News from Apple this week

Better camera and longer battery life.
It seems likely that much of both of these advances might be achieved in software with your existing phone. As often as the average user might use a wide-angle lens, a clip-on converter is perhaps a better investment for many. There is better camera hardware that has been available for a while now in competitive devices. Some of what is being ballyhooed may be available on existing phones through software.

I'm always wary of battery life predictions. I'd want to be assured that the battery is bigger and/or the hardware is designed consume less power. Manufacturers (including Apple) have changed the default power saving settings before to elevate their numbers and those changes haven't always been well received.

I paid the same price as the upgrade for my first car so I would need more than claims to convince me.
 
a clip-on converter is perhaps a better investment for many.

These have never been very popular for phone cameras. However, what is popular is the clip on 360° VR camera. This is actually it's own complete camera and connects to the Lightning jack, however, anyone interested in VR photography and video is advised to just buy a 360VR camera from the same company. If you have to carry an accessory, it may as well be the real thing.

I'm always wary of battery life predictions.
Same here because Apple is way too conservative. They claim 18 hours, but with Apple watch, I keep my phone in the holster most of the time anytime an alert comes in. If I need to respond, I just use voice to text in the watch. The news alerts can be read on the watch and stock triggers alerts are on the watch. This results in a 3 day average battery for the phone and 2 day for the watch. I suppose those 18 hour estimates are for people who have the screen on all day staring down even when crossing the street. The A13 processor is where the savings happens in the 11. That was stated in the presentation. The Xs Max has the A12 which they compared as the base.


I don't believe the 2019 offerings in iphone and watch5 are intended for those who upgraded last year. They are a big jump for those with a 7, 7s, and 8. Even the X might see it worth the money. I am more seriously considering an updated ipad with keybd and pencil, however. I have an older air and my wife is still using the 3 and that is no longer updated with new iOS. She would get the air I have.
 
That hand me down of iPads works the other way around in my house.
;)


Sent from my iPhone using SatelliteGuys App. For now.
 
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Just looked at the comparisons of the new 11's with last years models.

In a nutshell, it appears:
11 = XR
11 Pro = XS
11 Pro Max = XS Max

All three get a new "ultrawide" camera, and the front facing selfie camera is bumped from 7 megapixel to 12 (rear cameras remain 12). Prices also appear to be the same as last gen.

Nothing that has me seeing any need to upgrade. I also don't see a better selfie cam and additional "ultrawide" camera driving people to upgrade that didn't bother upgrading last time.

iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max specs vs. iPhone XR, XS and XS Max: What's new and different
 
Didn't panoramas used to be handled by stitching software?

Yes. It was a series of shots as you panned the camera from left to right. Only works for stills and even 3D could be created by alternating left and right eye images every other frame. But this cannot be used for video and the aspect ratio is like old Cinemascope.

The cool thing about the 11 Pro is that it can shoot the same shot, video or stills by all three cameras at the same time and in video allows for some interesting editing capability. A new app for editing allows all three camera views to show up in playback screen simultaneously and then you can tap on each image to simulate a live switch edited cut. Play that back and add effects, graphics, titles. You might think I would find this compelling to purchase, but I prefer to edit on a more powerful Adobe Premiere Pro or Edius or Vegas Pro software on a desktop. I don't see the average iphone owner using this but will appreciate the more powerful auto features to produce pro photographer images for Facebook or other social medium. Most people don't shoot video that much.

This may have something to do with how many actually need to shoot ultra wide angle shots.
I don't think that many care. But those serious amateur to pro photographers will be shooting with a serious camera and WA lens. A few pioneers will try these phone features but they will not be in big numbers. The 11 Pro is not the DSLR killer, not even close, IMO.
 
I don't think that many care. But those serious amateur to pro photographers will be shooting with a serious camera and WA lens. A few pioneers will try these phone features but they will not be in big numbers. The 11 Pro is not the DSLR killer, not even close, IMO.
That goes along with my thinking. Professionals and those really serious about photography will just buy a real camera without all the compromises needed to squeeze it into a tiny form factor.

