Tech

Apple announces two new iPhones, iOS 7

by Blaine Kyllo on September 10th, 2013 at 12:39 PM
    1 of 1 2 of 1

      Apple’s unveiled the latest models of its smartphone lineup today in the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c. 

      The two devices were announced at a press event in San Francisco today (September 10) and will be available in Canada on September 20. Canadian pricing has not yet been announced. 

      The iPhone 5s is built with a new processor, giving it the same 64-bit architecture as desktop computers, according to the company. The new A7 chip makes the iPhone 5s run programs more quickly and will improve battery life.

      A new motion processor in the device will also allow for better fitness and activity applications. 

      The iPhone 5s comes in three metallic colours, gold, silver, and space grey, and also include a new eight-megapixel camera with improved flash.

      The slickest new feature in the iPhone 5s, however, is the fingerprint sensor that simplifies security. Touch ID is the name of the feature that is built into the home button of the device and makes the four-digit device lock unnecessary.

      The iPhone 5c is a less expensive iPhone—between $100-$200 cheaper than the 5s—with a plastic body available in five colours. Functionally, it’s similar to an iPhone 5, with an A6 chip and four-inch Retina display. The 5c does include the improved camera that is in the 5s. 

      Apple is also making the mobile versions of some of its productivity software available for free. There will be no charge to download iMovie, iPhoto, Keynote, Numbers, and Pages with the purchase of an iPhone 5s or 5c.

      The next version of Apple’s mobile operating system was also announced at the San Francisco event. iOS 7 will be available as a free update on September 18. 

      The operating system sports an entirely new interface and improves multitasking. 

      AirDrop is a new feature that allows for easy sharing of photos and other content with people in your immediate vicinity. 

      iTunes Radio, a free Internet service featuring over 200 stations and with music from the iTunes Store catalogue, will only be available in the U.S. Canadian availability has not been disclosed.

      Comments

      2 Comments

      RUK

      Sep 10, 2013 at 1:24pm

      That's pretty cool, I guess. (Cue Android fans: "no, it's terrible! you are Apple Sheeple!")

      Blaine, as the games reviewing guy, what do you think of the future of this device? The motion sensor suggests possible wii-like applications, no?

      degree9

      Nov 16, 2014 at 5:57am

      For what you get in an Apple 5s in comparison to the 5 - a waste of a lot of money. Same phone overall with some tweaks added in.