iPhone 6 and Apple Watch announced

Apple had their big reveal event today where a number of things were announced—the most notable being the iPhone 6 and the Apple Watch. Aside from those announcements, Apple also announced Apple Pay, and rock band U2 did something really cool with the launch. Here’s a quick recap of everything announced:

iPhone 6:

The company announced two new iPhones: One that is 4.7 inches (iPhone 6) and one that is 5.5 inches (iPhone 6 Plus, the largest iPhone yet). The screens are a lot bigger: The 4.7-inch model has a resolution of 1334×750, and the 5.5-inch one has a resolution of1920x1080. Both phones also have the new A8 CPU processer. The new system will deliver 20 percent better speed and 50 percent better graphics. The phone also has an 8 megapixel camera.

As for colors, the new phones will have the same ones as the 5S (white, gold and space gray). Apple has launched a new section for the iPhone 6 on their website.

Here’s what both phones look like:

The iPhone 6 starts at $199. Pre-orders go on sale Friday, September 12.

Apple Watch:

Apple Watch will have two screen sizes and around six different straps available. Interestingly, the watch makes use of the “digital crown” (a.k.a. the spinning knob on the side of a watch) for navigation.  There will be a “digital touch” feature that allows people using the watches to interact and share “taps.” So you can digitally tap someone, instead of sending a text. Gizmodo has a very good in-depth report on the watch.

The Guardian has a good, quick breakdown of the watch’s features:

“-Two sizes (small and large)

-Three models (steel, aluminium and real gold)

-Controlled with a “force touchscreen” and “digital crown” scrollwheel

-Requires an iPhone to work

-Heart monitor built in

-Built-in apps including messages, maps, and Siri

-3rd-party apps including Citymapper, Pinterest and Twitter

-Wireless charging

-Haptic feedback”

Here’s what it looks like:

And here’s another look:

The Apple Watch starts around $349. Apple has opened the watch section on their website.

Apple Pay:

Both the iPhon6 and the Apple Watch will be able to use Apple Pay, a new mobile payment system that could replace credit cards. Apple teamed up with Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Capital One, and a bunch of other banks and credit card companies. 

McDonald's, Disney and Staples are just some of the stores that Apple Pay will initially be available in. The feature will launch next month as an iOS update. Again, Gizmodo has an in-depth report.

Other Stuff:

-After performing at the reveal, U2 released a surprise, free album today. Songs Of Innocence is now available free for all iTunes customers until October 13. Get it here.

-Apple revealed more details for iOS 8.

-The iPod Classic is dead and removed from the Apple store.