This Week @ MacsWest
Teaching, Helping, Learning and Having Fun!
• Monday, May 14
Nothing scheduled
• Tuesday, May 15
1:00 PM: Q&A Session, hosted by Wally Bock
• Wednesday, May 16
Nothing scheduled
• Thursday, May 17
Nothing scheduled
• Friday, May 18
1:00 PM: Regular Meeting — Keynote, presented by Jean Christiansen
• Saturday, May 19
Nothing scheduled
WWDC 2012 Forecast: Cloudy with a Chance of New Macbooks
– Ian Paul, PC World
May 15, 2012
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is less than one month away, and speculation is high about whether Apple will announce new iCloud features, refreshed MacBook Pros, overhauled versions of iOS and OS X and maybe even a new smartphone during the conference.
The problem is that Apple could change its mind at any moment and dump expected features from the lineup or even surprise us with something no one saw coming. Nevertheless, a picture of this year's WWDC keynote plans is starting to emerge. Here's a rundown of what many Apple watchers are expecting to see when Apple executive take the stage at San Francisco's Moscone West convention center on June 11.
Photo Sharing
Apple is planning to debut some big updates to iCloud during WWDC including a new photo sharing feature, according to The Wall Street Journal, which has a pretty good track record when it comes to Apple rumors. The new feature will reportedly let you share photos with other iCloud users who will be able to view and comment on your images. Apple may also add personal video sync (not iTunes purchases) to iCloud. But how many people will share via iCloud when so many popular alternatives already exist including Facebook, Flickr, Google+,Instagram, Picasa, Dropbox, and Windows Live?
WWDC Chances: High
iCloud.com
Alongside the new photo sharing features, the Journal says Apple also plans on adding sync capabilities from iOS Notes and Reminders apps to iCloud.com, the Web-based portal for Apple's cloud storage service. Users can currently sync their Notes and Reminders with iCloud, but can only access them on another iOS device or a PC. Apple's iCloud.com provides Web access to your mail, contacts, calendar, and iWork documents, as well as Find My iPhone, Apple's remote wipe and device location feature.
WWDC Chances: High
Game-Changing MacBook Pros
Apple will reportedly debut an ultrathin 15-inch MacBook Pro this summer featuring a high-definition "retina" display, Intel Ivy Bridge chipsets, unibody design, three USB ports (one of which could be USB 3.0), one or two Thunderbolt ports, and an SD card slot, according to 9-to-5 Mac.
Bloomberg followed up 9-to-5 Mac's claims with a report of its own claiming that Apple would release an entire lineup of ultrathin MacBook Pros during WWDC. The new Apple laptops would reportedly drop their optical drives and opt for flash storage over a conventional hard drive. Apple watchers have long expected the company to overhaul its entire laptop line into MacBook Air-like machines, and it looks like WWDC 2012 could see the next step in that evolution.
WWDC Chances: High
Bye, Bye Google Maps
Since 2009, Apple has steadily built up its own mapping prowess with acquisitions such as Placebase, Poly9, and C3 Technologies, and then in March Apple released iPhoto for iOS using its own maps. The writing has been on the wall for some time, but WWDC 2012 may be the moment when Apple finally jettisons Google Maps for its own Maps app in iOS 6, according to AllThingsD. It sounds like a slam dunk, but given past rumors about Apple dumping Google services, don't bet on this one just yet.
WWDC Chances: Medium
iOS 6 Debut and Mountain Lion Release Date
We already know that Apple plans to release a new version of OS X called Mountain Lion after the company released a developer preview in February. The company may use WWDC as a chance to announce Mountain Lion's release date, according to Bloomberg. Apple has already said to expect Mountain Lion in late summer.
The past two OSX updates, Snow Leopard and Lion, were released in August 2009 and July 2011, respectively. During WWDC 2011 Apple only said it planned to release Lion in July and then officially released the new OS on July 20. Given that WWDC is a developer's conference, perhaps Apple will release the near-final version of Mountain Lion (known as the gold master) to developers. Chances are good it might give a ballpark time frame for Mountain Lion's release, but don't count on a specific release date just yet.
As for iOS 6, again this is a developer's conference, so count on Apple to at least give a sneak peek at the expected mobile refresh.
