WWDC: What’s Apple up to next?
TORONTO – Apple announced new products and software at its annual World Wide Developers Conference in San Francisco on Monday, but there was no news on its much anticipated iPhone5.
Still, the Cupertino-based company offered much to those who attended, largely developers, the folks who write software apps for Apple products.
Currently the Apple store has 650,000 apps which have generated five billion dollars U.S. for developers. This from the 30 billion apps that have been downloaded.
Our tech guru Steve Makris offers his take on what consumers should be excited about in today’s Apple announcements.
Global News: What excited you the most about Apple’s new offerings today?
Steve Makris: There are several things, like the new MacBook Air, which will feature Intel’s third generation processors and faster graphics, catching up with a wide selection of Intel second and third generation Windows based UltraBooks currently on the market. The screens are improved but not sharper and a 500 GB SSD (solid state drive) option solves the Air’s previous ‘Achilles heel’ on storage capacity. There is also a $100 price drop on new models. Consumers will like starting prices of under $1000, similar to the Windows-based UltraBooks, but with better angle screen viewing.
GN: What was over the top for you?
Get breaking National news
SM: Aside from updating the current MacBook Pro-line to Intel third generation chips, the 17-inch MacBook Pro starting at $2199 U.S. offers a Retina display of 2880×1800 – four times more screen information than the previous model. This makes it an ideal “computer” for graphics-based work. It also has an impressive 7 hour battery time, 30 day standby, SD card slot, Apple’s fast Thunderbolt connectivity, and surprisingly, an HDMI out to HDTVs. Apple did not announce new desktop models.
GN: What is noteworthy on the operating system for Mac computers?
SM: There are many improvements in the new Mac computer Mountain Lion OS X coming out this July, indeed, more than 200. First, it’s affordable at $19.99 and it will upgrade two previous generations of OS version (smart). Microsoft should take note.
I like the Power Nap mode. While the computer sleeps, it still synchs up from iCloud and the ability is still there to run iMessage, as well Reminders for never forgetting – anything. The Notification Centre and the new Share button that works within apps is a welcome addition. The new Mac will also be more Facebook and Twitter friendly. You will be able to use Airplay to use your Mac on an HDTV. A huge Safari browser improvement will be the ability to upload pictures on a website.
GN: There’s no iPhone5 yet, but what cool improvements will current iPhones and iPads have?
SM: The iOS6, out this fall, will have an improved Siri – not necessarily smarter – but it will have access to more online information and run within applications – a developer’s delight. Apple will have its own mapping program, developing its own cartography in-house. It’s 3D mapping looked smooth and unlike Google’s real photo 3D assimilation, Apple’s 3D will be rendered as a computer graphic with closer zoom. Within mapping, you will be able to ask Siri, “Are we there yet?,” and get an ETA response. Facebook and Twitter integration is welcome, as is being able to use Facetime on your iPhone’s cellular connection, not just WiFi.
I really like the new Passbook that holds all your movie tickets, passes, gift cards, boarding passes, QR codes, Starbucks and AppleStore cards. When you delete one it uses a virtual shredder so you know it’s gone. Apple is working with the auto industry, including Toyota, GM, Mercedes, BMW, Honda and Audi in the next 12 months for more seamless and safe integration with iPhones. Overdue custom vibrations for alerts will be here, as well as setting your phone to not disrupt you during meetings and responding with specific messages. This is a feature that Motorola has had since last year. It is not known if iPhones will be able to run Google’s Maps on their iOS6 devices.
GN: What disappointed you?
SM: Just like being first to abandon the floppy drive, Apple is now doing away with the optical drive to make its MacBook Pros thinner. It will be missed by many, but today, it’s all about streaming media on the Internet, and in Apple’s case, the iCloud. I am disappointed that Apple’s upcoming iOS6 for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices will not cover the first generation iPad or older iPod Touch. Some Apple legacy product will stay behind.
Watch for Steve’s Tech Talk segments airing Sundays and Mondays on the Morning News on Global Edmonton. You can also check out his blog: www.techuntangled.ca.
Comments