Apple launches iPhone 5S and $99 iPhone 5C with five colors
Apple on Tuesday unveiled its new flagship iPhone 5S and a new budget smartphone, the iPhone 5C, as it seeks to attract more customers and revitalize interest in its devices.The iPhone 5S includes updated components, comes in three colors, and includes a fingerprint sensor to unlock the device and make purchases. It will retail for $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB, or $399 for 64GB, all with a contract. The iPhone 5C, which is made of plastic, starts at $99 for the 16GB version or $199 for 32GB with a two-year contact.Preorders start Friday. The devices will be available in stores on September 20. "The iPhone 5C is made with all the incredible technology that customers have loved with the iPhone 5, but there's more, too," Phil Schiller said during the event. "It has an incredible new design -- one that's more fun, and more colorful than anything we've made before."Related stories:Apple's new announcements (pictures)Apple to release iOS 7 on Sept. 18A look at the iPhone 5C announcement (pictures)Apple launches iPhone 5CiPhone 5C First TakeiPhone 5S First TakeApple takes wraps off high-end iPhone 5S (pictures)Apple to offer color cases for new iPhone 5C and 5SThe budget device has a polycarbonate wrap-around back. It will come in five colors -- green, white, blue, red, and yellow. The screen wallpaper will match the exterior of the phone. For the new iPhone 5C, Apple also designed $29 custom cases made of silicon with a microfiber lining. The iPhone 5C will sport a 4-inch retina display, like the iPhone 5, as well as an A6 chip inside with "blazing-fast performance." The battery is larger than in the iPhone 5, and it includes an 8MP iSight camera, with the five-element lens and IR filter as seen on the 5.Meanwhile, Apple also unveiled its latest flagship device, the iPhone 5S, which it called "the most forward-thinking phone anyone has ever made." It's made of high-grade aluminum and comes in silver, gold, and "a new space gray." The device also sports a new A7 processor. The A7 chip includes 64-bit capabilities, which makes it on par with PC chips. The iPhone 5S is "up to twice as fast" as the previous-generation system and has twice the graphics performance as well.Apple also incorporated a chip that it calls the M7. This is a "motion co-processor" that aggregates and monitors accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass data and offloads it from the A7. That enables a new generation of health and fitness apps, such as a new Nike+ Move app. The app keeps track of what users do, tracks their Fuel points, and lets them compete with friends. This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayBattery life is on par with the iPhone 5. The 5S has 10 hours of 3G talk time, 10 hours of browsing over LTE cellular networks or Wi-Fi, 40 hours of music playing, and 250 hours of standby.The device also includes a new Apple-designed camera lens with a larger aperture and sensor. When a user takes a picture, it actually takes multiple shots and chooses the sharpest. There's also a "true-tone flash" that analyzes and presents the proper-color flash, as well as other shooting modes.In addition, the device includes the much-expected fingerprint sensor, dubbed Touch ID. It's built right into the home button. It's still a physical button that a user needs to push down, but there's a metal ring that senses the person's finger. It can be used to unlock the phone or purchase items from iTunes.The iPhone 5 is going away, but the iPhone 4S will now be available for free with a two-year contract.The launch comes as the Cupertino, Calif., company faces heightened competition. Apple has been losing market share to rivals, such as Samsung, with its position in the most recent quarter falling to its lowest level in three years. As growth in the high-end smartphone market slows, Apple must find ways to attract new buyers, as well as expand into lower-priced phones. The iPhone 5C also represents Apple's chance to broaden its market. While its smartphones are popular around the world, the majority of people in places like China can't afford $800 phones. The company plans to host an event in China later this week, where it is believed that Apple will announce a partnership with China Mobile, the world's biggest carrier. Updated at 10:30 a.m. PT and again at 10:40 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. with additional details.
Jobs makes it clear he's back in charge at Apple
Jobs makes it clear he's back in charge at Apple
SAN FRANCISCO--Though technically he returned to work two months ago, it was as the host of Wednesday's Apple music event that Steve Jobs publicly retook the reins of the company he founded.Jobs was the first person to emerge on stage at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts here to open the now-annual September iPod introduction. Appearing notably thin, he received a prolonged standing ovation from the audience, much of it composed of members of the media, but also a range of guests including app developers, entertainers, and music industry types. Jobs quietly took in the applause and then began to speak fairly candidly about the well-known medical problems that kept him away from work for the first half of the year."I'm very happy to be here today with you all," he said. "As you may know, I had a liver transplant. So I have the liver of a mid-20s person who died in a car crash, and was generous enough to donate their organs. And I wouldn't be here without such generosity."He used the moment to encourage more people to do the same, calling on everyone to be an organ donor. He also thanked everyone at Apple and the Apple community for the support he received while he was gone. At that point, it wasn't yet clear whether this was a farewell or a welcome home event for Jobs. But it became very apparent soon after, when he thanked the man who had taken over day-to-day duties running Apple between January and June, COO Tim Cook, and all of the Apple executive team."They really ran the company very ably during that time," Jobs said. "So, I'm vertical, I'm back at Apple, and loving every day of it."This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayThe statement was clearly Jobs' way of saying that he's reassumed full responsibility as the leader of his company. There had been speculation that, though he was back at work, if he did appear at the event Wednesday he would use it as a way to say goodbye and step into the background while a new successor began to be groomed. That was not what happened.Jobs was the host of the entire 75-minute event, just as he always had been at similar events in years past. Though other executives joined him, including Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of marketing, and Jeff Robbin, lead iTunes software designer, it was clearly his show. He also revived two well-known trademarks of his public appearances: his outfit of black turtleneck, jeans, and white tennis shoes, and his "one more thing" phrase. He also hinted there'd be more public appearances to come, signing off the event by thanking everyone for coming and promising, "See you all again soon."
SAN FRANCISCO--Though technically he returned to work two months ago, it was as the host of Wednesday's Apple music event that Steve Jobs publicly retook the reins of the company he founded.Jobs was the first person to emerge on stage at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts here to open the now-annual September iPod introduction. Appearing notably thin, he received a prolonged standing ovation from the audience, much of it composed of members of the media, but also a range of guests including app developers, entertainers, and music industry types. Jobs quietly took in the applause and then began to speak fairly candidly about the well-known medical problems that kept him away from work for the first half of the year."I'm very happy to be here today with you all," he said. "As you may know, I had a liver transplant. So I have the liver of a mid-20s person who died in a car crash, and was generous enough to donate their organs. And I wouldn't be here without such generosity."He used the moment to encourage more people to do the same, calling on everyone to be an organ donor. He also thanked everyone at Apple and the Apple community for the support he received while he was gone. At that point, it wasn't yet clear whether this was a farewell or a welcome home event for Jobs. But it became very apparent soon after, when he thanked the man who had taken over day-to-day duties running Apple between January and June, COO Tim Cook, and all of the Apple executive team."They really ran the company very ably during that time," Jobs said. "So, I'm vertical, I'm back at Apple, and loving every day of it."This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayThe statement was clearly Jobs' way of saying that he's reassumed full responsibility as the leader of his company. There had been speculation that, though he was back at work, if he did appear at the event Wednesday he would use it as a way to say goodbye and step into the background while a new successor began to be groomed. That was not what happened.Jobs was the host of the entire 75-minute event, just as he always had been at similar events in years past. Though other executives joined him, including Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of marketing, and Jeff Robbin, lead iTunes software designer, it was clearly his show. He also revived two well-known trademarks of his public appearances: his outfit of black turtleneck, jeans, and white tennis shoes, and his "one more thing" phrase. He also hinted there'd be more public appearances to come, signing off the event by thanking everyone for coming and promising, "See you all again soon."
