Tag: wwdc

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Apple’s WWDC might feature new MacBooks, watchOS updates and more

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is approaching fast, with the event set to take place this June. The keynote has been highly anticipated, with rumours of Apple’s own mixed reality headset originally rumoured to premiere at the conference.

However, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reports that the event could feature more launches than we thought, including new MacBooks alongside expected updates like a new version of the Apple Watch’s watchOS software.

Looking at MacBooks, Gurman doesn’t directly state which model he believes will launch at the WWDC in June. However, he does mention a handful of devices that are slated to release later this year or in early 2024. These include an updated 13-inch MacBook Air, a “high-end” MacBook Pro and an all-new 15-inch MacBook Air. There are even reports of the new MacBooks featuring OLED displays.

The report states that “at least some of the new laptops” will appear at the event. Despite this being great news for MacBook users looking to buy a new laptop, the bad news is that the new models are unlikely to run Apple’s next-generation M3 chips.

Although some Mac Studio computers featuring the M3 chips are in development, it’s unclear when they’ll be released.

As for software, watchOS will reportedly receive a major update that includes an overhauled interface. Apart from that, this year’s event could be quiet for operating system updates. Gurman did report that work allowing sideloading on iOS to comply with upcoming EU legislation is ongoing, despite some company backlash.

The most anticipated reveal is likely Apple’s mixed reality headset rumoured to be called the ‘Reality Pro.’ The headset will reportedly run a brand-new operating system known as xrOS, with the company expected to pitch developers on making software for the headset at the WWDC.

It was reported by Bloomberg back in January that the device would feature hand and eye tracking, a digital crown to switch between AR and VR and digital avatar support for FaceTime calls. Finally, it’s expected to have a price of around $3,000 USD (approximately $4,021 CAD).

With exciting developments across the board, this year’s WWDC could be far more packed than earlier rumours indicated. WWDC 2023 runs from June 5th – 9th.

Image credit: Apple

Source: Bloomberg Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

What it was like at WWDC 2022

WWDC 2022 was Apple’s first in-person event since the pandemic began and you could feel the energy on the ground.

Apple employees, press, social media stars and developers alike were all buzzing with excitement, and I got lucky enough to join them this year as we all learned about the new Apple software updates in store for the fall and a new MacBook Air.

Since it was my first time at Apple Park, I decided to test out my vlogging skills and try to capture as much of the experience as possible from my iPhone 13 pro (it only seemed fitting.) If you’ve ever been interested in what it’s like at WWDC, this video is for you.

I also shot 30 images during the video to test the iPhone’s camera. But to keep things interesting, I decided to implement some rules. To try make sure I was using my iPhone to its full potential, I aimed to take one photo using each lens and each photographic style. This totaled 30 photos and pushed me to take some fun and creative shots.

If you’re keeping score, all the lenses are — macro, wide, ultra-wide, zoom, primary and selfie. The Photographic styles are — standard, vibrant, rich contrast, cool and warm. Plus, I also included five RAW images that I edited myself. I’ve added some of my favourites below.

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During the photo challenge, I learned that as a photographer, I need to work harder to soot more ultrawide photos. This is weird because I love ultra-wide video, but I don’t feel as inclined to use it in my styles of photography. Instead, I favour the zoom and standard lenses. However, being forced to shoot with the lines that I don’t often use was fun. I’ll also mention that since WWDC, I’ve pretty much only shot in either Vibrant or RAW. There are defiantly circumstances where I like the Warm tones or Rich Contrast, but every time I would shoot something with all the profiles, the Vibrant photo was always my favourite.

In the end, I’ll conclude by saying that my experience at WWDC was an absolute blast. Being shoulder to shoulder with some of my tech press/YouTuber icons and making new nerdy friends was incredibly fun. But doing it all while covering the news and shooting videos myself was a dream come true.

 

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Mobile Syrup

Mark Gurman predicts new Macs at WWDC

In June, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects big things at Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC). Including two new Macs.

Specifically, he expects a redesigned MacBook Air and some other Mac to come out either in the middle of the year, like at WWDC, or early in the second half of the year.

This MacBook Air would signify the next step in Apple’s desktop chips and come equipped with an Apple M2 processor. If the rumours about this laptop are correct, it will also come in a few colours.

We could also see a refreshed Mac mini or 24-inch iMac that uses this new chip. There are skeptical rumours that Apple will also revamp the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but I’m not sure if I believe that the smallest Pro model will stick around much longer.

Beyond the new hardware, we’re also seeing Apple’s latest software suite, including iOS 16. This will be the most exciting update alleged by Gurman since it may include many references to Apple’s work in the AR space to get ready for its augmented reality headset.

Beyond that, there isn’t going to be a visual redesign alongside the updates this year.

