At its virtual ‘Time Flies’ hosted at its California HQ in September 2020, Apple has unveiled a host of new products, including updated versions of its iPad and Watch.
But with gyms closed due to coronavirus and millions seeking new ways to exercise, another product announcement caused fitness fans to catch their breath.
Yes, Apple has finally lifted the lid on its much-anticipated health and workout service – a collection of videos that you can view on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Apple Fitness+ is a new service powered by Apple Watch, enabling users to choose from a selection of workouts led by expert trainers. Key metrics, such as heart rate and calories burned, are transported live from your watch to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, so you don’t have to take your eyes away from your workout to see how you’re doing.
Apple Fitness+ enables you to choose the workout you desire, and each pre-recorded video includes a specific workout type, music, time and trainer, so you can make your selection according to your mood.
For the less energetic, Apple pulled some further surprises from its kit bag. Among the biggest hardware releases was a new iPad line-up, including a redesigned version of the Air with prices starting at $599 in the USA.
According to Apple, the iPad Air is the first product to feature the new “A14 Bionic” chip, which packs 11.8 billion transistors and is capable of processing over 5 trillion operations per second. The company described the new chip as big leap forward in performance, “by far the most advanced we’ve ever made” and challenging “the laws of physics”.
According to Apple, the iPad Air is six times faster than the top-selling Chromebook. The device features new all-screen design with larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, next-gen Touch ID sensor, new 12MP rear camera, and more.
Back in a sporting vein and the launch of the new Apple Watch Series 6 revealed some high-performance features such as the pulse oximeter with the ability to measure blood oxygen levels. The price for base model starts at $399, while the top model with GPS and cellular capabilities will cost $479.
The company also launched an affordable device, the Apple Watch SE, which will be available from $279 with only GPS, or $319 with GPS and cellular capabilities.
Clearly, there is only one lesson to be drawn from these new product releases. For all those who said new technology leads to a sedentary lifestyle, it’s now time to work on those Apple core muscles.
