Wednesday was a busy day for Apple as it pushed out a new version of iOS, many updates to iOS apps, OS X 10.8.2 and updates to many Mac apps as well.
The iOS 6 launch held no surprises as the software has been tested by developers for many months now and Apple has listed and demonstrated the new features for a while. But this is the first time most people have had the chance to use the new Maps app, panorama photo mode, Passbook and new Siri features. Comments have been mixed, with some focusing on the differences between the new Apple Maps app and the old Google app.
This new version of OS X brings Facebook integration and enhancements to Game Center, Messages, Reminders and Notes. Overshadowed by many of the day’s announcements was the addition of shared Reminders lists, support for shared photo streams on the Mac, and an update to the iOS Cards app making it work better on the iPad.
The week will end with the release of the iPhone 5. Most of the initial shipments of the phone should arrive in mailboxes tomorrow, and in-store sales will begin, most likely with long lines.
“You’ve always had the power to go back to Kansas. You have an iPhone in your basket. Just ask Siri and with iOS 6 you’ll get turn-by-turn spoken directions.”
Tech news sources are running an article today over a guy suing Apple because when you ask Siri which is the best iPhone, it answers “The one you’re holding” and other such similar things. (Source)
I find this article and whole the idea of suing Apple over this interesting because I think it is all about a misunderstanding. If you ask Siri which is the best phone, you get the answer “The one you’re holding.” Obviously the person in this article take that to mean “the iPhone.” But that’s not what I think Siri means.
Ever ask a pro photographer which camera is best? They will answer “the one you have.” In other words, the best camera is the one you have on you when you need it to capture the shot. It is a very deep answer that speaks to getting a camera that is convenient, but also about not worrying so much about the best camera and instead concentrate on the shot itself.
I assume Siri means the same thing here. The best phone is the one in your hand because it is better to think about where you are and what you are doing. Otherwise, why doesn’t Siri say “the iPhone?”
It is a joke. It is a joke with a message, which makes it funnier and gives us something to think about.
The idea that this is “sponsored advertising” is ridiculous. What about the Apple logo on the back of the iPhone? Is that advertising too? The logos on cars and the Windows logo when you boot up a PC?
Of course the other danger here is what effect this will have on Apple and the rest of the industry. Someone at Apple was trying to be funny. They were trying to make a harmless joke. But now that person is in trouble. Now Apple will start to have to put all of their “funny” answers through the legal dept. They will most likely stop trying to make little jokes like this. Other companies will too.
This guy just made our world a little less fun.
Apple refreshed all of its small devices on Wednesday as well as giving us an official date for the launch of iOS 6.
The new iPhone 5 will come out on September 21, and will feature a taller screen, LTE connectivity, better camera and a new A6 processor. The new iPod touch will match the iPhone’s screen size and come out in October. The touch will also be able to use Siri for the first time. The iOS 6 update gives Siri to the new iPad as well.
The taller iPhone and iPod touch will have more vertical screen space that can be used by the interface and apps. Older third-party apps will still work on the new phone without utilizing the extra pixels. The improved camera can be used along with a special panoramic shooting mode to take even larger photos.
The new iPod nano also has a larger screen, and will give the iPod line back the ability to show pictures and video. It will not run iOS 6, but remain a simpler device like the previous iPod nano’s that came before it.
The Wednesday event was full of other surprises, like new in-ear headphones called EarPods, a new smaller dock connector on all devices, new iTunes 11 software across all platforms, and new colors for the iPod shuffle.
Announcing our new 342 B.C. Abacus! Now with 9 rows of stones and a hardwood frame.
“Why not 10 rows?”
“I liked the old frame better.”
“Is it compatible with my counting beads?”
The invitation to next week’s Apple press event all but confirms that it will be about the next version of the iPhone. The invite shows the date, a 12, leaving the shadow of a 5, apparently referring to the iPhone 5.
Rumors have been suggesting that this event will be dedicated to the next iPhone, although reports are all over the board about what new features may be included. Many agree that it will include a new, smaller, dock connector and a taller screen. It is also possible that this event will include the announcement of a matching iPod touch.
However, most believe that a second event in October will focus on other products, such as the possibility of a smaller version of the iPad.
“You tried to put a mountain lion in a 2008 enclosure? Didn’t you know they aren’t compatible!”
iOS 6 should be launching this month for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users. We know for sure that it will include a new Maps app with turn-by-turn spoken directions, Facebook posting directly from the Camera app and others, shared Photo Streams, Passbook, Facetime over cellular networks, Mail VIPs, and Do Not Disturb mode. Which new feature are you most looking forward to?
We thought that instead of writing a book on Mountain Lion, why not do what we do best and create videos! So we’ve created The Video Guide To Mountain Lion. We put together 20+ videos with more than 2 hours of instruction, and made it super-easy to get by putting it in the Mac App Store.
This is a great way for beginners to get to know Mac OS X Mountain Lion, and for casual users to dig deeper into the features. The videos are unique, not something that can be found anywhere else. The app lets you jump easily from video to video and you can resize the window for better viewing, even going full screen.
Even if you are proficient in using OS X, you may want to consider recommending this to friends as a good way to jump in and learn more.
“Let’s check my news feed. Civil wars, presidential election, Mars rover. What do you have?”
“The dock connector on the next iPhone might be a little smaller.”
