Apple unveils latest technology

Infographic+on+new+iPhones.+Tribune+News+Service%2C+2017.

Infographic on new iPhones. Tribune News Service, 2017.

Nick Gates

Apple released new information on upcoming products at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, on Tuesday Sept. 12.

The event marked the grand opening of the theater named after the Apple co-founder who passed away in 2011.

 Apple Watch

Apple proved the watch’s popularity by announcing that the Apple Watch has surpassed Rolex as the top-selling watch in the world while receiving a 97 percent customer satisfaction rating.

A new operating system, watchOS 4, will be available for download on Sept. 19 with the addition of Apple Heart Study, a feature that detects irregular heart rhythm.

Thomas Parsons, manager of the Flash Technology Center at Kent State University, is impressed with the new Apple Watch features.

“I can see more and more people using it for health going forward,” he said.

The newest watch, the Apple Watch Series 3, will have built-in cellular that allows users to access a number of features without their phone.

Apple Watch Series 3 will be available on Sept. 22 at a price of $399 with cellular and $329 without.

Apple TV

 Apple announced that their media player, Apple TV, will now stream in 4K. This allows for the viewing of a higher quality of movies and television shows. Apple is also bringing the addition of live sports and news to its TV service.

Apple TV 4K starts at $179 and will be available on Sept. 22.

iPhone 8

The new iPhone 8 model features glass on both sides of the phone. According to Apple, this is the most durable glass that has ever been on a smartphone. Colors for the iPhone 8 are silver, space gray and gold.

Apple announced major improvements to the next model’s camera. The new, 12 megapixel camera will shoot higher quality images and photograph better in low-light. Portrait lighting, an addition to Apple’s portrait mode, allows users to change the lighting.

The new iPhones will have the ability to charge wirelessly. The glass back allows the phone to charge via a charging platform. Apple also introduced a charging dock capable of charging an iPhone, an Apple Watch and Apple Airpods all simultaneously.

“It doesn’t surprise me that they’re trying to go wireless,” said Parsons. “Steve Jobs was always real big about the wiring.”

The iPhone 8 starts at $699 and the iPhone 8 Plus is set at $799. Both become available on Sept. 22.

 iPhone X

Apple closed the event by announcing the much anticipated iPhone X.

This model features a complete redesign of the iPhone’s classic look, most notably with the removal of the home button. With this, Apple was able to add an edge-to-edge screen. iPhone X color options include space gray and silver.

The iPhone X will be the first phone to use facial recognition software in what Apple calls Face ID. With this feature, users will be able to unlock their phone using their facial features, as well as animate emojis with their own face.

“Everyone is going to have to rethink how they use their phone,” Parsons said.

The iPhone X will also use wireless charging and is equipped with a battery that lasts two hours more than the battery featured in the iPhone 7.

The iPhone X will set buyers back $999, but Parsons does not think the price tag will not stop Apple fans from buying it.

“I think for those people who want the latest and greatest, they won’t mind putting that on their phone bill,” he said.

The iPhone X will be available for purchase on Nov. 3.

Nick Gates is the technology and sports reporter. Contact him at [email protected]