Apple’s last releases: AirTags, Purple iPhones and iOS 14.5

Video: Michal Koźlarek

It’s that time of year again as we patiently wait to hear what new and exciting launches Apple will announce at their highly anticipated Spring Loaded event, and they did not disappoint. This time around, we are introduced to a few new items, from new coloured iMacs that host the M1 chip, a boosted iPad Pro, to the most anticipated AirTags and iPhone 12 in this season’s “it” colour, purple.

AirTags: Stylish ways to keep track of your items

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Photo: Apple

If you have a tendency to misplace your valuables, you’re in luck. Apple has just released their new item tracker – AirTags. These white, coin-sized tags connect with your iPhone within a second, and allow users to track valuables such as keys, luggage or wallet via Apple’s “Find My” ecosystem. AirTags can be personalised with free engravings and easily strapped to any accessories, including bag charms, key rings, or travel tags. For an extra bit of elegance, Apple also provides accessories made with handcrafted Hermès leather.

How it works

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Photo: Apple

AirTag offers three ways of finding your beloved items. Just like when tracking your iPhone or Airpods, users can activate a built-in speaker and play a sound or check the location of the item on the map. Every time an iPhone user passes nearby, the coordinates in your “Find My” app get updated – for your eyes only of course. Precision Finding is a new option reserved for those with iPhone 11 or newer models – using U1 chip and data from the camera, ARKit and gyroscope, your phone takes you on a little treasure hunt, guiding you towards the AirTag using an arrow.

Privacy

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Photo: Apple

Being a leader in user’s privacy and data security, Apple makes sure their new device is safe to use in any situation. AirTag itself never stores any of your location data and even prevents other people from tracking you. When your iPhone detects an “unwanted” AirTag that’s not in a close proximity of its owner, it will send you a notification and show instructions how to disable it.

Battery and resilience

AirTags use a standard and widely available coin cell battery which should easily last more than a year and is easy to replace. Apple’s item tracker also features IP67 water and dust resistance, so a little bit of rain and dirt will not separate you from your lost wallet.

Airtag will be available in stores on 30th April, and sell for HKD239 for one, and HKD799 for a 4 pack.

Purple iPhone 12 & 12 Mini – familiar product now in royal colour

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Photo: Apple

It doesn’t come as a surprise that Apple drops a new iPhone colour in the midst of a launch cycle, however unlike their usual “red” predecessors, we are graced with this years colour of the season – purple.

Apart from the colour, the phone comes with familiar features such as Apple’s most powerful A14 Bionic chip, Super Retina XDR Display, MagSafe and 5G. Advanced Dual-Camera System with improved Night Mode makes sure that your photos and videos look stunning no matter when or where.

Purple colour is available for both iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini.

iOS 14.5 – up to date with current trends

New iPhones come with iOS 14.5, which brings exciting software improvements such us new diverse voice options and commands for Siri, more privacy control over third party app data tracking and brand-new emojis. One of the coolest features is that now users will be able to unlock their iPhones using Apple Watch while wearing a face mask – all you need to do is wear your Watch and glance at the screen!

iOS 14.5 is now available to download on iPhone 7 and newer models.

See also: Apple’s first AR/VR headset rumoured to cost $3,000 with 8k displays and 12 cameras

In this Story: #toys / #tech