For all high tech electronic equipment including GPS, PLB, chargers, phones, computers, software. Discussion of simple electrical devices such as torches, belongs in the main 'Equipment' forum.
Wed 11 Sep, 2013 6:12 pm
Apple has simultaneously released two new iPhones for the first time in its history as the company responds to an increasingly competitive global handset market.
At an event at Apple's California headquarters early this morning, CEO Tim Cook unveiled an updated version of the iPhone 5 - called the 5S - and an unprecedented budget model - the 5C. Both were widely anticipated by industry pundits following numerous leaks of parts and marketing material in recent months.
http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/executive ... .slideshow
Wed 11 Sep, 2013 6:37 pm
5C is largely a 5 with a different case. 5S has a bit more engineering and technology added. Both running iOS 7.0. I like the new Compass and Maps apps. Slick! Now, only if the compass can electively show UTM coordinate.
Wed 11 Sep, 2013 6:46 pm
One more. Both 5S and 5C now support GLONASS and GPS.
Wed 11 Sep, 2013 7:07 pm
I find it funny that the 'budget' model still costs over 700 AUD. :/
Wed 11 Sep, 2013 7:37 pm
icefest wrote:I find it funny that the 'budget' model still costs over 700 AUD. :/
No, not 5B, it's 5C, for Colour. Budget model is the 4S, in markets outside of Australia. It's clear that our market still has enough disposable money for companies to pursue this strategy. Not Apple's fault but Australian consumer's spending pattern. It's also smart to keep the secondhand market healthy, another confidence booster for owners to trade up.
Wed 11 Sep, 2013 8:10 pm
I stand corrected. The budget 4s retails for a stunning 500 AUD. I like the fingerprint idea though.
Wed 11 Sep, 2013 9:03 pm
Based on early reviews, the words on that fingerprint security implementation seemed to be all good. But still, not enough reason alone to trade up from a 5. A big part of the goodie comes in iOS 7, which will be provided free to all 4 and above users. It's another very neat Apple interface.
Thu 12 Sep, 2013 7:39 am
Apple make a range of models. There is no budget model though. They just don't seem to be interested in that market for some reason.
I've been using iOS 7 (betas) for a while and although it's an overall improvement, I don't like the look and feel much. That's mostly personal taste but many of the buttons are now just text with no borders. Seems like a backward step to me.
I just noticed yesterday that the Compass app now includes a tilt meter (ie, a level). Very nice.
Thu 12 Sep, 2013 9:18 am
Like any product, personal taste definitely comes into it. Also, old habits die hard. Since moving to 7, I now appreciate it's refinements. Choosing a dark coloured screen background seemed to make all the more pleasing. I think I'll be all happy and accustomed within one week, of the new interface and features.
No bugs found in Tapatalk under 7 yet. Looks good.
Thu 12 Sep, 2013 10:49 am
Son of a Beach wrote:Apple make a range of models. There is no budget model though. They just don't seem to be interested in that market for some reason.
Profit margin and brand image I'd suggest. Also by keeping new prices high, used prices stay high and more of us are tempted to upgrade when we can flog off last years model for $500.
I'm tempted to upgrade from 5 to 5S just for the fingerprint sensor and better camera, plus I need a bigger capacity than my current 16GB model. I can sell my 5 for a decent amount of money and hence the new one works out not so expensive.
Love the green 5C, but I think price wise it's too close to the 5S.
Roll on iPad Mini 2 with retina....
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 10:28 am
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 10:34 am
Psychological obsolescence in evidence... my 4S will be fine until it breaks.
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 11:27 am
Interesting to note the model is already been discounted in the USA as it is seen that Apple technology can no longer command a luxury price.
Though I would imagine in Australia we will still be paying the "Australia tax".
Cheers
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 11:41 am
Apple don't charge and "Australia Tax" on hardware, actually it sometimes works out cheaper in Aus if you take GST into account.
iTunes purchases however.....
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 11:58 am
Which imported electronic product does not attract an "Australia Tax" when compared to US pricing? With the wild swings of our AUD, it's no surprise companies are playing safe on the Fx risks. But just be thankful that 1) We can purchase overseas. 2) We are still cheaper than many Euroland countries.
