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DETAILS: Apple announces Apple Watch and new iPhones

Posted at 10:16 AM, Sep 09, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-09 17:44:26-04

Apple is hosting a keynote event today in the company’s home base of Cupertino, California.

Apple has unveiled the long rumored iWatch - calling it the Apple Watch.

The new watch has an entirely new user interface. It uses new infrared LEDs and diodes that transmit rotary moves into digital data. So you use the watch peg, called the Digital Crown, to cycle through apps and then push the peg to execute commands. 

The watch face itself is customizable. You can swipe between different options, until you find the one you would like to use.

The Apple Watch also has a second button that will let bring up your contacts, as well as a flexible Retina Display. It is powered by a S1 chip that is designed to integrate a number of systems into one.

The watch includes four LED lenses, a gyroscope and an accelerometer. It can detect your pulse rate.

It comes in a number of customizable faces and includes six different straps, as well as a way to switch out the straps. There are three watch collections - stainless steel, Sport and the Apple Edition, which is 18K gold.

The Apple Watch will require an iPhone. It will include a feature called Glances that will let you swipe at the bottom for information on your meetings, weather, stocks, world time or music player. It will also include a customizable notifications. You can choose which ones show up. You will also be able to act on the notifications, so if you receive a calendar invitation you can accept or decline it.

The Apple Watch will also be able to receive Messages. The watch can also generate potential replies that you can send. However, you can also send your own through dictation.

Siri is also built into the Apple Watch, as is a photo app and a maps feature. You can generate searches through voice commands.

The watch will also include a fitness area, where you can track the calories burned, any activities you've done. It also has a custom heart rate monitor.

It will work with both the brand new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, as well as the iPhone 5, 5C and 5S.

The watch is expected to be available by early 2015. It has a starting price of $349.

The company also announced the latest iPhones.

The new iPhones are called the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Both are bigger and thinner than the current iPhone 5s. The iPhone 6 will have a 4.7 inch screen wand the iPhone 6 Plus will have a 5.5 inch screen. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S5 has a 5.1 inch screen.'

The phones will also features Near Field Communication technology that will allow you to pay for items in stores with your phone. It will use an service called Apple Pay. You use the service by holding your thumb on the Touch ID button. 

The system uses a credit card that is attached to your iTunes account and is placed in the Passport app. That information then uses a one-time payment number and a dynamic security code. Apple says they will not know what you bought, where you bought it of how much you paid for it.

Apple pay will be available in October.

If your device is lost or stolen, you can suspend payments. Apple has partnered with Amex, Mastercard and Visa for support.

The new iPhones will also come with a next generation A8 processor chip and an all new, Retina display and features seamless design.

In addition, Apple is adding a barometer to the iPhone, in addition to the accelerometer, gyroscope and compass that the phone already contains.

Apple is also upgrading the phone on the iPhone, including Voice over LTE and Wi-Fi Calling for the first time.

The phone will come in three colors - silver, gold and black and it will come in 16Gb, 64GB and 128GB models. The phone will be available on September 19, with preorders accepted September 12.

iOS 8 will be available for download on September 17.

Follow along here for live updates. Apple is also providing a live stream that is available on a number of browsers.