9 Key Takeaways from Apple’s WWDC 2017

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Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2017 recently wrapped up where key executives took the stage to announce the latest tech updates for Apple’s plethora of gadgets. Within the duration of two and a half hours, Craig Federighi, Phil Schiller, and, of course, Tim Cook revealed upcoming modifications and additions for their iPhones, MacBooks, Apple TV, and more. IBT has highlighted 9 of the primary takeaways from the conference for eager Apple fanatics who might have missed the announcements:

The New Gen iMac

The new gen iMac Pro comes in a super sleek design but delivers more than double the power. With processors up to 22 teraflops, memory up to 128 gigs, and as much as 4 terabytes of storage, it is a commendable powerhouse. In addition, Apple defined its standards with keyboard and trackpad designed to match. New upgrades were also introduced to the entire line of MacBooks and iMacs, all of which come with Intel’s super-efficient Kaby Lake processors. The new MacBook Pros and iMacs now start at $1,299. However, to get an iMac Pro off the market shelves, you have to dish out $5,000. That’s a bit too much for users who would primarily use the computer to browse the internet; however, if you’re in the market for a supercomputer, this one will definitely pop-up on your radar.

The Apple in the Amazon

Whether it’s 13 Reasons Why on Netflix, the Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu, or Game of Thrones on HBO Go, Apple have around 50 streaming options for its customers so they can watch most of their favorite shows. However, now, they’re adding to that already sizable list by including Amazon as their 51st integrated app collaboration.  Amazon now captures a corner amongst the list, as is to build its Prime Video library into Apple TVs later this year. This makes the Apple TV, to be released in fall, a little more 4K-capable, as now one more third-party library will be added to the list with a huge collection of 4K content.

From iPod to HomePod

The HomePod, Apple’s new smart speaker, is ready to rollout. Apple finally decided to make a proper home for their ever-so-faithful Siri much like the way Echo functions for Amazon’s Alexa and Home for Google’s Assistant. The 7″ device is infused with seven tweeters and is supported by an Apple A8 chip to run. It delivers a relaxing experience by customizing the sound to fill out the room you’re in. Its six-microphone array at the center connects you directly to Siri. You can order it to play Beats 1 Radio, forecast the weather, set a timer, or control your HomeKit devices. The HomePod brings Siri at your constant beck and call in December, starting at $350.

AI on Your Wrists

The new Siri-powered watchface robotically displays the information that’s most relevant to you, based on your frequently used apps for all Apple Watch users. Siri will automatically draw out the next item on your calendar, pop out your reminders, and even show photo memories to remind you of that beautiful day you went out to dine with your mother. WatchOS 4 also has new features in compliance to fitness, like motivational messages to remind you of your fitness goals, and will help you integrate with gym equipment to better track your workouts. You can now sync playlists to your Apple Watch and enjoy them through your AirPods while exercising with your phone away on charge. These updates are to hit Apple Watches in the upcoming fall.

Serious Siri

Siri will now have a more humanlike voice along with increased functionality. You can ask the virtual assistant to translate for you (“Hey Siri, how do I tell my client ‘We’ll deliver the product in three days ’ in French?”) in multiple new languages. The AI has also learned new skills like task management, banking, and bringing up VR codes. Moreover, the assistant can find out how you use your device to cater to your needs better. If Siri notices you’ve been spending a lot of time searching for “trekking in Bhutan,” it might bring up some Bhutan-trek-centric articles to your Apple Newsfeed.

iOS 11

The latest update for iOS will feature added functionality on Maps, like a “do not disturb while driving” integration, and Photos, similar to the ability to make loops of your live photos (ring any bells? Tring). Messages and a few more apps are integrated together, including Apple Pay, which lets you pay your friends directly through a text. A redesigned App Store also awaits, and a refreshing the control center will now help you stock all the notifications into a single page. All iOS devices are ready for the boost later this year.

High Sierra macOS

The new macOS, which has received the title of High Sierra, updates everything on your computer. Safari now works 80% faster and has a built-in autoplay blocking feature and intelligent tracking prevention to hide cross-site scripting data. The Mail has new features that include spotlighting your most important messages by taking up the minimal storage space on your phone, and improved machine learning capabilities in Photos to automatically sorts the library by event or detect who’s in your pictures. The new Apple File System comes with quick directory sizing, file level encryption, and built-in crash protection. The new OS is available today in developer beta, and will receive a full release by fall.

iPad Pro 10.5-inch – Bigger and Better

The new iPad Pro edition takes Apple’s concept of all screen computers to the next level with a something that’s truly “all screen”. The 10.5-inch iPad is almost similar in size to its prior model; however, the most significant change is that it is bezel free. This will ensure enough room on the screen to fit a full-size on-screen keyboard. Apple claims it to be the fastest model yet, with a six-core A10X Fusion. Also, HDR video will be brought to an iPad for the first time. New arrivals are expected in LTE models, starting with 64 gigabytes of memory, priced at $649.

Augmented Reality on Your iPhone

Apple joined the league, alongside Facebook and Google, to invest heavily in AR. Your iPhone can now detect surfaces and add AR objects on top of them with the use of computer vision. Thus, using the device’s capabilities to a further extent. How developers will use these new features is still under the clouds; maybe with games, informational apps, or something entirely different. As of for now, this baby step will ensure that hundreds of millions of iPhones and iPads will have AR capabilities, making Apple the largest platform for AR around the globe.

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