On Tuesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook delivered his highly anticipated keynote address in Cupertino, California debuting two new versions of the iPhone and the company’s first smartwatch called ‘Apple Watch.’ U2 also gave a surprise performance at the event and gave away half a billion free downloads of their yet-to-be-released album. On radio this morning, Glenn, Pat, and Stu gave their thoughts on the new product launch.
“Did you see U2 released its album for free on iTunes,” Glenn asked. “I would like iTunes to release their watches and phones for free.”
As TheBlaze reported, the Apple Watch is the company’s first completely new product in four years. Additionally, it is Apple’s first wearable device and considered the most ambitious expansion since Cook replaced Steve Jobs three years ago.
While Apple junkies will undoubtedly be lining up to purchase the watch when it comes out early next year, Pat was not particularly impressed.
“I just found out moments ago it works only in conjunction with the iPhone,” Pat said of the Apple Watch. “Get back to me when you've got it working on its own.”
The latest versions of the iPhone both come with larger screens and a more streamline design. The iPhone 6 will feature a 4.7-inch screen, while the iPhone 6 Plus will have a 5.5-inch screen. The screen resolution on the Plus version will be sharper than previous iPhones and the battery life will be longer.
Apple also announced a new payment system known as Apple Pay. According to TheBlaze, consumers will be able to use their phone cameras to capture a photo of their credit cards. Apple will verify the authenticity of the card and store the information in the phone’s Passbook account so people can make payments at a retailer. Partnerships for Apple Pay already include Apple Macy’s, Whole Foods, Walgreens, and Disney stores.
Retailers who participate in the Apple Pay system will need to be outfitted with the proper hardware and software. Pat and Stu believe this represents yet another step toward societal domination for Apple.
“They're smart,” Pat said. “Almost all of society is going to have to buy Apple products.”
But Glenn wasn’t so sure.
“Here’s the ironic thing. Apple is servicing the wealthiest 1%: America. We're the ones buying all the Apple stuff because we can afford it,” Glenn said. “Most people can't afford this… In some parts of South America, the Apple iPhone is a thousand dollars. In Africa, it is the same.”
Glenn believes it is Google – not Apple – that will prove to be the technology company of the future.
“Google [is] building the rest of the world. Apple is spending time on America, and America is a dying market. America is a market that is not going to have all of the wealth that it once had or currently has in the next 10 years,” he explained. “So there are people that are predicting that Apple is on the wrong course because they are going for the elite instead of going for the masses.”
Pat, however, didn’t agree.
“I like the tact that Apple is betting on America. I like that,” Pat said. “They're an American company who are targeting Americans. I think that's great.”
Front page image courtesy of the AP