The new generation of iPhones isn't only increasing in size but speed as well. Apple just announced its next-generation A8 processor that will be baked into the iPhone 6 and most likely future iPad Airs. Apple confirms rumors that the A8 has over 1 billion transistors and is 13 percent smaller, 25 percent faster, and 50 percent more efficient than its A7 predecessor.
Apple is also introducing a new generation of M8 chip can tell when you're cycling, walking, running and can measure distance and elevation even if you go up a flight of stairs. The A8 does inherit some traits from the A7, primarily its dual-core and 64-bit architecture characteristics, however it's manufactured with the 20nm process rather than the A7's 28nm process.
From a straight spec comparison between chips, such as the Snapdragon 805 found in Samsung's new Galaxy Note 4, the A8 may not seem like a big deal. The 805 is quad-core 2.7GHz SoC, but it's important to remember that the A8 is a custom job, built and optimized specifically for Apple products and iOS, whereas Qualcomm creates stock chips for multiple smartphones. A pure spec sheet comparison doesn't come close to telling the whole story.
After upgrading the iPhones brains and brawn, all that's left is its vision. Because Apple slimmed down their devices (.22 inches!), they've also had to tinker with the camera module to make it fit, and even then, it still protrudes slightly on the back. The lens remains the same with just 8 megapixels but is an iSight camera with a new FocusPixels technology, true tone flash, and a f/2.2 aperture. FocusPixels helps the camera focus twice as fast and comes with next-gen tone mapping and noise reduction. The improved image signal sensor in the A8 makes advanced face detection possible, which means better focus.
The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 plus will each have digital image stabilization. However, the Apple's phablet offering will also include optical image stabilization, which will help capture steady video and better pictures in low light. Concerning video, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus can take 1080p video at 30fp or 60fps. If you want to dial the speed down with the iPhone's slo-mo function, those frame rates jump up to 120 fps or 240 fps.
All the forthcoming Apple ads (and believe me, they're coming) will obviously, and maybe justly, focus on the iPhone 6's new slim exterior, but Apple isn't just about cosmetics. It's the marriage of design, software, and the impressive guts inside that holds the world's attention every September.
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via Gizmodo http://gizmodo.com
