Say what you will about Apple, and people say a lot, but they are never afraid to boldly break the mold and the bank.
During an event today Apple unveiled a new super light Macbook that eliminates all but one port, the price and features for the Apple Watch ($349 up to $10,000 for the gold one) and announced an exclusive deal with HBO Now, the new cable free streaming service from HBO.
HBO Now
HBO Now is, essentially, Netflix for HBO shows. It gives users all the HBO content they want for $14.99 a month. HBO launched a similar service on every platform called HBO Go in 2010. However, you could only use that service if you subscribed to HBO through a cable or satellite company (or if you borrowed a password from a friend or relative).
HBO Now cuts out the middle man but also cuts out Android, Google Chrome, X-Box and Playstation users. At least for now. It's unclear how long the exclusive deal will last. Apple cut the price of their $99 Apple TV box to $69. Those who were hoping Apple was ready to release a resigned Apple TV were probably disappointed.
Macbook
Apple announced a new Macbook that weighs 2 pounds, has a retina screen and only one port and a headphone jack. Essentially, this is Apple being obsessive compulsive about wires and eliminating older technology. It;s something they are usually right about even if it takes users time to adjust. This is also, perhaps, their answer to the Microsoft Surface. They didn't turn an iPad into a Mac but they did their best to keep chipping away at the Mac.
They also did some interesting things with battery design. They come in gold, silver and space grey and start at $1,299.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Sport (the aluminuim one with plastic bands) starts at $349.
The Apple Watch (starts at $549 but goes all the way to $1,099 dpending on size and band)
Then there is an 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition will start at $10,000. Those are not for you unless you have more money than you know what to do with. If you have more money than you know what to do with please consider donating to the Brady Calhoun fund.
Every new Apple device brings with it loads of critics who complain about all sorts of things. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer famously laughed at the iPhone. People made fun of the iPad because of its name. And the criticism on the Apple Watch has, so far, been focused on the price. The short version is that Apple decided to compete in a new space - fashion. So, on the high end those who spend thousands on Rolexes without blinking have a new item from Apple and the rest of us can decide where we draw the line.
From a personal standpoint I've almost always gotten most of my money back out of my Apple products by selling them on eBay when I upgraded and I expect that trend will continue with the Apple Watch. Of course, it remains to be seen if anyone really needs an Apple Watch or any other kind of wearable tech device. It also remains to be seen if I can convince my wife to let me buy one.
What do you think?