The AppAdvice tech week in review: More on the 'iPhone 5se' and 'Apple Watch 2'

This week saw the arrival of a new app from Apple; additionally, we heard more about the first iPhone release of 2016. Here’s a look back at the week that was in the world of tech:

The biggest story of the week: New iPhone in March, new Apple Watch in September

It looks like the “Apple Watch 2” won’t be making an arrival this spring after all. Instead, we should expect to see the next generation wearable device launch this September alongside the “iPhone 7,” according to new reports.  In March, Apple could announce the “iPhone 5se” and introduce new bands for the Apple Watch.

What’s the iPhone 5se? According to 9to5Mac, the 4-inch device will feature the following upgrades from the iPhone 5s:

• The chamfered, shiny edges have been replaced with curved glass like on the iPhone 6 and 6s lines
• The same 8 megapixel rear camera and 1.2 megapixel front camera systems from the iPhone 6
• Support for larger panoramas and autofocus for video recording
• Barometer for tracking elevation in the Health app
• An NFC chip for Apple Pay
• The A8 and M8 chips from the iPhone 6
• Bluetooth 4.2, VoLTE, and 802.11ac WiFi chips from the iPhone 6s
• Live Photos from the iPhone 6s
• Same Silver, Space Gray, Silver, & Rose Gold color options as the 6s line

Also making news: AT&T CEO goes after Apple, rest of Silicon Valley over encryption

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, made clear who he thinks should be leading the charge on encryption policy in the United States. And it’s not Apple and other tech companies.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Stephenson says Apple CEO Tim Cook and other technology leaders should leave the decision up to leaders in Washington, D.C.:

“I don’t think it is Silicon Valley’s decision to make about whether encryption is the right thing to do. I understand (Apple CEO) Tim Cook ’s decision, but I don’t think it’s his decision to make,” Mr. Stephenson said Wednesday in an interview here with The Wall Street Journal at the World Economic Forum….

“I personally think that this is an issue that should be decided by the American people and Congress, not by companies,” Mr. Stephenson said.

As Brent Dirks recently noted, Cook has been extremely vocal lately on the subject of encryption. He believes that the government should not have any “back door” access to iOS devices because other parties could misuse the information.

Other news:

• ‘Apple Car’ hits a snag as its project leader departs
• Hermès Apple Watch is now available to purchase online
• Apple was paid $1 billion in 2014 for making Google the default search engine on iOS
• The iPhone could be banned in California in 2017
• Apple’s still working on a streaming TV package, according to ESPN
• Amazon continues to plow ahead with its Prime Air drone delivery system

Big app news: Apple introduces a new app

Noting in a press release that many musicians have, for years, been using iOS’s Voice Memos app to develop their songs and record audio, Apple has unleashed a new piece of software to make songwriting even easier on iPhones and iPads. The new Music Memos app is designed to let musicians and songwriters quickly and easily capture, organize, and develop their compositions right from their iOS device.

As Jeff Byrnes explained, Music Memos doesn’t just let you record snippets of audio, but it also adds in features musicians will love. You’ll be able to see the chords you’re playing through the app’s automatic notation feature. On top of that, Music Memos can analyze what you’re playing and automatically add in drum and bass parts, for example.

Other app news:

• Facebook rolls out new 3D Touch features for its iPhone app
• Adobe now lets you make your Voice heard on your iPhone
• Your favorites are at your fingertips with Contacts Pad
• New Facebook Sports Stadium lets you enjoy games with pals
• Microsoft’s Word Flow keyboard on Windows Phone is coming to iOS

Accessory news: UAG’s rugged Trooper Series iPhone case is here

Urban Armor Gear is adding to its lineup with its new Trooper Series case for the iPhone 6/6s and 6/6s Plus. Along with protecting the handsets, a special built-in compartment in the back of the case is designed to hold up to four credit cards.

Other accessory news:

• X-Doria unveils its new Revel Line for the iPhone 6s/6 and Apple Watch
• The upcoming HomeKit-compatible Array lock is powered by solar energy

What will happen during the week ahead? Visit AppAdvice each day to find out.

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