Apple held its World Wide Developers Conference yesterday and unveiled some expected updates (Apple maps) and some unexpected hardware (MacBook Pro with Retina display). What were the most exciting up and coming innovations revealed? Read on my friends….
MacBook Pro: “The World’s highest-resolution notebook display.”
The next-generation MacBook Pro comes equipped with an astounding 220 pixels-per-inch – 2880 X 1800 display. To give you an idea of how this compares to current LCD devices out there – it houses three million more pixels than a 1080p HDTV. The new MBP also houses an HDMI port – a feature new to the line. They’ve also brought the weight down to 4.46lbs, that’s a little over a pound lighter than previous models, and the dimensions to 14.13 X 9.73 X 0.71, all while maintaining a seven hour battery life. They’ve also updated the power connector with a slimmer outlet. Old power cords won’t fit it but there is a $10 adapter for sale. All of these upgrades come at a hefty price starting at $2,199, already there has been a vicious onslaught of indignation at the hike. In stores to buy as of yesterday.
iOS 6
As expected Apple revealed that the newest update to iOS will kick Google maps to the curb and introduce Apple’s version. Apple’s maps app will provide live traffic information (obtained anonymously in real-time from iOS users) and turn-by-turn navigation. Vector-based 3D maps are shown when zooming in. Siri will be integrated so that if you want to find a Starbucks along the way or need to know how much longer you’ll be on the road Siri will tell you. The downside is that the new maps app is not currently equipped with walking and transit directions, however Apple is working with third party service providers to remedy this.
FaceTime will finally be available over cellular networks, opening up a whole new way to show your friends exactly what you’re looking at. A Do Not Disturb feature is also being added. When on your phone calls and push notifications will automatically be muted and the screen won’t wake up. It also has a whitelist option so that you can still receive calls from specific numbers, additionally you can set it to ring if someone calls more than once. Siri will now be available on the new iPad (2012 edition)
iOS 6 is compatible with iPhone 3GS and up, including second and third generation iPads, plus fourth-generation iPod touches. It’s available in Beta now; the full release is this fall.
Other updates:
The MacBook Pro 17” has been permanently retired. Siri has will be able to be integrated with vehicles thanks to the new Eyes Free software. OS X Mountain Lion will be preinstalled on all Macs starting next month, upgrades are available for $20. Mountain Lion will allow you to dictate directly into native software by pressing the microphone button. Safari’s been updated with iCloud Tabs, a feature that shows the tabs you have open simultaneously on all of your devices. The mobile version shows a notification if there’s an app for the website you’re browsing on an iDevice. A new iPad smart case will cover both sides of your iPad.
Watch the video below to learn more about the new MacBook Pro
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Posted on 12. Jun, 2012 by Rosa
