Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Watch: VIDEOS

Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake star in Apple's first ad for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus… but you can't see them!

The two sing "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," aka the theme from '2001: A Space Odyssey' in the ad, which features the two stars' hands, but not their faces. The ad's tagline? "Bigger than bigger."

Here it is:

And here is the Apple video explaining the new phones:



And now, the Apple watch (NOT called the iWatch, as some sites are reporting):



The iPhone will be available in Australia on 19 September. The Apple watch will be on sale from early 2015.

Are you keen?

Here's a short rundown of the phone comparisons, below:

The iPhone 6 is:

- larger and flatter than previous iPhones
- it's 6.6mm thin and almost 12cm high

The iPhone Plus is:

- almost 14cm high, and only 7.1mm thick.

- it includes a few extras not included in the iPhone 6, including: a fitness tracking chip inside the phone that can tell if you’re running or cycling, and optical stabilisation for removing camera shake, especially in low light situations.

Both phones are faster — and their batteries last longer.

Best development ever. Apple claims the new phones, which are available in gold, silver and grey, are four times faster than the original iPhone.

Both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone Plus are 50% more power efficient for increased battery life. Apple says they expect the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to outlast the iPhone 5S by at least an hour while browsing on Wi-Fi.

And the Apple watch features:

Apps are a key feature of the Apple watch. It tells the time (yes!), it's a communications tool, and health and fitness device - in one.

It comes with two apps which gather data like your heart rate, and can provide a daily snapshot of your activity and fitness goals. The Apple watch also shows you (via apps) where you parked your car, hotel apps that allow you to check in from the Apple watch, and an Apple Maps app gives you directions.

There will also be three different Apple watches: the standard version, the Sports model, and the Edition model - the latter of which is made with 18 carat gold. Yep.

Thinking of upgrading?

Optus will this week begin offering $200 toward an early termination fee plus about $250 credit for trading in an old smartphone.

And Telstra has announced they will be offering the same deal as Optus, effective from September 16. They are also removing their 'New Phone Feeling' fee - the $10 a month fee which allows customers to upgrade to a new handset in 12 months, rather than the usual 24.

So, if you can't wait, that's effectively $200 towards allowing customers to start their new iPhone plan around three months early, at no extra cost.

When the iPhone 5 went on sale two years ago, it's estimated that 1.5 million handsets were sold in the next few months - and now, those buyers would be looking to sign new contracts.

LOL Elmo - new Hasbro release + giveaway

The new 'LOL Elmo' [gosh I love that they've used the modern vernacular for a kiddies' toy!] is out in time for Christmas and it's a winner for joyous little kids who love a laugh.

Perfect for children from 18 months to 4 years, Elmo is an infectious little bugger at the best of the times, and especially now in this little version which chuckles when tickled.

The new Sesame Street LOL Elmo laughs and makes silly sounds, and comes with a Dorothy fishbowl squeaker. When Elmo thinks something is funny, he rolls and shakes with laughter. The more he laughs, the more he moves. Adorbs.

See the cute ad here.



And, Josie's Juice has two LOL Elmo toys to give away.

Here's what you need to do to enter:

1. 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page
2. Share this link on your Facebook wall
3. Email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au with all your details, and answer this question: why does Elmo make you LOL so much?
*Comp open to Australian residents only

Competition: 'Twister Dance Game'

I am a total sucker these days for anything that involves dancing disguised as exercise.

So, we're talking 'Just Dance' on Wii, a good dose of 'Zumba' on DVD... and now: 'Twister Dance'.

I was first exposed to this new contraption during my annual see-all-the-new-toys visit at Hasbro's Sydney HQ and already I could visualise myself - er, I mean, my kids - really rocking out dancing to this new toy.

Here's the new Twister Dance.

And here's the TVC:



Plus, here's more on the new way to enjoy the ol' classic we know as Twister:

With the Twister Dance Game you can learn dances by following the Twister spots to songs, like 'Till the World Ends' by Britney Spears or 'Whip My Hair' by Willow - five songs are included. Or you can dance to your own music by connecting the game to any MP3 player (which is sold separately).

Twister Dance Game is essentially a dance version of the classic Twister game. You can learn dances to popular songs by following the lights and stepping on the Twister pots. There are eight movable spots. The Twister Dance Game connects to any MP3 player (sold separately).

Age recommendation is eight and up [although my kids love it - supervised, of course]. It can accommodate 1-2 players, and four "AA" batteries are required (demo batteries included).

And now, Josie's Juice readers can win one of two Twister packs, featuring Twister 2 and Twister Dance, valued at almost $100 for each pack.

Here's what you need to do to be in the running:

- Like the Josie's Juice Facebook page [click 'like' at top right of this page]
- Share this link on your Facebook page- Comment below or send me an email [josiegags@optusnet.com.au] on why you'd love to win the new 'Twister Dance Game' prize pack
- Send me an email if you're entering by commenting below, with all your details so you are easily contactable if you're a winner

Two prize packs valued at $94.98 each. Enter now! [Competition only available to Australian residents].

Competition: Baby Alive 'My Real Baby'

This reader comp is sure to get some readers as excited as I was when I went along to the annual Hasbro new toy preview event.

It's something I have been doing every year and I thoroughly enjoy it. Where else do you get to experience new kiddie gadgets and have permission to ooh and ahh and get excited over the stuff you really, really want to put on a Christmas wish list? For the kids, I mean.

