Everything you need to know about iPhone 12 to up your #MoJo
Apple’s latest iPhone launch, which was pushed back several weeks to 13th October, was billed to be revolutionary by many in the tech community. The end result is 4 handsets, a series of amendments to accessories and 5G compatibility. The harshest of critics will suggest that in terms of functionality, iPhone 12 isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel, even if the camera has been significantly upgraded.
In the midst of a global pandemic where journalists’ access to specialist equipment can often be impeded, iPhone 12 acts as a rather Zeitgeist accessory, which will be of benefit to those wishing to bring interactive journalism to their audience in a timely manner. Here’s how, through 6 key factors that stood out to the Interhacktives team…
- 5G connectivity
Fake news aside, 5G is coming, which will vastly improve download speeds. This could be a competitive advantage for those working against the clock sending and receiving files as well as those using their handset for delivering news updates on OBs. In the race for breaking news, the difference between 4G and 5G could also be the difference between you or a competitor to be the first to break a developing story.
2. Camera
The LIDAR technology deployed in this handset will make iPhone 12 one of the most powerful camera devices for its size, even taking on “actual” cameras. Combined with 5G, iPhone 12 is a double threat as it will be easy to share 4K, better stabilised, sharper images and video quickly. One should also note though that a similar functionality will be imminently available on Xiaomi’s Mi 10T series of smartphones at a much reduced price. The Xiaomi handset also promises the possibility to simultaneously shoot video from the front and back cameras although its Android platform does reduce connectivity with other devices – especially Apple ones.
3. Stabilising images
Although many of us will prefer luxurious post-production in Adobe or convincing design teams to make our work prettier for us, it’s not always possible. The high dynamic range technology available on the Pro and Pro Max models promises to provide clearer, stabilised images of shadowy, silhouette and variable light scenarios. Night Mode is improved compared with the 11 and machine learning will further improve it. Let’s not forget, however, that the magnificently-named gimbal is a MoJo’s best friend when it comes to shooting video on a bumpy terrain or in a press scrum. iPhone 12 is the prefect modus operandi to try out our Interhacktives tips on boosting your smartphone photography game.
4. Social media
With iPhone 12 pre-orders now topping those of iPhone 11, it’s likely this series of handsets are going to dominate the market in most areas of the globe starting in 2021. Social media companies will inevitably adapt their UIs to ensure the best possible UX for iPhone 12 users – that will include the presentation and visibility of our multimedia on their platforms. Naturally, the social media journo’s partner in crime will be iPhone 12 accordingly.
5. Safety
With data protection and security concerns mauling confidence in Huawei and many smartphone producers across the world, choosing a smartphone that won’t spy on you is at the forefront of many journalists’ minds. Ultimately, Apple is no angel, but Face ID, MagSafe and additional bluetooth technology seem to ensure relative safety for those working on sensitive journalistic investigations.
6. Aftersales
Mobile journalists often overlook this element… until they are out covering a superstorm and their iPhone flies out of their hand onto the floor. Apple, even if expensive, does have a network of stores, premium resellers and customer touchpoints, which will allow you to fix any technical issues you encounter. If you’re just starting out, iPhone 12 is probably your safest option.
Apple’s latest gadget is not the best in terms of value for money or in terms of innovation but it is undeniably an excellent asset for the mobile journalist. It’s genuinely more powerful compared to its predecessors and offers MoJos an outstanding array of connectivity options that will prove to be highly valuable in a competitive sector.