Apple unveils its latest tech at Apple Park, revealing new iPhones, Watches and AirPods
Well if you’re a die hard Apple fan, today is like Christmas. The tech giant has unveiled a whole host of new products from Apple Park. So at a glance, what can we get our hands on?
As expected, Apple revealed its new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Following these devices are the Apple Watch Ultra, the Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch SE and redesigned AirPods Pro.
Apple launches the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
So let’s break it down for you, starting with the iPhone.
The iPhone 14 Pro is the company’s top of the range smartphone. There are two versions, the smaller 6.1 inch device and the premium ‘Max’ version sitting at 6.7 inches. But you’ll pay extra for that. The iPhone 14 Pro will starts at $999, and the bigger model starts at $1099, which is the same price as last year’s devices. In the U.S. at least.
Some new key features include an always-on display and a new low-power mode. They’re also powered by the A16 Bionic chip, have an incredible 48-megapixel camera and improved low-light photography. If you’re desperate to buy, don’t worry, you won’t have to wait very long. The phones will be available for preorder on Friday and will ship the following week.
AirPods Pro get an update
Next is the product many Apple fans have been crying out for. I’m of course talking about the redesigned AirPods Pro. The new model of the wireless earbuds with noise-cancelling capabilities comes at a cost $249 and goes on sale on Sept 23.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook says the new buds have better sound quality and clarity, thanks to the new Apple H2 chip and the noise cancelling is reportedly twice as good as before. They also sport touch control to adjust volume, longer battery life with up to 6 hours listening time and a speaker added to the case.
From an external perspective, the design is pretty much the same as before. The AirPods Pro have Apple’s signature stem and only come in white. There were also rumours this latest version would have higher-resolution audio, but sadly this isn’t the case. Regardless, Apple says the updates are significant.
Say hello to the new Apple Watch line-up
Let’s wrap up today’s Apple launch with the famed Apple Watch. At the pointy end is the Apple Watch Ultra, which is a high-end device targeted towards outdoor athletes and go-getters. It has a new design, bigger screen, and titanium case.
The watch face also includes more information, including a compass, and even new orange “action” button for use while working out or wearing gloves. And if you like diving, don’t fret, it will also show you how deep you are when swimming. Pricing starts at $799 and the product will hit shelves on September 23.
On the other end of the spectrum is the Apple Watch SE, which is the low-cost version for those on a budget. It’s been redesigned to include a bigger screen, heart rate notifications and fall detection. It starts at just $249, making it an affordable entry-level device.
Finally there’s the Series 8. Apple COO Jeff Williams says it’s more durable and even has a new temperature sensor to help track women’s health, including ovulation.Coming in four unique colours in aluminium and three in stainless steel, there’s a big collection to chose from. Pricing starts at $399.
William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment.
With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'.
A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.
Australia experienced two of its worst cyber attacks on record last year, as the world braces for cyber warfare to rise
Ukraine has suffered a threefold growth in cyber-attacks over the past year.
Viktor Zhora is leading Ukraine’s State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection agency, who said cyber attacks are occurring at the same time as missile strikes at the hands of Russia.
Mr Zhora said in some cases, the cyber-attacks are “supportive to kinetic effects”.
On the other side of the planet, Russian hackers were responsible for Australia’s Medibank scandal.
“This is a crime that has the potential to impact on millions of Australians and damage a significant Australian business,” said Reece Kershaw, who is the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police.
Australian Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security is James Paterson, who said Australia can learn from cyber warfare in Ukraine.
“Ukraine is a lesson for the world.
“They are fighting a hybrid war, one on the ground and one online. If there is to be future conflict including in our own region, in the Indo-Pacific, it’s highly likely that the first shots in that war will occur cyber domain not in the physical world,” Senator Paterson said.
Staff at warehousing giant Amazon have walked off the job to protest the company’s return-to-office program
Over 1,900 Amazon employees pledged to protest globally over proposed changes to the company’s climate policy, layoffs and a return-to-office mandate.
The activist group behind the rally is known as Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ), who are seeking a greater voice for employees.
“Our goal is to change Amazon’s cost/benefit analysis on making harmful, unilateral decisions that are having an outsized impact on people of color, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable people,” organisers said.
Over 100 people gathered at the heart of Amazon’s Seattle headquarters on Wednesday. The company said it had not witnessed any other demonstrations.
AECJ said the walkout comes after Amazon made moves “in the wrong direction”.
The company recently has recently overturned a desire to make all Amazon shipments net zero for carbon emissions by 2030.
The company maintains a pledge on climate change.
Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser told Reuters the company is pursuing a strategy to cut carbon emissions.
“For companies like ours who consume a lot of power, and have very substantial transportation, packaging, and physical building assets, it’ll take time to accomplish.”
AECJ protesters also sought support for the 27,000 staff, who had lost their jobs in recent months —around 9 per cent of Amazon’s global workforce.
The company has also mandated a return-to-office program.