Apple iPhone 7 Plus camera: Dual camera tech explained
Apple just unveiled its “best iPhone yet” (we were waiting for the quote to drop too) and it comes with a more advanced camera proposition than its predecessors.
But this time there’s a key difference between iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: the latter coming with dual cameras. So what’s the deal and what can dual camera tech offer?
Apple iPhone 7 Plus dual camera explained: Wide-angle and 2x tele
We’ve seen dual cameras before in devices, from the LG G5’s wide and super-wide lenses, to the Huawei P9’s colour and monochrome sensors.
The iPhone 7 Plus does things differently: the first camera is a 23mm (equivalent) wide-angle, which is wider-angle to fit even more into the frame than the previous iPhone 6S’s 29mm (equivalent).
The second lens, which is absent in the standard iPhone 7, offers double the focal length, to act like a 2x multiplier; a 56mm equivalent. That’s the opposite direction to other manufacturers, which is an interesting take, making far-away subjects look closer-up in the frame compared to most wide-angle camera experiences.
Apple iPhone 7 Plus dual camera explained: Zoom potential
The tele lens option – although it’s a bit of a stretch to call it that – will resolve greater detail than simply taking a wide-angle shot and then zooming into it, which is where another one of its strengths lies: digital zoom.
Beyond the 56mm optic, Apple will offer up to 5x digital zoom (sold as 10x from the wider angle), but the fidelity will be better than wider-angle equivalents. It’ll still be subject to the same limitations of digital zoom, but we can see why Apple is claiming it will be that much better.
Apple iPhone 7 Plus dual camera explained: Portrait bokeh
Pro photographers love their background blur, known as bokeh, which depends on wide apertures (and subject distance and focal length, to varying degrees) to produce that soft background and popping subject depth.
Now Apple wants to extend bokeh to the masses (or fauxkeh, given that it’s digitally produced) by using both the iPhone 7 Plus’s cameras in one. The 23mm (equivalent) wide-angle lens can be compared to the 56mm (equivalent) tele lens to create a depth map, with close-up subjects rendered in focus, more distant objects out of focus and the faux effect added.
We’re yet to see any manufacturer produce a perfect bokeh in post-production – HTC, Huawei, LG and more have certainly tried – so Apple’s limiting of this effect to its new Portrait mode may limit its potential to slip-up. We’ll have to wait and see.
Apple iPhone 7 camera details explained
Now both iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus have that 23mm (equivalent) lens, with an f/1.8 aperture – which is brighter than the iPhone 6S’s f/2.2 aperture by a full stop and, therefore, lets in 50 per cent more light than last time. It’s not the brightest lens on the market – Samsung already offers f/1.7 on its latest Galaxy phones – but will mean greater control and better low-light results than before.
Both cameras also offer optical image stabilisation for the first time – that was reserved for solely the Plus model previously.
With the iPhone 7 Plus the second 56mm (equivalent) lens has an f/2.8 aperture. If it was any wider (say, f/1.8 also) then the physical size would be to excess. It’s still plenty bright.
Apple iPhone 7 camera: New signal processor
The sensor is the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus is 12-megapixels, which Apple describes as “an entirely new camera”. But it doesn’t detail whether it’s the same base unit as the 1/3in size (1.22µm pixels) one in the iPhone 6S – we suspect that it is.
The key difference in the iPhone 7 is the addition of new image signal processor (ISP). It’s twice as rapid as before in its ability to read the scene and, therefore, decide how to respond with focus, tone, noise reduction, colour and so forth.
This approach is something camera manufacturers often utilise between generations of camera upgrades. It means marginal gains in image quality from a processing point of view.
We’ll be receiving both iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models following Apple’s press event in San Francisco, so we’ll be bringing you results through reviews, previews and features over the coming days and weeks – keep eyes on the site for further insight.
Beats unveils new Beats X, Solo 3 and Powerbeats 3 wireless headphones
As part of the Apple iPhone 7 press conference, Apple also introduced a new range of Beats by Dre headphones, all of which include the same W1 chip found inside the new Apple AirPods.