Which is why I don't see the 11 compelling a lot of people to upgrade.
 
Which is why I don't see the 11 compelling a lot of people to upgrade.

I disagree as the 11 will have lots of appeal to those still using the older iphones- pre face ID and especially pre finger scanner. Also, lack of wireless charging. I managed to breathe another year of life into my 6 with a new battery, but with the Xs Max and 512GB last year it was time when the majority were saying just what you did. Turns out as we saw, people like me who hold onto our phones for several years soon upgrade for the new convenience over what we now have. Prior to the Xs Max, there wasn't enough compelling reasons. Then there is the cost. With Apple's monthly payment plan of 0% finance charge and payment by a CC that gives you cash back even the large cash outlay is a non issue for those who understand math. I do believe the older iphone crowd will upgrade to the 11 just like last year. My daughter and SIL both upgraded last year from iphone 5 and 6s to the Xs Max using the monthly payment plan.
 
Hasn't it always been true that the best camera is the one you have with you? I always have my iPhone 8 with me, but only when I know I'll be capturing landscapes or automobiles do I bring my Canon mirrorless. If I were taking a lot of pictures in low-light environments, I'd have to seriously consider the Pixel 3/3a/4 or now, an iPhone 11 Pro. (Side note: one of the best ads on TV was the Pixel's "Flash" ad with Queen's "Flash" playing in the background as people are blinded and interrupted by someone using their phone's flash in low light situations.)
 
I disagree as the 11 will have lots of appeal to those still using the older iphones- pre face ID and especially pre finger scanner. Also, lack of wireless charging.
All those are reasons to have updated to the last 2 generations. If it wasn't compelling then, then it won't be compelling now.
 
And, since the iPhone XR is still available at $599, if someone wanted FaceID (Animojis) the price for entry is now lower. The iPhone 8 at $449 is a heck of a deal (Apple-wise) as it has wireless charging, great display, great camera, and runs all day and more (I'm usually around 65% at the end of my day). Just remember to put it in a case as it is slippery and the back is made of glass. Some people are more comfortable with the TouchID, too.
 
All those are reasons to have updated to the last 2 generations. If it wasn't compelling then, then it won't be compelling now.

I don't see anyone except maybe a homeless person upgrading from a 6 to a 6S. Most people I know do the upgrade to the latest model. With each new generation and "s" generation there are new features. Eventually everyone will see enough new features to make the choice to upgrade that year. This year is no different than any other year. It's the people like Mackie who are able and desire to have new every year who are the extreme minority. Most of the iphone sales every year are from those who have much older iphones.

Hasn't it always been true that the best camera is the one you have with you?
Yes, but that applies when the no photo vs a not state of the art photo is the choice. Today when I am out and about, my only camera is the iphone, but before the Xs Max I would always carry a small dedicated pocket camera too. Even now with the iphone Xs Max, I will have several cameras on me and select the proper one for the type of shooting task. for example:
  • Carry the iphone for quick shot for FB upload, selfies.
  • Carry a GoPro with Gimbal for travel out a bus window.
  • Carry a 360 VR for walking tours
  • Carry a 180 VR 3D for locations where 360 is not appropriate or I want 3D.

All these are small easy to pocket and can compliment one another in my editing for personal travel documentary.
 
The cool thing about the 11 Pro is that it can shoot the same shot, video or stills by all three cameras at the same time and in video allows for some interesting editing capability. A new app for editing allows all three camera views to show up in playback screen simultaneously and then you can tap on each image to simulate a live switch edited cut.
I thought the said that they were making this capability available to third parties as opposed to an app being widely available that is ready to do it.

From my video background, I remember that it typically isn't good practice to transition from an angle to the same angle. That said, I do see this employed in programming that employs a Groundhog Day theme but you don't get to use that but once or twice in a lifetime.
 
Did you notice during that demonstration of the three camera views that the camera operator was causing the iPhone Pro to jiggle when they poked the view they wanted? Argh!
 