WWDC Chances: Medium
iPhone 5
Just like every year since 2007, there's a new iPhone expected in 2012. What we don't know is when it will launch. Between 2007 and 2010 Apple unveiled its newest iPhone models during WWDC, but then threw that pattern into disarray in 2011 when it released the iPhone 4S in October. The latest rumors suggest the next iPhone will be thinner and faster (as usual), sporting an LTE cellular radio, and perhaps a slightly larger screen. Whatever features the new iPhone has the next Apple smartphone will be an immediate hit, according to a PCWorld/Macworld study. In other news, the sky is blue.
WWDC Chances: Low
Apple Television Set
You can't talk about Apple rumors without mentioning the most popular rumor of them all. Speculation about an Apple television set has run rampant across gadget blogs since the October release of Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs, Apple's recently deceased cofounder, and former CEO and chairman. The New York Times also fed the flames of Apple television hysteria with a report claiming that Apple would almost certainly release a television set as early as 2013. Given the focus on iOS and OS X, and speculation about new MacBooks, iCloud updates, not to mention iOS 6 and Mountain Lion, an Apple television set feels unlikely for WWDC.
WWDC Chances: Low
Connect with Ian Paul (@ianpaul) on Twitter and Google+, and with Today@PCWorld on Twitter for the latest tech news and analysis.
© 2012 PC World Communications
Apple pushes out OS X 10.7.4 with new Safari in tow
Apple releases a new update to OS X 10.7, one that fixes a FileVault security vulnerability, and brings a new version of Safari.
Among the fixes is one for Apple's FileVault data encryption technology, which cropped up in an earlier update. That issue kept user passwords in a log file that was stored in plain text if a user had upgraded from past versions of OS X.
Other notable changes include a new version of Safari (version 5.1.6), which Apple says is more stable. Once users install the OS X update, they can get Safari 5.1.7, which has a new security feature that checks to see if a user has an outdated version of Adobe Flash installed. That would be versions of Flash prior to 10.1 which added an auto-update feature that brings security patches and other goodies. If an older version of Flash is found, it's disabled, and the user is pointed to Adobe's site to get the latest.
As usual, the new build can be found in Software Update.
Full change log below:
Resolve an issue in which the "Reopen windows when logging back in" setting is always enabled. Improve compatibility with certain British third-party USB keyboards. Addresses permission issues that may be caused if you use the Get Info inspector function "Apply to enclosed items..." on your home directory. Improve Internet sharing of PPPoE connections. Improve using a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file. Address an issue that may prevent files from being saved to an SMB server. Improve printing to an SMB print queue. Improve performance when connecting to a WebDAV server. Enable automatic login for NIS accounts. Include RAW image compatibility for additional digital cameras. Improve the reliability of binding and logging into Active Directory accounts. The OS X Lion v10.7.4 Update includes Safari 5.1.6, which contains stability improvements.
OS X Mountain Lion May Be Coming In June
The release of OS X Mountain Lion may be sooner than initially expected, according to recent reports concerning Apple’s latest hiring push. Until recently the only clue anyone had to the release date was Apple’s statement that it would be out in “late summer.” Now, though, it looks like mid-summer may be closer to the mark, possibly WWDC 2012.
According to a recent report by AppleInsider, Apple appears to be hiring new AppleCare support personnel in its Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) division. These new workers, along with existing support personnel, have already begun to be trained on of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. Given Apple’s tendency toward secrecy, they usually only begin training personnel on new products shortly before the products launch. That strongly suggests that the release of Mountain Lion could be just a few weeks away.
Of course, WWDC 2012 is also only a few weeks away. Apart from what the training implies, WWDC is an excellent candidate for Mountain Lion’s launch. First and foremost, the conference is all about Apple’s software – namely iOS and OS X. That alone makes the conference an excellent time to launch Mountain Lion. For another thing, Apple almost certainly doesn’t have any new products to announce this year (i.e., no new iPhone yet). While a sneak peek at iOS 6 is a strong possibility, a full-on launch of Mountain Lion would spice up a conference otherwise devoid of major announcements.