Beats not having updated its range of earphones in some time now makes sense, as three new models came along at once this evening.
As well as updating its Solo Wireless and Powerbeats ranges, Beats introduced a new in-ear wireless earphone called the Beats X.
The Beats X is designed to be fluid, light and flexible, so it’s really comfortable and unnoticeable when worn. The cable – dubbed Flex-Form – is designed to be tangle free, and the eartips have built-in magnets so that they can snap together when they’re worn around the neck, and not in use.
As well as those features, the Beats X earphones have something which Apple calls Fast Fuel. In short, they charge via an included Lightning cable which provides enough juice for two hours of playback in just five minutes of charging, or eight hours of playback with 45 minutes of charging.
Like the rest of the new headphones – the W1 chip means it can connect to an iPhone with a single tap, and won’t require the usual frustration of digging through the Bluetooth settings. They coil easily, and come with a neat little carrying case for easy storage.
The Solo 3 Wireless and Powerbeats 3 Wireless are familiar, and feature technical improvements on their predecessors.
Beats’ new Powerbeats have been redesigned slightly to improve the ergonomics, and provide a better fit. Like the Beats X, they also have the Fast Fuel technology.
Unlike the Beats X though, they charge by micro USB, and only manage one hour of playback on a five minute charge. They are water and sweat resistant, and can last 12 hours on a full charge, so they’re perfect for that long hike or marathon you’ve been planning.
As far as Fast Fuel battery efficiency goes, it’s the over-ear Solo 3 Wireless earphones that rule the roost. They can supply three hours of playback on a five minute charge using the micro USB cable supplied.
Like its predecessors, the Solo 3 wireless come with the 360-degree pivoting ear cups, noise isolation and snug-fitting flexible headband.
Price-wise, the Beats X come in at a respectable £129 and will be available this Autumn, along with the slightly more expensive Powerbeats 3, which cost £169. Solo 3 Wireless will be available to pre-order tomorrow, 7 September, for £249 and come in gloss black, gloss white, gold, silver, rose gold and black.
PS4 Pro preview: Stunning 4K HDR gaming monster you can own this year
When we saw the Xbox One S at E3 earlier this year we thought Microsoft had Christmas in the bag. We’d heard of a new, more powerful PlayStation on the horizon, which went by the codenames PS4 Neo, PS4K and PS4.5, but didn’t in our wildest dreams think it would be available this year.
However, during a dedicated media event in New York City, Sony blew our socks off. Not only is the PS4 Pro real, not only is it capable of 4K HDR gaming, but it’s going to be available from 10 November. And at the staggeringly low price of £349 – some standard PS4 models currently cost that.
After the event we got to see some cool demos of the PS4 Pro in action, get up close to the console itself, and ask further questions about its capabilities.
You can check out our photos in the gallery above, but here are our initial impressions of the new king of gaming.
Specs are thin on the ground right now, but there’s no doubt that the PS4 Pro has a lot of GPU and CPU power going on under the hood. It has a 1TB hard drive and comes with the much-rumoured, new version of the DualShock controller – which has an additional light strip along the top of the touchpad.
Pocket-lint
The controllers have all been hardwired for the event, but we expect that’s to avoid them going missing and maintain battery life than anything else.
Aesthetically, the box is slightly odd looking. It is styled just like the new slimmer version of the PS4, but has an additional slice to its sandwich effect. A glow bar lights around the circumference of the machine – mainly at the front.
We had a demo of Days Gone, which showed comparative effects between 1080p and 4K resolutions, and HDR and non-HDR. It was simply superb with the Pro’s extra processing power at work. If you have a 4K HDR TV you will get some incredible gaming experiences.
Pocket-lint
What’s more, they won’t cost you extra. Not only are plenty of new games, including Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare and FIFA 17, coming with 4K HDR support, they will be the exact same discs as the standard PS4 version.
