As the resident gadget afficionados at GPB, we of course had our browsers locked onto the live event link to watch Apple’s new product announcement yesterday.

The glitch laden livestream production aside (stream crashing and rebooting, voice of a Chinese or Korean translator heard loudly ) - we were impressed with what we saw.

The formal unveiling of the iPhone 6 was expected. But the possibilities presented in Apple Pay and the sleek design of the Apple Watch were not. We were enthralled.

What about you? Were you mesmerized too? Are you considering whether you should rush out and order an iPhone 6, Apple Watch and sign up for Apple Pay? Here are our thoughts to guide you.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6+

If you already have an iPhone, especially an older one (like me), we agreed that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6+ are worth upgrading to. The larger phone sizes are being trumpeted. But we felt the improved HD capable camera, better for taking selfies and videos with, makes the phone a best buy.

Jeremiah, the gamer of our group, likes that the iOS operating system will enhance the performance of games. Heather, our social butterfly, is pleased that the battery life has been extended so she'll have more call making time.

Get the full specs on the iPhone 6 here.

Get a comparison review from Engadget.

Pre-order the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus online and in stores starting September 12. They will be available in stores on September 19.


Apple Pay

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Apple Pay is the company’s answer to mobile payment processing. It works by adding a credit card into the Apple pay system, Passbook. Users can purchase items through their iPhone’s touch ID system or Apple Watch (more on that later in this post ).

Apple presenters stressed security. Card numbers are not saved on Apple’s servers or shared. (Data storing and sharing is why celebrity photos were easily stolen from their iCloud accounts recently.)

All transactions are authorized with a one time number to add another layer of security.

Jessica, the music geek of our group, wasn’t convinced that Apple Pay is airtight. But she has good reason to feel that way. The credit card listed on her iTunes account has been stolen three times.

But radio host Pat Marcus, hanging with our crew for the reveal, was jazzed. She envisioned using her phone to buy her Starbucks lattes.

Here is more on Apple Pay.

One More Thing - The Apple Watch

The group cooed the most over the Apple Watch. Jeremiah was very impressed with what he saw.

“I was expecting them to make an iPod Nano Watch,” he remarked. “I didn’t think they would go that far.”

What he is referring to is the design and features. The watch looks like a real watch and comes in a stainless steel, colorful sport or 18 karat gold edition.

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But it functions as much more. You can send text messages and access your apps through it. Its health monitoring capabilities are powerful. It measures the frequency of activity and the quality of activities. Plus it suggests whether more or less physical activity is needed.

Text messages and emails aren’t the only communication that can be sent through the watch. You can draw pictures to send to friends and loved ones. The watch is powerful enough to detect the beat of your heart and you can ALSO send that to your friends too.

The latter creeped most of us out. We were also taken aback by the starting price. The asking price for the basic watch is $349.00.

After an initial gasp, we couldn’t help but want one.

They will be available next year.

For more on the iPhone 6, Apple Pay and Apple Watch, watch the recorded announcement .