Source: Bloomberg

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Mobile Syrup

Apple said to be bringing updates to notifications and new health-tracking features via iOS 16

A new report indicates that iOS 16 may feature “significant enhancements” in replacement of a more drastic overhaul. Key improvements that are expected are said to include updates to Apple’s notifications. Additionally, the introduction of new health-tracking features is anticipated.

Word comes by way of Bloomberg’s Marc Gurman. In this latest Power On newsletter (seen by Engadget), Gurman discussed his expectations for iOS 16. “I’m not expecting an end-to-end redesign of iOS’s interface, even though it hasn’t changed much since iOS 7 nearly a decade ago,” Gurman stated.

The newsletter did not disclose too much regarding the iOS 16 enhancements. Gurman merely stated that Apple is likely to include an “update to notifications and new health-tracking features.”

Later on, Gurman discussed that WatchOS 9 might feature “major upgrades to activity and health tracking.” Once again, the extent of which is currently unknown. When turning our attention to macOS 13, there isn’t too much known about what Apple may bring to the table.

Additionally, Apple will likely use WWDC to discuss iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16. WWDC kicks off on June 6th with Apple hosting the event until June 10th.

Finally, shifting focus from software to hardware, Gurman did reiterate a lot of what he believes Apple is developing. This includes several new Macs, including the redesigned MacBook Air alongside the revamped 13-inch MacBook Pro. On top of that, Gurman states an updated 24-inch iMac is in the works, as is a new Mac mini.

iOS 15.4 has been met with a fair amount of scrutiny due to battery draining issues users experienced. Apple has since released iOS 15.4.1 to remedy the situation for users. It will be interesting to see how the launch of iOS 16 pans out later this year.

Source: Bloomberg Via: Engadget 

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Mobile Syrup

Apple’s AR/VR headset rumoured to feature Memoji and SharePlay

Apple’s often-rumoured AR/VR headset could feature ‘FaceTime,’ ‘Memoji’ and ‘SharePlay,’ according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

In the past, Gurman has said that Apple’s mixed-reality headset — which reportedly runs on a new operating system called ‘rOS’ — will focus on media consumption, communication and gaming.

“I imagine a virtual reality version of FaceTime where you can be in a conference room with dozens of people. Instead of seeing their actual faces, you’ll see 3D versions of them (Memoji),” writes Gurman in his latest ‘Power On’ newsletter.

Apple first launched Memoji back in 2018 alongside iOS 12. SharePlay, on the other hand, only arrived on iOS 15.1 last year. The feature allows Apple users to watch movies, TV shows and more from specific apps remotely and together.

Given the headset’s rumoured focus on communication, it makes sense for Apple to fold Memoji into the mix given the often amusing animated characters’ positive reception over the last few years.

Gurman says that Apple’s mixed reality headset likely won’t be revealed until WWDC 2023. Previous rumours indicated that the headset could launch this year.

Rumours regarding Apple’s mixed reality headset have swirled for several years at this point, with some speculation pointing to it featuring a pair of 8K displays and a price in the $3,900 USD (about $3,852 CAD) range. In a sense, rumours surrounding Apple’s mixed reality headset paint a picture of a device that sounds like a much higher-end version of Meta’s Oculus Quest 2.

Source: Bloomberg’s

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple’s AR/VR headset rumoured to feature Memoji and SharePlay

Apple’s often-rumoured AR/VR headset could feature ‘FaceTime,’ ‘Memoji’ and ‘SharePlay,’ according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

In the past, Gurman has said that Apple’s mixed-reality headset — which reportedly runs on a new operating system called ‘rOS’ — will focus on media consumption, communication and gaming.

“I imagine a virtual reality version of FaceTime where you can be in a conference room with dozens of people. Instead of seeing their actual faces, you’ll see 3D versions of them (Memoji),” writes Gurman in his latest ‘Power On’ newsletter.

Apple first launched Memoji back in 2018 alongside iOS 12. SharePlay, on the other hand, only arrived on iOS 15.1 last year. The feature allows Apple users to watch movies, TV shows and more from specific apps remotely and together.

Given the headset’s rumoured focus on communication, it makes sense for Apple to fold Memoji into the mix given the often amusing animated characters’ positive reception over the last few years.

Gurman says that Apple’s mixed reality headset likely won’t be revealed until WWDC 2023. Previous rumours indicated that the headset could launch this year.

Rumours regarding Apple’s mixed reality headset have swirled for several years at this point, with some speculation pointing to it featuring a pair of 8K displays and a price in the $3,900 USD (about $3,852 CAD) range. In a sense, rumours surrounding Apple’s mixed reality headset paint a picture of a device that sounds like a much higher-end version of Meta’s Oculus Quest 2.

Source: Bloomberg’s