There will also be patches available for many of your existing games too, to up the graphical fidelity.
Gaming isn’t the only thing to benefit, video streaming in 4K HDR is also possible on the PS4 Pro. Both Netflix and YouTube have been announced as partners.
One alarming thing we are hearing though is that the Pro will not ship with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. So while you can play 4K content over the internet, you cannot spin UHD discs. Maybe the Xbox One S still has a chance after all.
First Impressions
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback aside, the PS4 Pro is an amazing games console which will rule the roost until Project Scorpio arrives next year. 4K HDR gaming is quite simply stunning, but its the price that impresses us most.
Sony has pulled something magical out of the bag and we cannot wait to get hold of a review unit to test fully.
Always read the footnotes: Apple suggests you might want a case on that Jet Black iPhone 7
Apple has announced not only new colours for its new iPhone 7 models, but a new finish. Moving on from the standard matte anodised finish that Apple has used from the iPhone 6, the Jet Black model takes on something of a premium position.
The Jet Black iPhone 7 uses a 9-step anodisation and polish process to result in a high gloss shine, which reminds us of the ceramic finish of the OnePlus X. That might be no coincidence as there’s a white ceramic version of the Apple Watch Series 2 as well.
However, if you’re lusting after this new model of the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, then it’s worth taking heed of the footnotes that Apple has appended to its tech specs, where it says:
“The high-gloss finish of the jet black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone.”
So basically, unless you’re only ever going to slip your iPhone 7 Jet Black into the silk-lined pocket of your suit, you might want to consider getting a case for it to avoid those little scratches that will take the shine off your brand new iPhone.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be available to pre-order from 9 September, hitting stores on 16 September.
The new models offer more power, better colour display, a move to Lightning headphones, stereo speakers, a new home button and best of all, IP67 water protection.
- Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are official, with waterproofing, stereo speakers and new cameras
- Apple made these wireless AirPods and Lightning EarPods for iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are IP67 water and dust resistant: What does that mean?
- Apple iPhone 7 vs iPhone 6S vs iPhone 6: What’s the difference?
Watch today’s PlayStation Meeting right here!
It only took about six months, but we’re (hopefully) finally going to get all of the details possible about the PlayStation Neo today. Will it include an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive like the Xbox One S? How much will it cost? Oh, right, updates about the PlayStation 4 Slim are all but guaranteed today too. And guess what? You can follow along with all the action right here, both with our liveblog and the Twitch player embedded below!
Watch live video from PlayStation on http://www.twitch.tv
Source: PlayStation (Twitch)
Instagram will take advantage of your iPhone 7’s camera
You won’t have to wait long to find apps that take advantage of the iPhone 7’s upgraded camera system. Instagram has revealed that an updated version of its iOS app will take and share photos using the wider color range captured by the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus’ image sensors. You should see more vivid colors than you’d get from a phone taking photos in the usual sRGB color gamut. Instagram’s update will arrive sometime later this year.
Click here to catch all the latest news from Apple’s “See You” event.
Live from Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro event
Apple isn’t the only big tech company making headlines today: Sony is also set to divulge its next console plans at its PlayStation event in NYC. While the company hasn’t revealed any specifics yet, we’re expecting to get a look at the PlayStation 4 Neo, its faster, 4K-ready PS4 follow-up. And of course, the thinner PS4 Slim will likely make an appearance as well, after being unceremoniously leaked over the past few weeks.
Sony confirmed the existence of the PS4 Neo earlier this year, but it avoided talk of the new console at E3. From the little we do know, it will be more powerful than the current model and output both games and video in 4K. Games will likely be rendered at a higher resolution than 1080p, though we’re not expecting full 4K rendering, since that’s still tough for powerful gaming PCs to accomplish today. I wouldn’t be surprised to see 4K Blu-ray in the Neo as well, since the Xbox One S also supports it (and it’s Sony’s format, after all).
