Observations from using the new iPhone and Watch
by Volker Weber
With a few days into using the new iPhone and Watch, I have some observations to share. Going through a long list of new features and celebrating all of them does not mean you will notice them after a few days, but here are a few that really stick:
- The iPhone 7 Plus is insanely fast. At everything.
- The Watch got so much better with watchOS 3. You get that on your "old" watch. It makes a much bigger difference than going to the new hardware. But what really sticks out on the new hardware is the display. It's super super bright.
- The camera on the 7 Plus is incredible. You know how much I liked my Olloclip for its 2x telephoto and super wide angle. Half of that is now built in, with much better results. There is no vignette, photos are really sharp. And it's just a tap away.
- Stereo speakers are great. I have them on many devices, from the DTEK50 all the way up to the iPad Pro. Finally, also on the iPhone. You notice this most when watching videos.
- The tan leather case is not a good choice. After only a few days of usage it is collecting dirt starting from the side. Tan leather usually ages well, but not when you are holding it in a firm grip all the time. I will switch to a silicone case as soon as possible.
- I am using the portrait mode in beta. Requires a Plus model for the two lenses. It's a bit hit and miss, therefore still in beta. But when it delivers, wow ... just wow. Click it. This photo was shot 7 minutes before sunset with ISO 1000, against the light.
- The nylon band works really well. I am still a huge fan of the sport band, but this one is even lighter.
I had a blue silicone cover on the 6S as you can see in the photo. With the black 7 I am leaning towards Cocoa and/or Red. What do you think?
Comments
Black leather, storm grey leather, or red solicone. Also considered cocoa for a while and I also used midnight blue on my 6s. Time for something new. Silicone is a bit "too handy" for me from time to time so leather seems like a good choice this year. But, have to see the grey one in person first. Time to hit an Apple Store.
i'm leaning toward stormgrey also, had a black for my 6s. Cocoa looks nice, but i hate the silicone cover of my 9.7 ipad pro, i don't want this for my new matte black 7 Plus, so i might go with stormgrey (must see it in person) or again black leather.
Also have the tan leather case, after black the previous two years. Cocoa looks like a good choice but don it like the silicone touch. Storm grey seems to be popular, will wait and see in the family how the grey color holds up. Seeing me end up with another black case though.
For a black iPhone i would take a silicone case in red or ocean blue.
Personally, i would maybe opt for a silver iPhone and a midnight blue silicone case.
Red of course.
Volker, the WatchOS feature "Unlock MacOS with Watch" does not work for me, as long as the watch is paired with the iPhone over BlueTooth. Only after turning off BlueTooth on the iPhone the unlocking works for me. Does it work for you?
Check out the requirements. Does your Mac support Bluetooth Low Energy?
I'm all red... red silicon case on the phone, red Lumia 2520 with red keyboard folio (yes, I still use that, especially when on travel). I like how the bright red sticks out from the dull masses of gadgets.
But of course that is primarily a matter of taste and personal preference...
For the first time in a very long time, I'm planning to go case-less this time when the Jet Black 7+ finally arrives. The slightly more tacky case of the Jet Black will hopefully be enough to ensure it stays in hand when walking. We shall see!
@Volker and Felix: looks like 802.11ac is also required because of "time of flight" calculation. (see: https://networkingnerd.net/2016/09/21/apple-watch-unlock-802-11ac-and-time/)
Tan case....
These look extremely pretty.
http://thenoduscollection.com/products/the-shell-case-for-iphone
@Frank, thanks for the hint. I am still on MacBook Air 2013.
I guess I just have to wait for the new MacBook Air or whatever comes next.
Hope that I will have to wait not too much longer. Still not many rumors for the new MacBooks around.