Did you notice during that demonstration of the three camera views that the camera operator was causing the iPhone Pro to jiggle when they poked the view they wanted? Argh!
IIRC, the ultra wide lens doesn't feature OIS (not that it should need it when used alone).

I don't like eye-socket-mount video cameras for the same reason.
 
The Apple store has been open for ordering for a half hour. The Titanium Apple Watch Series 5 is already at 4-5 weeks out. I checked the specs and the 44mm Titanium case weighs 41.7g (35.1g for the 40mm), halfway between the Aluminum case (30.8g/36.5g) watches and the Stainless Steel (40.6g/47.8g) or Ceramic (39.7g/46.7g) cases. Titanium is a $100 premium over Stainless Steel, plus, if you add the AppleCare+ on your Edition Watch, it's $149/3 years vs. $79/2 years for the normal Series 5 models. With our State Tax and the Milanese Loop, I was at $1,121.

One interesting thing with the AppleCare+, I know they announced that you can go to paying for it on a monthly basis, but it appears to continue until you drop it. According to the Apple site, AppleCare+ is good for two incidents during the coverage period (two years for normal watches with $69 fee or three years and $79 fee for Edition or Hermès) and will reset after the initial coverage (so, replace your Watch Series 5 twice in two years, 24 months after the initial purchase and assuming you're paying monthly, you now get another two incidents over the next two years if you continue to pay $3.99/mo (or for three years at $4.99/mo for Edition or Hermès). That works out to $95.76 for normal coverage over two years or $179.64 over three years for Edition/Hermès coverage. It depends on how long you plan to keep your Watch and how abusive you are towards wrist-borne technology.

Also, I see the Edition versions of the Series 5 have a two year warranty as opposed to the one year that comes with the Aluminum/Stainless Steel versions. Plus, it seems the Milanese Loops dropped in price from $149 to $99.

Oh, one last caveat for someone looking at the new Watch, Apple notes in the fine-print that the magnetic clasps on some watchbands will cause interference with the Compass feature in the new Series 5. So, when you're Glamping in the wilderness with your Watch Ceramic Edition, use one of the Sport Bands or Sport Loops…:D
 
The Apple store has been open for ordering for a half hour. The Titanium Apple Watch Series 5 is already at 4-5 weeks out. I checked the specs and the 44mm Titanium case weighs 41.7g (35.1g for the 40mm), halfway between the Aluminum case (30.8g/36.5g) watches and the Stainless Steel (40.6g/47.8g) or Ceramic (39.7g/46.7g) cases. Titanium is a $100 premium over Stainless Steel, plus, if you add the AppleCare+ on your Edition Watch, it's $149/3 years vs. $79/2 years for the normal Series 5 models. With our State Tax and the Milanese Loop, I was at $1,121.

One interesting thing with the AppleCare+, I know they announced that you can go to paying for it on a monthly basis, but it appears to continue until you drop it. According to the Apple site, AppleCare+ is good for two incidents during the coverage period (two years for normal watches with $69 fee or three years and $79 fee for Edition or Hermès) and will reset after the initial coverage (so, replace your Watch Series 5 twice in two years, 24 months after the initial purchase and assuming you're paying monthly, you now get another two incidents over the next two years if you continue to pay $3.99/mo (or for three years at $4.99/mo for Edition or Hermès). That works out to $95.76 for normal coverage over two years or $179.64 over three years for Edition/Hermès coverage. It depends on how long you plan to keep your Watch and how abusive you are towards wrist-borne technology.

Also, I see the Edition versions of the Series 5 have a two year warranty as opposed to the one year that comes with the Aluminum/Stainless Steel versions. Plus, it seems the Milanese Loops dropped in price from $149 to $99.

Oh, one last caveat for someone looking at the new Watch, Apple notes in the fine-print that the magnetic clasps on some watchbands will cause interference with the Compass feature in the new Series 5. So, when you're Glamping in the wilderness with your Watch Ceramic Edition, use one of the Sport Bands or Sport Loops…:D

The watch went on sale the same day it was announced.
 
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