Today, Apple unveiled not one, but two new iPhone 5 models, the 5c with its colorful backing and lower price, and the flagship iPhone 5s, with amazing technology like a fingerprint sensor and motion-sensing co-processor.
It’s all very exciting, of course, unless you happen to be one of makers of technology that is now rendered obsolete, or at least severely relegated to a niche market.
Here’s a quick look at several things that Apple has leapfrogged with its new announcements.
Home Security
Door locks and other home security devices typically require a passcode, whether you enter it on a keypad like above or on a connected iOS device. With the new Touch ID, your door locks will know if its you, and no one can guess your fingerprint.
Corporate Security
ID Badges will be a thing of the past. Anyone can steal your ID pass, and it’s pretty easy to counterfeit one these days. With Touch ID, your iPhone will be your badge, and your fingerprint your password.
Fitness Technology
Wearable tech, like the Jawbone Up or the Fitbit, won’t be so special anymore. With a full-on co-processor like the M7, your iPhone will be able to measure your physical state much more easily and comprehensibly than any little bit of plastic you wear on your arm.
XTreme Video Cameras
While our very own Buster Heine might disagree, putting a high end camera that can do 720p HD video at 120 frames per second fairly restricts the market for mountable cameras like the GoPro. With a quick mounting case that’s bound to cost less than a whole other device like the GoPro, your iPhone 5s becomes your always-on-hand high resolution extreme video camera.
Money, Money, Money
If you think Apple will only replace pass-codes for its iTunes App Store, you’re thinking too small. Imagine a day where you can walk into any retail outlet, and pay with your fingerprint. Yes, that day is soon.