Apple unveils 'stronger' iPhone 6s, 6s Plus; large iPad

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Apple unveils stronger iPhone 6s, 6s Plus; large iPad

Dubai - The new tablet with a 12.9-inch (32.7-centimeter) display also includes a detachable keyboard and stylus.

By Alvin R. Cabral

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Published: Thu 10 Sep 2015, 9:42 PM

Last updated: Fri 11 Sep 2015, 8:36 PM

Siri's days of excruciatingly teasing us are finally over as Apple officially unveiled its new line-up of devices, which is poised to create the usual buzz and anticipation among those itching to own it. And Apple chief executive officer made good on his initial words during the special event in San Francisco, promising "monstrous announcements".
At the over two-hour special event that started at 9pm in Dubai on Wednesday, the technology bellwether - as widely expected - launched the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, which featured highly-anticipated enhancements. The new phones have 3D Touch, which allows a user to do more actions on a single tap by pressing deeper without letting go.
A new 12-megapixel iSight camera was also unveiled, which produces high-quality photos. The five-megapixel FaceTime front camera comes with Retina Flash, which lights up the display up to three times brighter and acts as a flash for the front camera.
The new phones also have the capability to shoot 4K video, another major inclusion. The new iPhones are powered by the new 64-bit A9 chip with M9 motion co-processor, which is 70 per cent faster than the A8 - "desktop class" - and has 90 per cent quicker graphics - "console class". They also feature LTE Advanced and faster Wi-Fi, a 2nd-generation Touch ID system and the "strongest" aluminium cover glass.
The prices for the new phones that were revealed were for two-month contracts in the United States. For the iPhone 6S, it will be $199 for 16GB, $299 for 64GB and $399 for 128GB. The iPhone 6S Plus, on the other hand, will go for $299 for 16GB, $399 for 64GB and $499 for 128GB. It will be available on September 25.
Apple's new mobile operating system, iOS 9, meanwhile, will roll out on September 16.
iPad Pro
Also rolled out was the new iteration of the iPad, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which now has its very own complementary accessories - the Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil. (view gallery here)
It also has a battery life of 10 hours. Apple's new tablet is powered by the A9X chip, which makes it 80 per cent faster than portable PCs; graphics are quicker by 90 per cent. An AutoCAD demo on the iPad Pro showed how it can run at "buttery smoothness".
The iPad Pro will be available in November and will be priced starting at $799. The Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil will go for $169 and $99, respectively.
Apple Watch
Updates to the Apple Watch were also introduced. The new Watch OS2 will feature the introduction of Facebook Messenger and iTranslate onto the device; a GoPro camera can now be controlled using the Apple Watch, with the latter acting as the viewfinder.
A new medical app - AirStrip - was also demonstrated, which has the ability to go as far as showing live vital signs and even listen in to the heartbeat of a baby inside its mother.
Apple also announced its collaboration with high-street brand Hermes for a collection of new bands for the Watch.
Apple TV
The company also announced its latest generation of the Apple TV, which now comes with a remote control that features a touch surface. The new Apple TV - which runs on tvOS - has put a focus on content, with services such as Netflix, HBO and Hulu being remade.
And it's not just about television content; the Apple TV's remote, when tilted sidewards, acts as a controller for games. A unique feature of the new
Apple TV is voice-activated commands via Apple's digital assistant, Siri; a user can ask for live scores or weather. If you missed something that was spoken, you can ask Siri and it will recall it for you.
The Apple TV will be priced at $149 and $199 for the 32GB and 64GB models, respectively.
UAE retailers give new devices thumbs-up
UAE anticipation A couple of top officials of major UAE retailers contacted by Khaleej Times gave their thumbs-up on the new devices.
"We expect the new iPhone[s] to outpace the iPhone 6 [models] because of the additional features and upgrades," axiom chief executive officer Faisal Al Bannai said.
"Apple has a true understanding of its discerning customers, and therefore we expect its newest device will offer important upgrades that Apple enthusiasts value."
Emax chief executive officer Neelesh Bhatnagar, on the other hand, says the demand for smartphones will always be a driver for Apple products.
"[The new iPhones] will undoubtedly perform well, in line with consumer expectations. Moreover, the turnaround of smartphones in Dubai is high, bearing in mind [consumers'] high disposable incomes and the tech-savvy attitude," he said.
Both Al Bannai and Bhatnagar added that their companies have been receiving "several" enquiries regarding the new iPhones; the "excitement" that was felt since the launch date was made public will turn into "significant hype" after the announcement.
Customers, especially Apple fans, will be eager to know which date on their calendars must be encircled as they await when the new devices come to their respective markets.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com


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