TECHNOLOGY TIPS – APPLE IS THE STORY TODAY

TECHNOLOGY TIPS – APPLE IS THE STORY TODAY

Each year Apple gets out in front of all the technology wizards and simply lay out the new exciting developments for the year. This year has been quite the doozy and most of the updates I’ve been getting from TechCrunch.

First let’s start with the easy update. The Apple TV has been priced adjusted to $69 from the original $99. The reason for the new cost is that Apple is partnering with HBO Now to offer all shows without a cable subscription. This means it is a standalone service and is exclusively available on Apple TV. The service is set to start in April and if you sign up before then you get the first month free. The cost for HBO Now is $14.99.

The next interesting announcement was Research Kit. This app will assist "medical researchers in their efforts to cure the world’s worst diseases." There are five apps that test Cardiovascular disease Diabetes and the like. These apps launched today and will use the touchscreen accelerometer and gyrometer to aid researchers. There will be more apps coming later this year but this is a huge step towards cures.

The new MacBook was also introduced. The laptop weighs a mere two pounds has a newly designed trackpad and keyboard. It also has only one port for everything – data transport notebook recharging video output etc. This means you would need a hub in order to use multiple devices at one time. This is definitely a departure from the traditional multiple port option.

And finally the piece de resistance the Apple Watch was announced. With a starting price of $349 up to $17000 for a single model size and band there is definitely a watch for everyone. The purpose of Apple Watch is more about making life more simple. Taking you away from time on your phone and only completing the actions you really need. If you think in terms of Facebook you can like a post rather than logging into your stream.

All in all a very active day from Apple. Be on the lookout for even more announcements.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO