WWDC 2023: Discover all the news presented by Apple
Technology

21 August 2023

WWDC 2023: Discover all the news presented by Apple

WWDC 2023: Discover all the news presented by Apple

This year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) brought news long awaited by Apple enthusiasts. It was during the opening keynote that the technology giant announced the innovative mixed reality headset, a 15" MacBook Air, new Mac Studio models and Mac Pro equipped with the M2 Ultra processor, as well as the successor versions of the operating systems that integrate Apple equipment.

If you're not sure what was announced during the Annual Developers Conference, don't waste time and join us to discover all the innovations regarding< i> hardware and software .

Vision Pro: the glasses that usher in the future of computing

After much writing about the possible launch of a headset of mixed reality, Tim Cook's technology decided to unveil its proposal. It is ?a new type of computer? that allows access to the digital world without physical screens, mice and keyboards. Instead, the Vision Pro user will have to use their eyes, voice and gestures to navigate the virtual environment. In addition to bringing elements from the virtual world into the real world, the headset is capable of "teleporting" the user to a variety of extraordinarily impressive scenarios.

Vision Pro combines the latest technology available on the market, with the aim of providing a truly immersive experience. The equipment is powered simultaneously by the SoC M2 and the brand new R1, which are responsible for processing inputs from cameras, sensors and microphones. The M2 chip will carry out all the processing, while the R1 will ensure everything runs quickly and smoothly. Furthermore, the device integrates a completely new and innovative operating system, visionOS, which is based on a three-dimensional interface.

Vision Pros will not be available for purchase until the beginning of 2024, but it is already known that they will cost 3,500 dollars (approximately 3,200 euros), triple the value that Meta ? the current leader in this market ? asks for its most expensive glasses.

15'' MacBook Air with M2 processor

After launching a redesigned MacBook Air with a 13.6-inch screen and an M2 processor in the summer of 2022, Apple has announced a new model in this line of notebooks. span>

The new 15'' MacBook Air actually features a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, with a native resolution of 2880x1864 at 224 pixels per inch (dpi ) and offers up to 500 nits of brightness. It is compatible with a billion colors and supports the technologies of its predecessor models (True Tone and others).

The laptop is equipped with the SoC M2, a processor that has proven to be extremely fast and effective in multitasking, whether video editing, watching movies or even browsing the Internet. The M2 has five nanometer technology with more than 20 billion transistors, and integrates a 16-core Neural Engine that processes up to 15.8 billion operations per second. The CPU has eight cores, the GPU up to 10, and the unified memory can be expanded by up to 24 GB. Additionally, the M2 processor has 100 GB/s of memory bandwidth, 50% more than the M1 processor.

As far as autonomy is concerned, little or nothing changes. The device is equipped with a 66.5 watt-hour lithium polymer battery, which, according to the brand, allows the computer to be used for approximately 18 hours.

One ??of the main differences of this new MacBook Air is related to the presence of six speakers with woofers< /span> com force-cancelling, compatible with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. Compared to the previous model, the 15'' MacBook Air has two extra speakers. The device also features a set of three microphones with directional beamforming technology and a 3.5mm headphone output.

The new MacBook Air also has a USB-C cable for MagSafe 3 charging and two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, which can be used to connect accessories or an external monitor up to 6K at 60 Hz.< /span>

The equipment is sold in storage options from 256 GB to 2 TB, with a memory capacity that can reach 24 GB. You can choose the 15'' MacBook Air in midnight, starlight, space gray and silver.

Mac Studio and Mac Pro with M2 Ultra processor

In addition to announcing mixed reality glasses and a 15'' MacBook Air, Apple also revealed the new generations of its most powerful computers: the Mac Studio and Mac Pro.

Mac Studio is now available in two versions: one powered by the M2 Max processor, and the other powered by the recently announced M2 Ultra. The M2 Max processor features a 12-core CPU and up to 38-core GPU, supports up to 96 GB of unified memory, and offers a memory bandwidth of up to 400 GB/s. On the other hand, the M2 Ultra processor, integrates a 24-core CPU and a GPU with up to 76 cores, supports up to 192 GB of unified memory and achieves a memory bandwidth of up to 800 GB/s.< span data-ccp-props='{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":240,"335559740":360}'>

Regarding connectivity, the Mac Studio has, at the front, two USB-C or two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a slot for SDXC cards. At the back, there are also four Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 10 GB Ethernet port, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

As for the Mac Pro, it is equipped with the new M2 Ultra processor and can be configured with 64 GB, 128 GB or 192 GB of unified memory. Storage starts at 1 TB and can be expanded up to 8 TB.

The technology present in this equipment guarantees compatibility with up to eight monitors with resolution up to 4K at 60 Hz simultaneously. Additionally, the computer has eight Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports; one USB-A port and two Serial ATA ports (internally); and two USB-A ports, two HDMI ports, two Ethernet ports and a 3.5 mm headphone output (additional connections).

iOS and iPadOS 17

In this year's edition of WWDC, the new versions of iOS and iPadOS were also presented. The main modifications made to these operating systems aim to facilitate the tasks you perform on a daily basis and provide new customization options.

iOS 17 now has contact posters that can be created using a photo or Memoji. This new image becomes part of your contact form and appears in the apps you use to communicate and share content.

The new version of iOS also includes a new feature called Live Voicemail, which uses the power of the Neural Engine to present a transcription of audio messages. This way, you will be able to know what was said, even if you cannot hear the message at the moment.

iPhone users can now record a video or audio message via FaceTime to share a special moment or say hello. Messages can be heard on the iPhone or even the Apple Watch.

The Messages app has been redesigned and supports stickers that include new emojis and the ability to create Live Stickers from your photos. It is also possible to add effects to Live Stickers to bring conversations to life, just access the new stickers present on the keyboard (which brings together all Live Stickers, emoji, Memoji and other packages of stickers< in the same place /i>). All of this will be available on your iPhone, iPad and Mac devices, as the stickers are synced to iCloud.

AirDrop also received new features, including a new mode called NameDrop. This feature allows you to easily share contact numbers or email addresses, simply by bringing your iPhone closer to someone else's iPhone or Apple Watch. With the same gesture, users can also share content or start a SharePlay session to watch movies, listen to music and play with someone else.

The keyboard has also been improved and now Auto correction and Dictation are more accurate. AutoCorrect has received a new design which makes typing easier, the changes are now temporarily highlighted to identify the changes and be able to revert them with a simple tap, and more types of grammatical errors can be corrected in sentences. Regarding Dictation, the new voice recognition model stands out, which makes the feature even more accurate.

iOS 17 also brings the new mode Standby to your iPhone. This mode shows information designed to be seen from a distance. You can use your iPhone as a bedside clock, display your favorite photos and get relevant information in a timely manner with the smart stack of widgets. This mode supports Apple's digital assistant, Siri, which can now be called by just your name.

Finally, the new Diary app stands out, a new way of reflecting on special moments or remembering them. With this application, you can record your thoughts during special events or during everyday activities. Mark important moments and remember them later, with entries that can be supplemented with photos, music, audio recordings and more.

On the other hand, in iPadOS 17, users have new customization options, more useful and elegant locked screens, as well as new features that multiply productivity.

Now, the locked screen makes better use of the screen size and can be customized to your liking. Furthermore, with Real-time Activities, you will be able to see everything that is happening live, whether it is the delivery of a meal, checking delayed flights, or following the result of a football match.

The widgets have been reformulated and are now interactive. Use them from your home screen or lock screen to do countless things in one click. Complete tasks on your to-do list; listen, pause or stop music and podcasts, or use the Home app controls to turn off the lights and more.

Working with PDFs is also easier, thanks to new features driven by machine learningmachine learning span>. iPadOS now detects fields in your documents so they can be automatically populated with Contacts or other information.

With the new version of the operating system, the Notes app has also been improved. Users now have new ways to organize, read, annotate and collaborate on scanned documents or PDFs. In iPadOS 17, these files appear full screen, making it easier to turn pages, annotate or scribble on documents with Apple Pencil.

Finally, the Health app comes to the iPad with a design< /i> adapted to the big screen. From this application you can see detailed information on favorites, consult trends and highlights or use interactive graphics. You can also create reminders to take medication, track your menstrual cycle and record symptoms.

tvOS 17

Apple TV HD or 4K users will be able to enjoy new audio and video features, as well as interface updates.

One ??of the great new features presented in this new version of tvOS is the control center, which has been completely redesigned to provide easy access to various information, such as the time, the active profile and Suggested shortcuts based on each user's personal activity.

Apple says that the new tvOS 17 will support Dolby Vision 8.1, the technology that provides a "more cinematic visual experience" on Apple TV.

There will also be a Enhance Dialogue mode, which will allow for superior vocal clarity of what is being said about effects, action and music in a film or television series. To activate this mode, you will need an Apple TV 4K and a second generation HomePod.

For those who tend to lose their Apple TV remote between the couch cushions, you can locate your TV's Siri Remote using the Find My app on your iPhone. This is a particularly interesting feature for users who have children at home.

Finally, the arrival of FaceTime on Apple TV stands out. As soon as the new version becomes available, you will be able to accept calls on your iPhone and continue the conversation on your television screen. Just position your iPhone next to the TV and use the cameras to continue the video call. Additionally, Center Framing also comes to FaceTime on Apple TV, which results in continuous adjustment of the camera as it moves around the room.

macOS Sonoma and watchOS 10

Apple has introduced some improvements to macOS, including support for widgets, which were previously located in the notification center, but can now be accessed directly from your Mac's desktop.

However, the biggest news is related to video games. The new game mode, exclusive to Mac computers running the latest version of the operating system, prioritizes CPU and GPU performance, ensuring the best possible gaming experience.

For those who use the Mac for remote work or presentations in offices that do not have dedicated meeting rooms, the company announced a very interesting new feature. Now, during video calls, it will be possible to keep the user's silhouette in the foreground, while the presentation is displayed on the same screen, but in the background. This functionality is compatible with the main video conferencing apps, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Safari has also received some improvements, with emphasis on profiles, which allow the separation, in a simple and intuitive way, of the different uses of the computer (personal, professional, etc.) . Additionally, any website can be docked in the dock and opened as if a dedicated application if it were.

On the other hand, the tenth version of watchOS also brings several relevant new features. Some applications have been redesigned to better display information, in addition to featuring simplified navigation and a new visual language that makes the most of the Apple Watch screen.

watchOS 10 introduces two new watch faces: Palette and Snoopy. The Palette displays the time in various tones and colors, using three distinct and overlapping layers. With the Snoopy watch face, characters react to weather conditions, participate in user workouts and interact with visual elements from other applications.

For cycling enthusiasts, there is a new feature that allows you to connect your watch to any Bluetooth accessory and access cadence, speed and power data in the Training view. Additional metrics and experiences are also available for cyclists.

Given that mental health is as important as physical activity, a new application has been introduced that allows you to discreetly and conveniently record your state of mind. You can scroll through a list of expressive images that help define how you feel and what your mood is at a given moment.

watchOS 10 introduces other exciting updates, such as NameDrop, topographic maps, FaceTime video message playback, as well as improvements related to the Medicines and Apple Fitness+ apps.

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