The Big Apple News: iPhone 6, Watch
Apple’s much-anticipated announcements about its iPhone 6 and Watch finally were made last week. So much to say, so little space …
First off, the iPhone 6 will come in two sizes — 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch (iPhone 6 Plus) version. Both include the new A8 chip with second-generation 64-bit desktop, updated iSight and Face-Time HD cameras and near field communications (NFC). I’m glad NFC was finally added, since other smart-phones have had this capability for years. You’ll be able to use NFC for Apple’s new feature, Apple Pay, to make one-touch purchases within apps without having to enter credit card or shipping information. iPhone 6 features a Retina display with 1334 x 750 resolution (38 percent more viewing area than the iPhone 5), and the iPhone 6 Plus also has a Retina display, but with a 1920 x 1080 resolution (88 percent more viewing area and three times more pixels than the iPhone 5s). These displays offer higher contrast for deeper blacks and dual-domain pixels for more accurate colors.
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Both models include the M8 motion coprocessor that gathers data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, compass and new barometer (my favorite when hiking/running). Even when the device is asleep, it continuously will measure the data, which will save the battery life for your fitness apps.
Pre-orders for these new iPhones began last week, and they will be released Friday (Sept. 19). Prices are $199 (16GB), $299 (64GB) and $399 (128GB).
Nice, but still no option for external/expanded storage.
Then comes the Apple Watch, surprisingly not named “iWatch.” It comes in three collections: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport (60 percent stronger alloy case) and Apple Watch Edition (gold). I’m not much of a watch person, but I must say, it’s nice. There are different widths for men and women, so it won’t look awkward either way.
On the inside it has sensors, such as a heart-rate monitor, an accelerometer and NFC, so you can use it to pay for things. It can connect to your iPhone and uses GPS and Wi-Fi to track your movements on a bigger scale. Nothing was said about the battery life, but the charging will be done via an induction charging magnet. You can control the Apple Watch with touch and pressure input, and, of course, the dial on the side. Apple Watch will be available in early 2015, starting at $349.
Click Chick’s Mobile App of the Week: SimpliSavvy
Last week, Bank of Hawaii launched SimpliSavvy, a free iOS game that demonstrates the flexibility of its MyBankoh Rewards credit card program. It’s so simple to play that my 4-year-old daughter picked it up right away and enjoys the cute Savvy characters.
You start by choosing one of the Savvys — Munch the Foodie, Funster the Saver, Stylz the Fashionista and Yolo the Explorer. Tilt your device from side to side to move your Savvy and dodge falling items, such as ramen bowls, cameras, snorkels, vegetables, coffee cups, etc. As you’re doing that, you tap the screen to shoot My-Bankoh Rewards cards at the falling items.
Once you’re done with your games, you can share your scores on Facebook or Twitter. The MyBankoh Rewards you earn in the game do not translate into actual points to your account; instead, it’s meant to create awareness of the flexibility and simplicity of the credit card and how you could earn and redeem points if you use the card.
clickchick@outlook.com
