Monday is the big day for Apple’s annual conference: WWDC 2013. This is where the Cupertino company usually unveils some new features to their software (iOS & OS X) and add new or refresh their hardware. Last year Apple revealed iOS 6 which gave the iPad access to Siri, the not-so-good Apple Maps, the barely-used Passbook, and over-the-air software updates. The new Mountain Lion update to OS X brought us more iOS features to the desktop like Notification Center, Game Center, Messages, Twitter integration, AirPlay Mirroring, & Find My Mac. The MacBook hardware got updated CPUs and they announced the 15inch Retina MacBook Pro for power users.
Apple is back again this year as many things have changed since last year. Former iOS software head Scott Forstall is out and Jony Ive is in handling both hardware & software for all things iOS. Google made their Maps solution look like a joke. And people are still wondering what is the point of Passbook. There are a number of things we are anticipating from Apple on Monday, let’s begin.
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| photo courtesy of 9to5Mac |
This year’s version of Apple’s smartphone software is said to get the major redesign it so desperately needed. The iPhone’s software has retained the same look since 2007 other than a few changes to select icons. That will change now as Jony Ive is said to give it a modern, simplified ‘flat’ look to the OS. Also there’s talk of the addition of widgets somewhere within the OS – possibly the Notification Center, bringing the Mac’s AirDrop over that allows you to share files via Wi-Fi, and more built-in social features with Flickr + Vimeo integration. There’s talk over at 9to5Mac of a new look to the camera app that adds its own built-in Instagram filters too. We may see a preview as we will have to wait until the next iPhone for everyone to actually get it but you know developers will get advanced access.
Looking to compete with the various music streaming services that are cutting into their iTunes $$$, Apple has been working on a radio streaming service dubbed iRadio. It would work like Pandora where users can streaming music from their favorite artists based on their iTunes music. It could also work hand-in-hand with iTunes Genius. The iRadio service would be free but you would have to deal with ads. Earlier today we all got word that they finalized their deal with Sony to now have all 3 music labels on board so this is pretty much a go.
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| photo courtesy of 9to5Mac |
OS X 10.9
There actually has been very little rumblings about what’s coming to Apple’s desktop software. We expect OS X to get a bit of a new look but not a complete overhaul like iOS. Other than adding more features/functionality to Finder, improved task switching, and the possibility of Maps + Siri coming to the desktop.
On the actual hardware side of things, we can expect their MacBook line (Air & Retina Pros) to get Intel’s new 4th-gen Haswell CPUs that will offer better graphics, performance, & battery life. The Airs are set to get a better, dual mic system as the 13inch Retina Pro is said to get a 1080p HD FaceTime cam + slightly thinner body. The company is set to announce their plans for in-house iPhone repairs and their new trade-in program as well.
Don’t look for the iPhone 5S or whatever it will be called here.
All eyes will be on Tim Cook and the rest of the Apple leadership staff on Monday. Hopefully Apple will show and prove to let the world know why the company is so great. While we won’t be there live – we will continue to keep you all up-to-date.
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