Far Out Apple Event Recap

 Apple completed their Far out event today and it was quite a show as always. Confirming a lot of information that has been coming out over the last couple months as well as a few new surprises with their new line up of devices. 

Apple Watch Updates - 

It was nice to see Apple continuing to update their SE line of Apple watches to make smart watches more approachable without giving up too many features from the premium more expensive models. 

But the watch that stole the show was the much awaited Apple Watch Ultra. This is the first watch with a lot of new features. 

- Multi day battery for long hiking and adventures 

- Night mode for low light conditions to limit blue light 

- GPS back tracking for long excursions 

- Dive computer that tracks depth and water temperature 

- More rugged band and casing 

As a long time Apple watch user since the series 3, it has been interesting to see the evolution of this device. We have incrementally been seeing larger screens, faster load times, added health functionality. But this is the first step towards a more robust screen and frame as well and longer battery times. Which in my opinion has been one of the major cons I have had with all of my watches. These features of course come at quite the premium at $799, this watch costs as much as the new iPhone 14. Hopefully the improved battery will trickle down to the standard series watches at later dates. 

Prices for the new range of watches: 

Apple Watch Ultra - From $799 

Apple Watch Series 8 - From $399 

Apple Watch SE - From $249  

Airpod Pro 2 -

Some nice changes to the original airpod pro included improved noise cancelling and transparency modes. The addition of a speaker on the case to help you find your case via a ping like you can do with your iphone and Apple watch is a nice improvement. As well as the addition of a lanyard loop so you can attach your airpods to a backpack, purse, or around your wrist without having to purchase a case. 

iPhone 14 - 

Four new iPhone models were released as part of the apple event. The standard 6.1" iPhone 14 and the new 6.7" iPhone 14 Plus. As well as a flurry of camera and battery life improvements. These are excellent devices, but I do have 1 major criticism for Apple on these devices. Why in 2022 does the iPhone 14 and 14 plus have 60hz displays. I would expect a 60hz display on a $300 smart phone not when I am purchasing a phone nearing $1000 dollars. To some people this is a non issue, but to people who go out of their way to buy iPad Pros, iPhone 13 Pro, and other high refresh rate screens for a smoother viewing experience and gaming this is a bit of a disappointment. Otherwise I think the colors and hardware improvements were really well done. It is nice all phone models this year took a page from the Pixel 6 and added crash detection which is a great safety feature. And really stole the show the emergency satellite SMS messaging, but be aware this feature is only included for free for 2 years. I am not sure pricing after that. 

Of course the main selling point is how many more features you get by going with a pro model. 

- 48mp camera on the rear of the phone 

- 2x zoom for the ultrawide camera 

- the new "Dynamic island" to replace the notch still found on iPhone 14

- Pro motion display 

- Always on display 

 Storage sizes are on par with last years models starting at 128gb on all models.