Apple TV sets will be mighty pricey, analyst says
Apple TV sets will be mighty pricey, analyst says
Rumors have been swirling that Apple is thinking about launching a television next year, and Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster claims to have some insight into what the iPhone maker has planned.Speaking yesterday at Business Insider's Ignition: Future of Media conference, Munster said, according to the blog, that Apple thinks customers want an all-in-one television that isn't tied down to external boxes.But in order to deliver that, Munster says, Apple will charge a steep premium for its television. According to Business Insider, Munster said that if a given television costs $800, Apple's alternative will set customers back $1,600--twice as much.What will consumers get for that premium? According to Munster, Apple will offer a range of screen sizes to appeal to many different consumer needs. Munster also believes the television will come with Siri support, allowing users to control their television with their voices. And in addition to iCloud integration, Munster expects the television to also be controllable from an iPhone or iPad, Business Insider is reporting. Related LinksWas Jobs' next big thing an integrated Apple TVApple TV: Did Steve Jobs crack the code?iTunes creator working on Apple TV, report saysMunster has been speculating on Apple's desire to launch a television for years. In 2009, he said that Apple would launch a set this year. In August, he once again said that an Apple television was coming, but he now believes it will launch in late 2012 or early 2013.Munster's argument gained more credibility in October when Walter Isaacson's authorized Steve Jobs biography included a quote from the Apple co-founder saying that he had "cracked" the code for creating an integrated television."I'd like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use," Jobs told his biographer. "It would be seamlessly synched with all of your devices and with iCloud. It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it."That said, in an interview with CNET last month, Isaacson tossed some cold water on hopes that an Apple television is launching anytime soon, saying that the company wasn't "close at all" to getting it to store shelves."He told me it was very theoretical," Isaacson said of Jobs. "These were theoretical things they were thinking about in the future."But that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from speculating on Apple's plans. Bloomberg reported in October, citing sources, that Apple has tapped iTunes creator Jeff Robbin to head up the television's development. Those sources said Apple currently has a TV prototype, but there is still a possibility that it won't go beyond that stage.Munster, however, seems convinced of the launch. And he's so sure it'll be a winner, he told attendees at Ignition yesterday to wait until Apple unveils its television before they buy their next HDTV.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
Rumors have been swirling that Apple is thinking about launching a television next year, and Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster claims to have some insight into what the iPhone maker has planned.Speaking yesterday at Business Insider's Ignition: Future of Media conference, Munster said, according to the blog, that Apple thinks customers want an all-in-one television that isn't tied down to external boxes.But in order to deliver that, Munster says, Apple will charge a steep premium for its television. According to Business Insider, Munster said that if a given television costs $800, Apple's alternative will set customers back $1,600--twice as much.What will consumers get for that premium? According to Munster, Apple will offer a range of screen sizes to appeal to many different consumer needs. Munster also believes the television will come with Siri support, allowing users to control their television with their voices. And in addition to iCloud integration, Munster expects the television to also be controllable from an iPhone or iPad, Business Insider is reporting. Related LinksWas Jobs' next big thing an integrated Apple TVApple TV: Did Steve Jobs crack the code?iTunes creator working on Apple TV, report saysMunster has been speculating on Apple's desire to launch a television for years. In 2009, he said that Apple would launch a set this year. In August, he once again said that an Apple television was coming, but he now believes it will launch in late 2012 or early 2013.Munster's argument gained more credibility in October when Walter Isaacson's authorized Steve Jobs biography included a quote from the Apple co-founder saying that he had "cracked" the code for creating an integrated television."I'd like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use," Jobs told his biographer. "It would be seamlessly synched with all of your devices and with iCloud. It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it."That said, in an interview with CNET last month, Isaacson tossed some cold water on hopes that an Apple television is launching anytime soon, saying that the company wasn't "close at all" to getting it to store shelves."He told me it was very theoretical," Isaacson said of Jobs. "These were theoretical things they were thinking about in the future."But that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from speculating on Apple's plans. Bloomberg reported in October, citing sources, that Apple has tapped iTunes creator Jeff Robbin to head up the television's development. Those sources said Apple currently has a TV prototype, but there is still a possibility that it won't go beyond that stage.Munster, however, seems convinced of the launch. And he's so sure it'll be a winner, he told attendees at Ignition yesterday to wait until Apple unveils its television before they buy their next HDTV.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
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