wwdc

Inside the 2012 MacBook Air: Apple overhauls the engine

The updated MacBook Air doesn't look new on the outside, but the inside is a different story.

That story mostly revolves around Ivy Bridge, Intel's new 22-nanometer processor that boasts upgraded graphics silicon ("up to 60 percent faster graphics," says Apple). But there are a few more subtle changes, too, according to iFixit's teardown.

Intel's new engine: iFixit found a Core i5-3427U 1.8GHz chip. That comes with Turbo Boost, which can ratchet up the speed to 2.8GHz, and Intel's HD 4000 graphics. Not surprisingly, the Core i5 is Intel's most … Read more

Apple CEO says Mac Pro update to come 'next year'

Despite some reports to the contrary, there isn't much new in the latest Mac Pro update. After Apple added a "new" tag to the Mac Pro on its Web site yesterday and some people complained, the company quickly took down the tag, according to MacRumors.

Now, CEO Tim Cook is saying that more extensive updates won't happen until "later next year."

Hints of this first came when the machine wasn't even mentioned during Apple's presentation at WWDC yesterday. Then when the "new" tag appeared on its Web site, a member … Read more

Why go Retina? Apple dishes out lots of reasons

Wondering whether you should part with $2,199 for a MacBook Pro Retina? That is, after all, a lot for a laptop these days.

Apple is trying to make that decision easier by offering lots and lots reasons to buy a MacBook Pro Retina. While professionals may need little convincing, will the average user care?

Here is the list of core benefits Apple is claiming for the Retina MBP:

Raw specs: 15.4-inch, 2,800x1,800 pixel density, 220 pixels per inch (ppi). By comparison, the third-generation iPad is 2,048x1,536 and 264 ppi. Contrast, viewing angle: Higher contrast … Read more

Apple's WWDC keynote: A quick recap in pictures

Don't have 112 minutes to watch the video of Apple's Monday presentation from the WWDC? While we all wait for someone to compile the one-minute version of the press conference, CNET has put together some of the big highlights from the show.

We've crunched it down to 30 photos of big features and products shown off during the presentation, which opened WWDC. That includes Apple's new notebooks, last minute Mountain Lion features, and the unveiling of iOS 6.

Of course if you want a complete rundown of what happened yesterday, you can get that from us here. … Read more

Comparing Apple iOS 6 with Android 4.0, Windows Phone 7.5

At Apple's annual developers conference this year, Scott Forstall, senior vice president of iOS software, introduced a slew of new features for its latest mobile OS.

Among them are updates to the virtual personal assistant/voice command software, Siri, integration with a handful of automotive manufacturers, message replies for incoming calls, and the ability to FaceTime over a cellular network.

While it's nice to see that iOS 6 will boast 200 new features compared to the previous iteration, some have been long overdue. Integrated Facebook photo sharing and turn-by-turn navigation have been available on other mobile operating systems … Read more

How iOS 6 changes the iPad

Every year, we engage in the same dance: Apple announces a new version of iOS, and we instantly start wondering how our devices will change as a result.

iOS announcements tend to work forward for phones (the new iPhone is expected this fall), but for iPads they work backward: the third-generation iPad with Retina Display came out in March.

A host of new iOS 6 features change some of what the iPhone can be. Will iOS 6 change the iPad, too? Yes, if you're thinking of heavily using Siri or own a 4G/3G third-gen iPad or iPad 2.… Read more

Apple could still strike Android, Windows Phone with iOS 6 zinger

Shock and awe. This is typically Apple's motto -- and mode of operations -- for its hardware and software announcements. Don't give users time to forget your goods; don't give competitors a chance to catch up. The philosophy has worked wonders for Apple in the past. In announcing iOS 6 months ahead of its "fall" launch, Apple is giving Google and Microsoft time to plan their own counter-attacks. But chances are high this is just sleight of hand.

At the outset, Google and Microsoft have little to worry about with iOS 6. At yesterday's … Read more

Facebook integration comes to Mountain Lion in the fall

Those looking forward to full Facebook integration in OS X Mountain Lion will have to wait a few months after its launch to get what they desire.

According to Apple, Facebook integration in its upcoming desktop operating system won't be available until this fall. The company hasn't offered up an exact date, but considering iOS 6, which also includes Facebook integration, is launching in the fall, their launches may coincide.

Facebook integration across Mountain Lion will let users post photos, links, and comments from within applications. When users are signed in to Facebook, their friends will appear in … Read more

New MacBook Airs, Pros put ultrabook makers on notice

The new MacBook Airs and Pros unveiled at WWDC promise to make life harder for ultrabook vendors.

The MacBook Air received several key improvements, including the new Intel Ivy Bridge processor, higher-end graphics, and options for more memory and a larger solid-state drive. But beyond the specs, the new prices will prove appealing to the average consumer.

Prices remained the same for the lower-end 11-inch and 13-inch units but were trimmed by $100 for the higher-end models -- $1,099 for the 11-incher and $1,499 for the 13-incher. In a consumer market where every dollar counts, even that $100 … Read more

Andy Hertzfeld blasts Apple over Mac Pro neglect, 'bloated price'

Andy Hertzfeld, a member of the original Apple Macintosh development team and current Google employee, has taken a swipe at his former employer over the Mac Pro.

"The next generation MacBook Pro announced today at WWDC looks fantastic," Hertzfeld wrote on his Google+ profile. "I ordered one immediately and can't wait to start using it. Unfortunately, the euphoria was negated by my deep disappointment with the meagre, lame update that was silently bequeathed to the Mac Pro today."

Apple yesterday unveiled an all-new MacBook Air, updated MacBook Pros, and the next-generation MacBook Pro. However, the … Read more