Apple Updates iOS 5.1
After releasing iOS 5.1 back in March, Apple has released a minor software update for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
The update, iOS 5.1.1, largely addresses bugs including an AirPlay video bug that affected playback for some users. The update also resolves an issue involving an “Unable to Purchase” message that appeared when successfully purchasing an item from iTunes or the App Store. Also addressed, according to Apple, are bugs that prevented the newest iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks and increased reliability when taking HDR photos using the camera’s lock screen shortcut. IOS 5.1.1 is a free update through iTunes or via your device’s Settings, General, Software Update tabs.
Apple WWDC 2012 to Unveil iPad Mini, Macbook Pro (Rumor)
Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has usually been a platform to launch the company's new technologies and products. Following its tradition, rumors are on that the MacBook Pro 2012, and a smaller Apple tablet, iPad Mini may be launched during the WWDC which is scheduled to be held from June 11 to June 15 at San Francisco's Moscone West.
"Mountain Lion is one of the highlights of WWDC 2012, and with the new operating system, Apple might announce the redesigned MacBook Pro that sports the MacBook Air-like design (with no optical drive) and will come with a new processor, a new iSight camera and might ship with 4G LTE support," as posted in PopHerald.
The redesigned MacBook Pro is rumoured highlight its iCloud services, the App store and iTunes. The MacBook may also come with 2880×1800 pixel Retina display and if rumours are to be counted, it may also be built with liquidmetal.
"The Cupertino based tech giant Apple is reported to have an exclusive agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies to use the material since 2010. But so far its usage has remained negligible and the only thing Apple has produced with this material is a SIM ejection tool," writes NVO News.
Not only the MacBook Pro but the iPad Mini might be launched during the conference. Apple may launch the mini iPad as a competition for devices running on Windows 8s.
"Rumors about a smaller iPad have been circulating since before the March launch of the new iPad, which retained its 9.7-inch size. Back in December, there were reports that Apple had purchased 7.85-inch panels from LG Display and AU Optronics. Then in February the Wall Street Journal claimed to have a source who confirmed that Apple was testing the new, smaller screen line of tablets," writes PC MAG.
With Apple usually launching its latest technologies and new products during WWDC, will this year feature the redesigned MacBook Pro, or the mini iPad, or maybe even the next generation iPhone 5? Only time will tell.
Availability of Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pros constrained ahead of redesigned models
Multiple authorized resellers this week are reflecting stock outs of 15-inch MacBook Pros, suggesting that Apple is ramping down production of existing models before introducing redesigned offerings that will largely resemble the company's increasingly popular line of ultra-slim MacBook Airs.
Among those resellers reflecting backorder status on some of the current 15-inch MacBook Pros is J&R, which is now sold out of both the 2.2GHz model, which is listed as "out of stock," and the 2.4GHz variety, which is currently advertised as "on order."
In addition, Best Buy has also stopped accepting online orders for the 2.4GHz model for home delivery. The 15-inch notebook is still available on a store-by-store basis, however a quick check of individual store inventory in cities such as Chicago and Austin similarly indicate that between 40 and 60 percent of those shops are similarly reflecting stock outs.
Earlier this week, MacConnection was temporarily out of stock the 2.2GHz model of Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro, but the notebook has since come back in stock at the online retailer.
Mountain Lion
CUPERTINO, Calif.—Apple Inc. Chief Executive Tim Cook wants to make its Mac more like an iPhone.
In an interview at the company's headquarters here, Mr. Cook unveiled a new version of the company's Macintosh operating system that incorporates several features from the software that powers Apple's hit mobile devices. They include Apple's messaging service, notifications app, gaming center, sharing features and integration with the company's online service iCloud—all pioneered for the iPad and iPhone, which use the software known as iOS.
Named "Mountain Lion," the new version of Mac OS X is the clearest sign yet of Apple's belief that the mobile, laptop and desktop world are destined to converge—and that Apple wants to be a catalyst.
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook, shown in October, unveiled a new version of the company's Macintosh operating system.
"We see that people are in love with a lot of apps and functionality here," said Mr. Cook, 51 years old, pointing at his iPhone. "Anywhere where that makes sense, we are going to move that over to Mac."
Mr. Cook said Apple will make an early version of the software available to developers Thursday and will start selling it to customers in late summer.
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