of $369. The Apple Watch Nike+ will be available in late October, also for $369. The original Apple Watch, now called Series 1, will cost $269 starting Sept. 16.

iPhone 7

A new operating system, iOS 10, will be released Sept. 13. Cook called it “the biggest release ever.” It includes app updates for maps and messaging.

Phil Schiller, president of worldwide marketing, revealed the iPhone 7. He began with the design, noting a new finish called “Jet Black.” The iPhone 7 will also be available in black, silver, gold and rose gold.

The iPhone 7 includes two cameras, one with a wide-angle and one with a telephoto lens. This means there are new depth of field advancements for photographs. The camera will also include a sensor that reduces blur in photos.

The HD retina display has a wide color gamut, making colors stand out. The iPhone 7 also features two stereo speakers, one at the top of the phone and one at the bottom.

There will be no analog jack for headphones; all Apple headphones will use the Lightning jack. There will be an adapter included with the iPhone 7.

The home button has a new “taptic engine” that helps make responses faster. The phone is also water and dust resistant. The new A-10 Fusion chip makes the iPhone faster than before.

All of the storage configurations have been doubled, meaning the phone comes in 32 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB options. The “Jet Black” version only comes in 128 GB and 256 GB configurations. The iPhone 7 will cost $649, and the iPhone 7 Plus will cost $769. The iPhone 7 will be available Sept. 16.

AirPods

Apple is introducing cordless headphones that can pick up what device is being used, and include sensors that tell the pods when they’re in an ear. Both of these functions are due to the new W1 chip. Users can access Siri via a double tap, and other sensors pick up the user’s voice.

AirPods can be charged in their case. The case itself can be charged via a Lightning jack. They have a battery life of five hours.

These will cost $159 and be released late October.

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