Recap: WWDC 2017
Today, Apple held their annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Many products of Apple, both hardware and software received an update. The event was held in San Jose, CA and live streamed on their website, but with a catch. Live streaming was only supported by Apple and Windows 10 devices.
HomePod
This brand-new speaker from Apple is thier answer to voice assistants in the home. In comparison to Google Home and Amazon Echo, the new gadget introduces Siri to the home. Phil Schiller, an Apple executive, attested constantly that the sound quality is nothing short of amazing. It’s six microphones are meant to pick up your voice from anywhere in the room and it’s speakers detect noise levels in it’s surroundings to determine how to fine-tune the volume.
The top of the HomePod has a button, much like the Amazon Echo and Google Home. If you’re tired of saying “Hey Siri”, you can easily tap the top of the device and say your command.
This 7-inch cylinder can play your music and supports Airplay 2. The HomePod ships in December for $350.
The iMac Pro
The Mac powerhouse meant for professional VR developing, 3D rendering, machine learning, and graphic-heavy applications was just a sneak peak but, still looks great. The iMac Pro can have processors up to 22 teraflops, memory up to 128 gigs, and as much as 4 terabytes of storage on the best model. It has a 5K Display and comes in space grey. There’s a new thermal cooling system with two fans that seems like it has its work cut out for it.
The all-in-one starts at $5000 and starts shipping in December.
IOS 11
This updated mobile OS for the iPhone contains many helpful and welcomed features. Some are just user interface changes such as, the redesigned control center - adding a little more functionality but, condensing all the settings onto one page.
The new “Do Not Disturb while Driving” mode can automatically silence your notifications when it senses your driving and can respond to texts for you with an interesting kick — people texting the driver can reply “urgent” to Apple’s automated message and get through.
Apple Pay can now send payments between people using iMessage. When you receive money, it goes to your Apple Pay Cash card which can be used to make purchases, send money to other friends, or just cash out to your bank.
The lock screen notifications are also different now too.
Huge improvements are coming to the iPad as well. Augmented Reality was presented on stage at WWDC and it showed the possibilities of the content for AR. Also for the iPad, is better multitasking, a new dock for apps, a new files app, and major improvements to Apple Pencil, like instant Markup and Notes.
Other improvements included the photos app with the ability to adjust your Live Photos by trimming them, long exposure, and more.
