Brand new Apple toys expected

08 September 2014 - 02:00 By Reuters
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Apple's iWatch concept.
Apple's iWatch concept.
Image: Memeburn

It has been four years since Apple last introduced a completely new gadget and the pressure is on the company to wow the punters at its "special event" in Cupertino, California, tomorrow.

Apple has fed the high expectations with promises by executives that its best product pipeline in 25 years is being readied at its secretive facilities. That's a high bar for a company whose hits include the modern, graphics-based personal computer, the smartphone, the iPod and the tablet PC.

Tomorrow look out for :

  • iWatch: The watch will reportedly have a flexible screen and track its wearer's health and fitness, double as an electronic wallet and, of course, display messages;
  • iPhone 6: The company is expected to introduce a pair of new models with bigger screens, a sleeker design and wireless payment capabilities;
  • Mobile Wallet: Apple has reportedly struck deals with Visa, MasterCard and American Express. The partnerships, as well as a special communications chip within the new iPhone and smartwatch, would allow people to use their gadgets at stores to buy everything from coffee to blue jeans;
  • Health: Apple's launch of the "HealthKit" data service this year made it clear that it expects its products to help people manage their personal health information. By incorporating HealthKit in the iPhone 6, and by packing its smartwatch with sensors capable of monitoring physical movements and heart rates, Apple could be building up to a broader push into mobile healthcare.
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