7 Things We Weren't Expecting To See At The Apple Event
Yes, you got it right. Apple's stylus is a pencil.
By Tang Ruxyn — 10 Sep 2015, 01:21 PM — Updated about 9 years ago
1. The introduction of the biggest iPad yet, the iPad Pro
This is the biggest highlight of the Apple Event, and frankly, we are quite impressed!
More than any other iPad, the iPad Pro is being positioned as a creation device.
A device for getting stuff done, for making music, for editing a spreadsheet. That's why during its presentation, Apple didn't spend time highlighting the amazing games that could fill up its huge, high-resolution screen — it focused on the productivity apps you'll be using, like Office and Photoshop.
Features:
• 12.9-inch screen (big enough to support a full-sized keyboard)
• Thickness: 6.9 mm
• Weighs: 1.57 lb (0.71 kg)
• 78% bigger screen than the tablet first introduced in 2010
• Display resolution: 5.6 million pixels (more than a 15-inch Retina display MacBook Pro)
• A9X 64-bit chip, 1.8x faster than the previous chip
• 8-megapixel iSight camera, Touch ID and Facetime HD camera
• 10 hour battery life
• Available in three colours: gold, silver and space grey
Price: From USD799
2. Apple's version of a stylus is a Pencil
Who would have thought that we will finally see a stylus from Apple? Back in 2007, during the launch of the first ever iPhone at "Macworld " in San Francisco, late Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder, revealed his utter dislike for the stylus.
But with Tim Cook finally launching a stylus named "Apple Pencil", it's safe to say the company that literally revolutionised the smartphone market with its iPhone, is now more keen on playing the market line rather than disrupting it.
Oh, how the times have changed!
When you're using the Apple Pencil, the iPad Pro increases the amount of scanning on the surface of the display to improve accuracy. The Apple Pencil has sensitivity sensors so you can press lightly for brief strokes or harder for wider strokes. Apple claims it feels like a true writing or drawing instrument.
Apple Pencil can be recharged using a Lightning connector that plugs directly into the iPad Pro, and a 15-second charge will last for 30 minutes. Apps like the built-in Mail and Notes apps all support Apple Pencil, allowing you to ink in notes or email messages. It's not cheap though as it's set to retail at USD99.
theverge.com
It's also quite fascinating to witness the demonstration by Irene Walsh from 3D4Medical to show off the features of the Apple Pencil on the newest iPad
With 3D4Medical, doctors can zoom in on detailed anatomical models to show animated bones, muscles, and skin together. They can cut through layers of anatomy to simulate surgical procedures, show preset views of precise injuries, and even model the effects of arthritis by inserting bone spurs with the Apple Pen. Doctors can also annotate and draw directly on the model, and share it with a patient's iPad with a recording of the consultation.
3. Microsoft at an Apple Event... wait, what?
Yes, Microsoft presented at the Apple event. It's not like Microsoft crashed the party or anything. As a matter of fact, Apple invited Microsoft to come on stage to demonstrate Microsoft Office. Breakthrough.
Apple brought Microsoft's Kirk Koenigsbauer on stage to demonstrate how Office apps would work on the iPad Pro. For the most part, there's nothing unexpected here — Office for iPad is already a powerful and good looking suite of apps; now they're just optimized for the iPad Pro's larger screen. Office is also going to be supporting Apple's new stylus, the Apple Pencil.
theverge.com
4. Speaking of Microsoft, we can't help but to think of Microsoft Surface keyboard when saw Apple's Smart Keyboard
Apple’s Smart Keyboard snaps magnetically onto the iPad. It uses the same button technology as MacBook keyboards, and will only work with the iPad Pro.
It’ll cost USD169 and will also be available in November. No word on whether there will be a non-keyboard version of the cover as well.
qz.com
5. There's a brand new operating system to accompany a brand new Apple TV
"We believe the future of television is apps," said Tim Cook before introducing the expected new Apple TV.
The latest Apple TV features a third-party App Store, a new remote, Siri controls and a completely overhauled operating system. The TV now runs on tvOS, which is based on iOS and "built for the living room," according to Apple's Eddie Cue.
The biggest boost for the device is opening it up to third-party developers.
That means, you will soon be able to play games using Apple TV
At launch, there are already some big name titles like Guitar Hero Live, Rayman Adventures, and even Disney Infinity. Meanwhile, the Apple TV-exclusive Beat Sports – a very similar game to Wii Sports – lets you use the sensor-packed remote or even an iPhone or iPod touch as controllers for multiplayer games.
lowyat.net6. Rose Gold Colour for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
This wasn't particular surprising since there were already ongoing rumours about an additional colour for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 Plus. Yes, Rose Gold might just be a fancy name for the colour pink but we totally welcome the idea. So we now have the option to choose Rose Gold model that adds to the Gold, Silver and Space Grey which are already available.
Features:
• 3D Touch (force touch)
• 64-bit A9 chip
• 12MP back camera with 4K video recording
• 5MP FaceTime HD and Retina Flash - yay for sharper selfies!
• Extra-quick, new Touch ID
• 7000 series aluminum (aircraft-grade material) - no more bendgate hopefully!
• Available in four colors: silver, gold, space gray, rose gold
Price: From USD199
7. OneRepublic made a surprise appearance
In the final moments of the presentation, a musical guest came out to perform. OneRepublic, one of Apple CEO Tim Cook’s favorite bands, performed a few songs, including “Counting Stars” and “I Lived.”
According to frontman Ryan Tedder, the appearance wasn’t planned.
“We didn’t even know we were playing until ten minutes ago,” he told the crowd, before launching into the third and final song, “Good Life.”
He said, “I apologize for all the times you’ve been in Whole Foods and heard this song.”