This new release - available right now - is the Baby Alive 'My Real Baby'.

Available now, Josie's Juice readers have the opportunity to win one of two, up for grabs right here.

Details on how to enter are below.

Here's the cute-as-pie doll:

And here is a little more about her and what she does:

For kids age three and up, and at a RRP of $99.99, this 'My Real Baby' Baby Alive is the most responsive doll to join the Baby Alive family.

She speaks more than 50 phrases and features lifelike facial expressions and eye movements. She loves to play games and sing songs and will stretch out her arms, asking “mummy” for a hug! [A-dorable!]

You can tickle her tummy or kiss her cheek and the playful doll will giggle just like a toddler. After a full day of fun, she gets very sleepy. When she's ready for bed, kids can “feed” the baby her bottle and special doll “food.” 

Don't forget to change her nappy before she falls “asleep!” It requires 4 AA batteries, which are included. It's available in most major toy retailers nationwide right now... or enter to win one of two dolls on offer [plus a nappy refill, valued at $10] below:

- Click 'like' on the Josie's Juice page on Facebook [top right of this page]
- Copy and paste this link onto your Facebook wall
- Comment below or send me an email [josiegags@optusnet.com.au] on why you'd love to win Baby Alive 'My Real Baby'
- Send me an email if you're entering by commenting below, with all your details so you are easily contactable if you're a winner

[Competition only available to Australian residents].

Can't wait to win one? Go here for more info: http://www.hasbro.com/en_AU/baby-alive/search.cfm?N=95&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchall and for more on Hasbro, go here: http://www.hasbrotoys.com.au/

All-new Disney Junior adventures: out now.

The delivery of Minnie, Mickey and Manny review DVDs to our house sent my three year old twins into fits of joy.

And all three titles - Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Bow-Tique, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Road Rally and Handy Manny: Handy Manny’s Big Race - did not disappoint the mini critics.

New to Disney DVD from tomorrow, 6 July 2011, the newly launched Disney Junior, formerly Playhouse Disney, has released these first three exciting instalments.

First up, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Bow-Tique: Minnie’s sparkling-new bow-tique is open and myriad bows and bow-ties are on show. The signature Mousketools are required to find the perfect gift for Pete’s Aunt Mabel.

Fashion fun over and it's time for a daytime sleepover, a picnic in Mickey Park and other great adventures in four fabulous original episodes.

Next, Mickey Mouse is back in an all-new full length movie that takes the Clubhouse gang on a wild ride through Mickey Park, the desert, Mistletoe Mountain, even the jungle. All the while, kids need to find the special ‘Mickey Markers’. Bonus features: Handy Manny: Julieta’s Monster episode. It also features two fast-paced and exciting new eps: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Road Rally is perfect for little people interested in a non-stop travel adventure.

And lastly, it’s back to Sheetrock Hills for high-speed fun with the kiddies' fave handyman, Manny Garcia!

Manny and his team of talking tools try to turn a broken down old car into the fastest four wheels on the road, and win Wood Valley 500 race. Before they cross the finish line though a lot of teamwork is in order.

Handy Manny: Manny’s Big Race features great new music and all-new episodes - Bunny in the Basement/Fast Eddie’s Scooter - it's fast paced fun.

Disney Junior - formerly Playhouse Disney - is the newly branded, learning-focused direction for the brand, which reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary.

It is truly a delight to watch young minds and faces, eager to learn, engage in the new batch of DVD offerings from Disney Junior.

Available to own from 6 July 2011, RRP: $24.95 to RRP: $19.95.

Sydney Opera House Barbie Doll launches - in time for Australia Day

The Sydney Opera House Barbie® Doll has launched in time for Australia Day.

Mattel have created the ultimate homage to Australia with this special edition Barbie... makes me wanna be a kid all over again!

The doll is the fourth in the Barbie Dolls of the World Collection Landmark Series which feature Barbie dressed in fashion-forward gowns artistically inspired by some of the world’s most famous architecture. The Sydney Opera House is the latest addition to the series following Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

Barbie Senior Brand Manager Kate Carroll said, "The Sydney Opera House Barbie brings the world-famous Sydney Opera House to life through fabulous Barbie fashion."

Jorn Utzon’s famous sails inspire Barbie’s bodice while her billowing skirts reflect the blue of Sydney harbour. Customised earrings and a clutch bag, also inspired by the sails, complement the gown perfectly.

To commemorate the Australia Day launch of the doll Mattel have commissioned a photo shoot where Sydney Opera House Barbie comes to life on a human scale.

Wearing her signature gown - recreated for the occasion by couturier Alex Perry - a model inspired by Barbie poses against the Opera House sails. Shot by leading fashion photographer Richard Freeman, with renowned creative director Tony Assness collaborating, a stunning collection of images has been produced.

Chief Executive, Sydney Opera House Richard Evans said “I am continually amazed by the way Sydney Opera House ignites the imagination of designers around the world. The Sydney Opera House Barbie shows that there is no limit to the ways in which our signature soaring white sails can be translated into objects of desire and beauty.”

Alex Perry said “I am thrilled to be collaborating with Mattel on this project. It is such a momentous venture and combines two classic and enduring icons – Barbie and the Sydney Opera House.”

The Sydney Opera House Barbie® Doll is available from Target, Big W and specialty retailers nationally – $44.99 RRP. Stockist enquiries: 1300 135 312