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 12:11 pm
Sorry but I can't help myself:
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 12:30 pm
michael_p wrote:Sorry but I can't help myself:
LOL! But the alternative have to be credible and work well. Not being a sheep is not for its name sake.
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 4:18 pm
michael_p wrote:Sorry but I can't help myself:

So, you're saying you followed the sheep?
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 7:30 pm
Australian price, what you will pay for the new models.
Aussie's pay 14% more than USA customers
http://www.news.com.au/technology/smart ... 6720156089
Mon 16 Sep, 2013 7:57 pm
Only 14% higher than US price point? That'd be called a bargain in our Equipment sub-forum for bushwalking gears! LOL
Tue 08 Oct, 2013 5:40 pm
Alway wondered why when people think everyone is just followers they are sheep, it can't be farther from the truth. Sheep are by nature a very wary animal, if you were to walk up to a paddock of sheep and get close enough they don't follow you they run in the opposite direction. They are fearful of what they don't know.
Anyway Apple is slowly losing me. The new phone is a minor update to the old 5 with a new operating system that you can get on the old 5. The design is starting to look dated, how long have they had the same look now on the iPhone. No such thing as weather or dust sealing, waterproofing (one of the most common faults with phones is either broken screens or water damage) , I mean at least Sony and Samsung have seen fit to waterproof their phones.
I been with Apple computer wise for as long as I remember but now Steve is gone so has the innovation, a lot of the new features of iOS7 seems to be taken from Google Android. I'll keep my 4s until my contract is up but seriously the new phone does nothing for me at all
Tue 08 Oct, 2013 6:07 pm
wildernesswanderer wrote:Alway wondered why when people think everyone is just followers they are sheep, it can't be farther from the truth. Sheep are by nature a very wary animal, if you were to walk up to a paddock of sheep and get close enough they don't follow you they run in the opposite direction.
When one sheep moves, the rest will follow, even if it is not a good idea. Has nothing to do with humans being in a paddock with them.
Tue 08 Oct, 2013 6:42 pm
wildernesswanderer wrote:Anyway Apple is slowly losing me. The new phone is a minor update to the old 5 with a new operating system that you can get on the old 5...
What you described is just standard attrition of those who seek gadgets. Fact is, it's not possible to expect the same rate of advancements in a smartphone year on year. The technology has largely matured and that's a fact of life. Consumers are entitled to seek for freshness in look from other brands and models but fact is, Apple has been continuing to optimise their product and the 5S is a significant jump to 5, let alone the 4 series. Initially I didn't think the 5S was a significantly different to 5 but facts and experiences have proven me wrong. This has nothing to do with the presence or absence of SteveJ. He had vision, but he also sold himself very very well in public.
Tue 08 Oct, 2013 7:28 pm
Well thats an opinion, like mine, Like I said I have been with Apple for well over 25 years. But they tweak now, upgrade a couple of things and sell it as the best thing since sliced cheese. Technology has never matured, all companies strive to find new things, new ways of doing things, everyone though phones were at their peak until the first smartphone.
They still push the boundaries, just look at the new MacPro coming but the phones are starting to get stale, but thats just my opinion
Tue 08 Oct, 2013 8:17 pm
wildernesswanderer wrote:Well thats an opinion, like mine, Like I said I have been with Apple for well over 25 years.
Certainly these are all opinions but you lag my use of Apple products by close to 10 years.

You may argue that technology never mature, but that's all relative. Fortunately, this is a well studied subject.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_life_cycleFor smartphones, the "new ways" these days are largely limited to incremental improvements, some by HW technology advances and others by system SW reorganization. But all takes time. Irrespective for Samsung, Google, Motorola, Microsoft or Apple, they are all in the same boat. Then there are gimmicks spun by marketeers. Fact is, I am happy to see APPL largely staying with the truly useful features and further optimising them and not get onto the gimmick wagon. Usability is what really counts for me. On this, the improvements on the 5S are very significant and market figures and late reviews support that.
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