Hands-On First Impressions of the New Apple Watch

Following today’s media event that saw the introduction of two new iPhones and Apple’s long-rumored wearable device, members of the press were invited to go hands-on with all of Apple’s new products. Several sites have posted hands-on first impressions of the Apple Watch, which we’ve gathered up below to give an overall picture of the look, feel, and function of the device.

First of all, Jared Nelson from our sister site TouchArcade was able to get a hands-on glimpse at the Watch, and an overview from an Apple employee who walked him through several different features on the device. “We are truly living in the future,” said Nelson after trying out both the Watch and the iPhone 6.

According to The Verge, the smaller Watch model felt “very solid and surprisingly light,” and the wrist strap was “supple” and comfortable to wear. The site also thinks the device looks “better than most of the smartwatch competition out there,” and got a look at the “Digital Crown” control.

The “digital crown” that Tim Cook spent so much time enthusing about on stage did its job when an Apple representative showed it to us, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to try it for myself. That said, if the model running the demo loop is any indication, the dial offers very little resistance. It didn’t exactly spin around freely, but neither did I feel any clicking or other forceful feedback as I twisted it. Presumably the feeling that I wasn’t getting much feedback from the dial itself is mostly a function of the fact that it wasn’t doing anything on the demo unit — and so spinning it will feel quite different when it’s moving software around.

Engadget also got a chance to try out the watch, but wasn’t able to test specific features as the demo units were only displaying screenshots. The site tried both the polished steel version with a leather loop strap and the aluminum Sport version, saying that both had an “impeccable” build quality.

The bands were both comfy, though I preferred the look and feel of the leather loop. The magnets inside the leather seem to do the job of clasping well, though without the same magnetic force as those accustomed to the MagSafe connectors found on Apple laptops. As for the rubber sport band, I had some trouble fitting the metal nubbin into its appropriate hole, and I got a little pinch on the underside of my wrist when tucking it into the band. We imagine we’d get the hang of fitting it quickly and painlessly eventually, but our first time strapping it on was not all pleasant.

Gizmodo‘s first impression of the Apple Watch is that it “could live up to its promises” and that it feels “significantly more premium” than the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live. The site also praised the “digital crown,” saying that “it feels like you’re wearing a watch that just happens to be digital.”

As for the software, I wish I could tell you more. I watched my new Apple friend demonstrate Glances, which brings up Google Now-like info cards with an upward swipe, that can be rotated through with subsequent right and left swipage. I can confirm that it works, and that it was zippy, at least on this pre-release model.

SlashGear says that the Watch’s display is “bright and vivid,” and that Apple’s choice of materials makes the device feel “premium and solid.”

What helps differentiate the Apple Watch from other smartwatch attempts is the sheer range of options and customizations possible. Other platforms perhaps allow for a couple of strap changes, and maybe two or three case colors; Apple, on the other hand, has put out a full three ranges of different options.

Different straps, different clasps, different colors of straps and clasps; metal, leather, rubber, and all in different colors and finishes. That’s before you get to the variations in casing color and even material, ranging to premium 18 karat gold.

Based on the several first impressions of the device, it appears that Apple has quite a bit of work to do to perfect the software and the interface, even if the device itself appears complete hardware-wise. Apple is planning to wait until early 2015 to debut the device, which gives it plenty of time to iron out the kinks. Check out our full Apple Watch post for more details on the device.

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Apple is giving away U2’s new album ‘Songs of Innocence’ on iTunes

To close out today’s event, Apple CEO Tim Cook and U2 announced that the band’s newest album is launching right now on iTunes. It’s available free, and will be there exclusively until October 13th to all account holders. If you don’t have an account, just create one within the next five weeks and you can download all 11 tracks from Songs of Innocence free of charge. The servers are (predictably) a bit slammed, but it should be available right in the albums section of iTunes on PCs or your Apple device to download it. It will also be available on iTunes Radio and Beats Music for streaming, starting tomorrow. U2 closed out the show by performing the album’s lead single “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)”. Rolling Stone has some details from band members about the collaborations (Danger Mouse, Flood and some of Adele’s producers) and influences for the album, but check back here to get our first impressions of both new iPhone 6 models, and the Apple Watch.

