In a series of announcements at today's Apple live event, the much-loved tech giant introduced many thrilling innovations — maybe too many. YouTube videos and press releases tell some of the story, but the plethora of tech news headlines cries out for a smaller list. That said, here are four top develoments we felt shouldn't be missed:
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iPhone X
Billed as "a new era for iPhone," chief design officer Jony Ive said with iPhone X "the device disappears into the experience." With a few months to wait and a hefty price tag attached, time must pass before first customers can dive into this redesign. Face ID will unlock it and empower animated emojis called "Animojis" for chat. Less obvious tech like the front-and-back cameras and wider range of colors are meant to work together in new ways. Water and dust resistance is meant to go anywhere. Wireless charging and Apple's most powerful chip yet add convenience and speed.
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
Available later this month, the iPhone 8 models offer a preview of some of the iPhone X's new technology, and they come optimized for augmented reality. Siri is ready to translate as users navigate virtual worlds mixed with their real world, and the advanced chip tracks where you are in both. Apple has partnered with Directive Games on the AR game Machines — "where players build an army of robots, and duke it out against a friend in person or online" — but that is only the beginning of the coming expansion in mixed reality interactivity, taking the Pokémon GO experience to its next level.
Apple Watch Series 3
Two models offer either GPS or GPS Plus Cellular service, giving users the option of independence from other devices, geared toward freedom and fitness. Available later this month, the company says, "the combination of cellular and watchOS 4 will allow Apple Music users to stream 40 million songs right from their wrist." For the first time Siri can engage users through the on-board speaker, and an altimeter tracks changes in elevation. Optimizations for cardio monitoring are designed to engage in internet-of-things communication with workout equipment from leading manufacturers, letting real world machines know how your body is doing.
Apple TV 4K
In addition to iTunes, this sharper and smarter television is expected to allow easy access to 4K content from Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. Dozens of other services are also in the line-up, on-screen notifications can be configured to track sports, and Siri is available so your voice can work while your fingers don't have to. Its built-in iPad Pro chip will also let you throw content from an iPad or iPhone easily up onto the big screen.
While none of this may change what it really means to be human, Apple and Siri clearly plan to kick off new, augmented experiences. Ideally these should let you better explore not only new technology, but also what it means to be you.