As for the PS4 Slim, the leaks revealed only minor differences, like the removal of the optical audio port and direct controller communication when connected over USB. It’ll be interesting to see how Sony prices the Slim, as well as if it’ll lead to discounts on existing PS4 models.
Sony’s PlayStation event will kick off at 3 PM Eastern, check back here for live coverage as things kick off.
Find all the news from Sony’s big PlayStation event right here.
Apple unveils its quad-core A10 Fusion chip
You know how this works: Another iPhone, another entry in Apple’s mobile processor lineup. The company just unveiled the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, which are powered by its new A10 Fusion mobile processor. While last year’s A9 was an astounding 70 percent faster than its predecessor, the gains this time are less about speed and more about efficiency. The A10 Fusion is just 40 percent faster than the A9 on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, but packs two sets of dual-cores that are designed to handle specific tasks better.
Two of the cores are what Apple calls “high-performance,” which likely handle more intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming. The other two are “high-efficiency,” and perform their duties at a fifth of the power the other pair does. An Apple-designed performance controller decides which cores should execute specific processes.
This new system should also translate to better endurance, which Apple predictably describes as the “longest battery life ever in an iPhone.” According to Apple exec Phil Schiller, The iPhone 7 lasts two hours more than the iPhone 6s.
As it does every year, the Cupertino promised that the new processors will deliver seriously improved performance both on day-to-day and graphics-heavy tasks. We’ll wait till we get the new iPhones in for testing to see for ourselves, so stay tuned for the full review.
Click here to catch all the latest news from the Apple’s “See You” event.
Devindra Hardawar contributed to this report.
Apple rolls out new Beats headphones with AirPod tech built-in
Apple just confirmed it’s ditching the old headphone jack, and also rolling out upgraded wireless headphones called AirPods. Naturally, its Beats brand is getting in the game, announcing headphones with the same W1 chip inside and slick wireless capabilities when used with an iPhone 7. All three models announced today include Class 1 Bluetooth to work across all kinds of media sources and some form of Fast Fuel charging. On the new BeatsX earphones, that means a promised 2 hours playback based on just five minutes of charging via Lightning cable, or eight hours on a full charge. They’ll be available this fall in black or white for $150.
Click here to catch all the latest news from Apple’s “See You” event.
Otherwise, there are newly enhanced Solo3 Wireless cups and Powerbeats3 wireless earphones. The Powerbeats3 Wireless promise an improved fit, plus an hour of playback after 5 minutes of charging via microUSB, or 12 hours from a full charge, at a price of $200 when they arrive this fall.
The Beats Solo3 Wireless can apparently run for up to 40 hours on a full charge thanks to the W1 chip, and play for three hours after five minutes of charging via microUSB. Preorders for those start today, at a price of $300. For more info check out the website here, or video previews of the new audio devices below.
Source: Beats
iOS 10 will be available to download on September 13
In some countries, Tuesday 13th is the unlucky date (not Friday). Coincidentally, that’s the date you’ll be able to upgrade your iPhone or iPad to iOS 10. Version 10 of iOS has been rattling around since Apple’s developer conference in June, and we’ve had a pretty good look at most of the new features, but now they’re finally ready for prime time.
As a brief refresher, iOS 10 brings a slew of new tricks that should add more than a dash of “smart” spice to your regular old (TBF, still pretty smart) iPhone experience. First up (and possible personal bias here) is the ability to remove (or technically, hide) all those stock iOS apps you never, ever wanted. Siri gets a bit overhaul too, and will finally put its brand of voice control inside third party apps — which will make calling an Uber or Lyft as simple as asking for one (among other things).
There are also improvements to the way the iPhone sorts images, a revamped Music app, and the real update we’re all excited about: improved emoji in Messages. Whichever of the above tickles your fancy, you’ll want to get up early on the day it hits the servers. Normally downloads go without a hitch, but you want to make sure you’ve figured out all the new goodies — like the invisible ink feature — early enough to avoid sounding like a n00b once everyone else is using them.
Click here to catch all the latest news from Apple’s “See You” event.