Filed under: Internet, Apple

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Source: Apple, iTunes, Apple.com/U2

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iPhone 6 pricing in the UK: what you need to know

The rumours were true: Apple’s finally expanded the size of its smartphones and launched two new models: the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. With the company’s new A8 processor controlling things, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus clock in at least 25 percent faster than the iPhone 5s, offering up to 50 percent better battery life and more power for the most intensive 3D games. There’s also an improved M8 motion coprocessor for better fitness tracking, as well as a dedicated “image signal processor” that’ll deliver slower-motion video (up to 240fps) while offering clearer and more vibrant photos (thanks to its new Focus Pixels auto-focusing tech).

Specifications aside, you’re probably wanting to know when both devices will become available and how much they’ll cost. Both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will go on general sale from September 19th, but in keeping with tradition, Apple will open pre-orders a little earlier. Come this Friday (September 12th), you’ll be able to secure a new unlocked iPhone for the following prices:

You can, of course, also order your device direct from an operator. EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three have already confirmed they’ll be ranging the devices, possibly allowing you to reduce the cost if you sign up to a 24-month deal. While none of the carriers have announced pricing, we’re on the case and will keep you updated ahead of Friday’s pre-order go-live.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple

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Source: Apple Store

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The iPhone 6 Plus preview (hands-on)

An iPhone with a 5.5-inch display? A few years ago, it seemed as though Apple would never relent to doing such a thing — after all, a 3.5-inch display was more than sufficient at the time. In 2014, however, it’s a bit of a different story. There’s a wide variety of phone sizes out there, and a lot of different markets that Apple could appeal to by offering a large device. With the iPhone 6 Plus, Apple is now able to address those who don’t mind using a big phone for its extra screen real estate and larger battery. We had the opportunity to play with the Plus for a spell after Apple’s keynote this morning, and it’s got a bright future ahead. Check out our photos and video below as we continue to bring you our thoughts on the giant iPhone.

First, the elephant in the demo room was the phone’s size. After all, 5.5-inch screens won’t appeal to everyone, especially folks who have been used to 3.5- and 4.0-inch iPhones for the last seven years. But we brought a 5.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with us to compare, and while the Note takes advantage of the S Pen and its litany of features, it’s also just a tad wider and thicker than the Plus. Apple’s version also benefits from having curved edges which are actually easier to grip onto than I was originally expecting; I’m used to carrying phones with large displays, and the iPhone 6 Plus is just as comfortable to hold as most other devices its size.

Developing…

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Apple

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We got our hands on the Apple Watch

The rumors, flying for many moons now, have turned out to be true. Meet Apple’s first wearable, the aptly, if uncreatively, named Watch. While the name’s a bit mundane, Apple’s making a big effort to make the thing as customizable as it can, with two sizes, three materials and a slew of different watch bands. We didn’t get to put our fingers on every permutation of the Watch, but we did get to try on a couple of them. Join me after the break, won’t you, and find out what they’re like.

Unfortunately, Apple wouldn’t let me actually interact with the Watch’s UI, as the demo units were simply rolling through screenshots while it was strapped to my wrist. I got to try on both the regular polished steel with a leather loop strap and one of the aluminum Sport versions. As you’d expect, the build quality of each was impeccable, with a smooth scrolling crown control and a satisfyingly solid snick happening when pressing it or the button situated alongside.

The bands were both comfy, though I preferred the look and feel of the leather loop. The magnets inside the leather seem to do the job of clasping well, though without the same magnetic force as those accustomed to the MagSafe connectors found on Apple laptops. As for the rubber sport band, I had some trouble fitting the metal nubbin into its appropriate hole, and I got a little pinch on the underside of my wrist when tucking it into the band. We imagine we’d get the hang of fitting it quickly and painlessly eventually, but our first time strapping it on was not all pleasant.

Filed under: Wearables, Mobile, Apple

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