The new Phablet from Apple.
On Tuesday this week Apple unveiled two new versions of the iPhone , the iPhone6 and the iPhone 6 plus boosting the screen size of the iconic smartphone to 6.22 inches (158.1 mm) by 3.06 inches (77.8 mm) and0.28 inch (7.1 mm) thick weighing 6.07 ounces (172 grams).
Unveiling the new phones. Apple chief Tim Cook said the company was launching “the biggest advancement in the history of iPhones.” He was referring to the iPhones and the Apple watch.
The launch of Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus sees the company enter the ‘phablet’ market for the first time and soon to be known as the iPhablet.
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Phablet
This is a new word in the lexicon to describe devices that straddle the phone and tablet market – at 6.22 inches it is not quite a Tablet, but still able to make calls. Compared with Apple’s first ever iPhone, launched in 2008 which was 4.5 inches(114.4 mm) long, 2.4 inches(61.0 mm) wide and just less than ½ an inch (12.71mm) thick.
The iPhone 6 Plus is significantly bigger than any phone Apple has launched before, though obviously much smaller than an iPad mini. Having not tried the iPhone 6 we do not know the advances personally, but the two new versions of the phone, have larger screen sizes with the 6 plus entering a new sphere by popular description at least.
Both phones are much thinner and with extended battery life and at 6.9mm thick for the iPhone 6 and 7.1mm for the iPhone 6 Plus. This is a feat of engineering and the finish looks good with a smooth metal surface that seamlessly meets the new Retina HD display, giving a 1920 × 1080 resolution for the plus version. We are told the dimensions are: 6.22 inches (15.8cm) in length, 3.06 inches (7.78 cm) wide, though it is very thin at 0.28 inch (0.7 cm). The definition of a phablet is a phone with the screen size between 5 inches and 7 inches.
Fingerprint security
Utilising the new iOS 8, Apple are boasting a breakthrough in touch ID technology, using a unique fingerprint identity sensor to make unlocking the phone easy and secure. Once registered all ( it is claimed ) you need to do is place your finger on the Home button, no matter what angle you come from portrait, landscape, or anything in between the iPhone reads your fingerprint and knows who you are. This will be very useful with the Apple Pay.
One of the most useful extras is the Apple pay wallet which we are told will be available in October 2014. The new wallet “ Apple Pay” lets you use iPhone 6 to pay in hundreds of thousands of stores with a single touch, according to the press information you can handle large payments covering many £100 GBP’s. We have come across many electronic wallets in our time, but we think it is fair to say that the Apple Pay will be the digital wallet that will rule the world, providing they register enough stores in Europe and the rest of the world.
However this will be even better if the Apple Watch is the preferred means of shopping. I can’t quite imagine getting out my Phablet to pay.
Not very easy or elegant.
We believe that Apple Pay will change how you pay with contactless payment technology and security features built right into the devices you have already accepted and you carry with you every day. We are certain that this will appeal to the younger generation.
However this raises a further question, how many of the younger generation have rejected watches in favour of mobile phones. So you can use your (dinner plate) ohh sorry I meant phablet or iPhone 6 plus to pay in an easy, secure, and private way.
So if the fingerprint security technology is applied to the Apple watch, this will allow you to make payments merely by hovering near the contactless reader and touching your finger on the Touch ID sensor and your payment will be sent.
Personal Security
We have tried mocking up of the many phablets and the iPhone 6 plus and found them to be a security risk, namely when using the phone by holding it to your ear. Your periphery vision is hampered and a would be mugger can easily approach on your blindside. If I ever want to use a phablet ( as a phone) I will definitely be using the Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology.
Like their predecessor the iPhone 5s, the two new models will come in silver, space grey and gold, and will be available to purchase from September 19th 2014.
Each will come in 16GB, 64GB and 128GB configurations, with the iPhone 6 costing between £540 and nearly £700 for the 128GB model. The iPhone 6 Plus or is it the iPhablet will cost from £619 up to nearly £790 for the new 128GB model.
Apple Watch sometime in 2015
The Apple Watch was described as a comprehensive health and fitness interface, and the traditional watch crown, which Apple calls the Digital Crown, is used to control the interface. Mr Cook compared it to the innovation of the mouse on the Mac, and click wheel on the iPod. The crown can be used to scroll through lists as well as zoom in on images and maps.
A huge array of designs and straps were shown on-stage, before the audience rose to give Mr Cook a standing ovation.
