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The new iPhone XS and XS MAX are the most powerful and expensive iPhone to date. The XS and XS MAX are on sale on September 21st.
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I've never been a big fan of the Apple Watch, although I have to give credit to Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, for not giving up on this, and tweaking it in. a real success.

I am not a watchbearer, so it was a hit for me, in addition to the initial dependence on the iPhone, apps that did practically nothing and a watch face too small to enjoy. Cook has since solved two of the three problems. And this week, the Apple reshuffle of the next edition of the Watch went even further.

Who knew that an event dedicated to the launch of three new models of iPhone – including a larger, more powerful, and more expensive high-end device than all those who preceded it – would play the second role in the fourth edition of the Apple Watch?

Jeff Williams, director of Apple's operations, talks about the Apple Watch Series 4 series at the Steve Jobs Theater at an event to announce Apple's new products Wednesday, September 12, 2018 in Cupertino, in California. (Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP)

We are talking about a device used by more than a billion people – the iPhone – compared to an accessory that, according to analysts, have sold about 15 million units – yes, the Apple Watch. And with this week's announcement, you have the choice to put your money on the biggest iPhone to date – with the biggest price, up to $ 1,500 for the max-out model – or a watch that can make an ECG and contact 911 if you fall.

A watch can do that? A $ 399 device that rests on your arm? What do you bring with you wherever you go? With a larger dial to more easily see these pesky applications? Sensational.

If you missed it, here is what Apple has announced:

-ECG: Through the iPhone Watch application and the electric heart sensor of the new edition of the watch, you will be able to generate an electrocardiogram by placing your finger against the digital crown of the watch. This is an "upcoming" feature that will not be available on the 21st when the new Watch edition goes on sale, but in an update later this year.

-Fall. The new edition of the watch has a characteristic that can feel if you fall. Once this happens, it will send you prompts, giving you 60 seconds to answer and let the device know you're OK. If you do not answer, the Watch will contact emergency responders. (The feature is automatic with watch owners who identify themselves as 65 and older, and optional feature for the younger ones.) Make sure to catch my video where I try to demonstrate the feature.

By making these changes, Apple is clearly opening a new market to both older customers and their adult children who are worried about them. But beyond marketing, the company also provides a service and makes a watch more useful. It's enough for me to think seriously of changing my lifestyle and looking at my wrist after all these years.

Bad news for owners of older Apple watches. These new features are only available on the new edition, which will be on sale Friday.

People with older Apple watches can update their software on Monday, through the Watch application of their iPhone, by accessing the general settings and selecting Software Update.

New features available for all include workout programs, a walkie-talkie tool for direct voice communication, the ability to listen to Apple podcasts on the watch and take automatic shortcuts via the Internet. personal assistant Siri.

Apple will also release Monday the update of its mobile operating system, iOS12. New features include tools to better manage notifications in one place and help reduce our digital dependencies. Owners of the iPhone X will be able to create cartoon characters as "animojis". The iOS upgrade is available on older phones to return to the iPhone 5S.

Do not underestimate the attractiveness of Animojis: they create an addiction. (Photo: examen.com / Michael Desjardin)

In other new techniques this week

– Maybe you missed the headlines, but Apple has announced three new editions of the iPhone. Here is everything you need to know in a paragraph. The top-of-the-line model, the iPhone XS Max, measures 6.5 inches, has more power and a higher price from $ 1,100, while the XS is a minor upgrade from the iPhone. last year. A third model, the XR, has a 6.1-inch lower resolution display and sells for $ 749 as of October.

Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, has created a $ 2 billion fund to help homeless families and create kindergartens. Bezos is the richest person in the world, with an estimated value of $ 164 billion. The $ 2 billion immediately places the fund among the top 50 philanthropic foundations in the country, according to lists from the Foundation Center, which tracks philanthropic organizations.

– You like Netflix, right? Does this make you a Walmart customer? The CEO of AT & T, who now owns HBO, has compared the long-standing pay-TV network and the popular streaming service this week under the name "Tiffany" to "Walmart" of Netflix at A conference.

HOB, said Randall Stephenson, is "a premium high-end brand for premium content." Which is good and dandy, but as noted on Twitter, Walmart's most recent annual business figure was $ 485 billion, compared with $ 4 billion for Netflix.

I would not do a telethon either.

This week's Talking Tech podcasts

-Trump vs. Apple – who's right?

-Tech and handicap

-Disks of hard disk + solutions

-It's only to cover an iPhone event

-Meet the new iPhones

-You said $ 1500 for this new iPhone? Or a beautiful 7?

Do not forget to subscribe to the Talking Tech newsletter, technewsletter.usatoday.com, listen to the daily Talking Tech podcast and receive my @jeffersongraham updates on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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