List of five new products and services unveiled by Apple
SAN FRANCISCO
In an ambitious series of launches, technology giant Apple unveiled a range of new products and services at its event on Tuesday. Here is a list:
BIG-SCREEN iPHONES
Apple is stretching the screen size for its iPhones to better compete with devices from Samsung and others. The iPhone 6 will have a 4.7-inch screen and that of the Phone 6 Plus will be 5.5 inches,
moving into the "phablet" market.
Pricing will start at $199 for the iPhone 6 for US customers on a two-year contract and $299 for the larger model. The devices will be available September 19.
APPLE WATCH
Apple CEO Tim Cook talks about the Apple Watch during an Apple special event at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts on September 9, 2014 in Cupertino, California. AFP PHOTO | JUSTIN SULLIVAN
Described as the company's "most personal device ever," the Apple Watch will pair with iPhones and allow users to view messages and apps on the wrist.
The device will use a "digital crown" to scroll, zoom and navigate without obstructing the display. The side-mounted crown also serves as the home button and a way to access the Siri personal assistant.
The watch will be available in "early 2015" in two sizes and three collections, starting at $349.
APPLE PAY
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks about Apple Pay during an Apple special event at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts on September 9, 2014 in Cupertino, California. AFP PHOTO | JUSTIN SULLIVAN
Seeking to push forward adoption of mobile payments, Apple Pay will be built into the new iPhones with a Near Field Connection (NFC) antenna that allows users to tap their phones at retailers.
Apple Pay supports credit and debit cards from American Express, MasterCard and Visa, issued by many of the largest US banks.
Retailers that will support Apple Pay include Disney, Macy's, McDonald's, Sephora, Staples, Subway, Walgreens and Whole Foods Market, some 220,000 retail locations.
Apple Watch will also work on the system.
Apple Pay will debut in the US market in October, and Apple hopes to expand to other markets.
U2 ALBUM RELEASED
Apple CEO Tim Cook (left) announces the free download of the new U2 album on iTunes as members of U2 on September 9, 2014 in Cupertino, California. AFP PHOTO | JUSTIN SULLIVAN
In a surprise announcement at the California event, the Irish band U2 was present and released its first album in five years free on Apple's iTunes. The album features 11 new songs from the band and will be free on the iTunes Store in 119 countries for the next five weeks. "Songs of Innocence" instantly became the largest album release in history, with Apple announcing it had been sent out for free to half a billion iTunes customers.
iOS 8
Apple CEO Tim Cook showing the company's mobile operating system iOS 8, which will be made available on September 17. AFP PHOTO
Apple's mobile operating system iOS 8 which has been in the works for some time will be made available on September 17.
The new platform is a free software update for iPhones and iPads and will support features such as Apple's Health app that monitors health and fitness, and the HomeKit for home automation.
With HomeKit, users can say "good morning," and have the lights turned on in specific rooms, the thermostat adjusted and the garage door opened, for example.
The software will have improved security, faster messaging and a new virtual keyboard.
