I didn’t watch the Apple Keynote.
There. I said it.
I did watch the aftermath and curiously checked around to see what Apple’s big splash was—and they didn’t disappoint. After thinking about Apple’s Keynote and reading some more this morning, a few things came to mind that relates to the Church and the Church tech community.
The Bigger iPhone
I remember when Apple had the iPhone, the iPad, and the iPod—and that was it. Now we have the mini and various sizes of the iPhone. Apple’s simplified approach is becoming more complicated. I hope they don’t lose that. But Apple can afford to offer another size in their lineup because the demand is so high for mobile devices. Plus, people are doing more and more complex tasks on their phones, making a larger screen size really nice.
Church Tech: Your website needs to be fully responsive!
Larger Churches: Consider investing in a mobile app.
What do you think of the new iPhone 6?
The iWatch
FINALLY!
It’s about time Apple did this. It’s been rumored for so long, I’m just glad to put all those deviantART users out of their misery: you can stop with the mock ups, now. #kthxbai
With a speculated whopping $350 price tag, I don’t think I can afford another Apple product. Unlike Google Glass, I see this wearable tech having a better chance at making it and predict that it will surpass Google Glass users within a year. Unless, however, nobody wants to wear something on their wrist anymore since we’ve all been systematically reprogrammed not to wear watches anymore, ironically enough, because we all look at our smartphones to check the time, now.
Church Tech: Don’t let technology turn into your iDol.
Church: Technology isn’t going away. Embrace it.
What do you think about the new iWatch?
U2’s Music History Moment Making
As part of the Apple Keynote and overall awesomeness, U2 released a new album, Songs of Innocence.
But here’s the kicker: It’s for free.
All of it. The entire album.
From the U2 website:
“Simply go to the Music app on your iOS device, or to your iTunes music library on your Mac or PC, and find ‘Songs of Innocence’ under the artist or album tab. The new album is in iCloud, just tap the track listing to start listening or tap the cloud icon to download.
Songs of Innocence is set for worldwide release on October 13th. Today Apple are giving it to half a billion iTunes Store customers.
Not got an iTunes account? Create one here – the album will automatically appear in your library. ”
#BOOM
How’s that for a promotional?
Church Tech: Technology is not for you. It’s for everyday users. Build it and develop it like it’s being used by a human. Not Data from Star Trek.
Church Music Industry: Free music is awesome. Try it sometime.
Did you download the U2 album?
Thoughts
Tell me what you thought about the Apple Keynote, the Apple hardware releases in general, my opinions, or maybe you just want to leave me a smile.
Whatever you like. It’s just great to hear from you. 🙂
Rebecca says
I seem to be in the minority among my friends, but I’m jazzed about the Apple Watch! I’m not so excited about the price, but I love the idea of having the convenience of my iPhone on my wrist! I understand it works in conjunction with an iPhone – but I love the idea of being almost hands-free, There are pics on the Apple site that indicate it’s waterproof – just plain cool!
Eric Dye says
I agree. How it integrates with the iPhone will prove to be it’s ultimate success. Hands-free #FTW!
Dustin says
What does wearing a goofy scarf say about church tech? (http://twitter.com/KeynoteScarf)
🙂
While the Jobs’ mock turtle was just as fashionably bad , it didn’t steal the show. When the biggest pop of the event is a scarf, you’re not an innovator anymore. Apple is just making the same stuff everyone else is now.
Eric Dye says
LOL! Glad I wasn’t drinking something when I followed your link—it would have came shooting out of my nose! 😛
I tend to agree. There’s so much pressure for everything to be amazing, it’s put a lot of pressure on Apple and has developed an audience with almost unreachable expectations. Lots and lots of hype.
KC says
I find the screen size debate ironic because not that long ago every cell phone manufacturer was competing to make their devices smaller and smaller. Now the pendulum is swinging the other way.
Here’s my take: if your phone is big enough to surf real waves, it’s too big.
That being said I like the iPhone 6 model because it’d be easier to use with my big hands. I frequently misspell words and auto-correct is touch and go.
iWatch: I ain’t spending $350, but it looks cool. I wonder if the new joke will be people looking at their wrist constantly. Just because we can wear tech everywhere doesn’t mean it’s wise.
Another application for churches to explore is Apple Pay. The easier you make it for people to donate, tithe or support a cause, the greater financial return you’ll realize. Consumers (including church goers) are all about convenience.
Eric Dye says
Sounds like a great blog post in the making. 😛
I agree with the phone size, too. I imagine Phil would benefit from the bigger screen, too.
Phil Schneider says
Love the warning about the watch becoming an iDol. I, too, am worried about Apple beginning to complicate its beautifully simple ecosystem, but I’ll try to hold off judgement, for now.
I LOVE the idea of giving away music. This is what I wish the Christian media industry (music, books, etc.) understood: sometimes, it’s more important to make sure everyone has it than it is to get paid.