Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Apple Keynote Address: All Software, All in the Future

While I was hoping that Apple might give us a hint about new iPhones at yesterday’s WWDC14 keynote address, I didn’t really expect it. This was Apple’s conference for software developers…6,000 of them in the audience at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. What we got were in-depth looks at three product categories: The newest OS X operating systems for MACS, codenamed “Yosemite”; iOS8 Operating System for iPhones and iPads; and lots and lots of new developer tools to create new apps for both operating systems.

While I almost fell asleep watching the developer’s announcements, the first two interested me greatly. Although I don’t have a MAC, I do have an iPad and an iPhone. What I saw was the promise of greater integration between all Apple products. In this respect, I believe Apple is leading the way in this integration. Another way to look at is they have relegated tablets and smartphone to a high level than desktop and laptop computers. And if you look at their sales numbers, you can see why.

I was impressed with their new iCloud integration. For instance, if you take a photo with your iPhone, it will almost immediately appear on your iPad and MAC computer. I am really glad for that one. There is also a new iCloud Photo Library for all your native photos.

In another development, you can make phone calls from your iPad and MAC if your iPhone is nearby. You can do the same for instant messaging. There are several other new interesting features, most of which are detailed below in our News and Opinion section.  If you have an Apple product or are thinking of buying one, you would do well to read these stories.

Now the bad news, neither Yosemite or iOS 8 will be available for 3-4 months. Sorry. If Apple can deliver on their promises, it will be worth the wait.

But, as you might guess, there is more to this edition than Apple products, so read on! -JRC

 

Technology News and Opinions

The 22 most important things Apple announced

Apple kicked off its Worldwide Developer Conference with a glimpse into the future of OS X, iOS 8, and the developer tools that bring them to life. It's where Apple talks about everything it's bringing to customers, and to developers - the deeply nerdy and the user-friendly, all in one two-hour event.

Apple Unveils iOS 8 – Top New Features We Can’t Wait to Use

Here is a list of the best new features we will see on our iPhones and iPads.

8 huge new features in iOS 8 that Apple didn't talk about

From Wi-Fi calling to a new keyboard for the blind, sometimes the best things are hidden

Apple pledges to restore order to its oversized App Store

As impressive as having 1.2 million of anything on hand is, finding something specific amid that kind of volume can pose a bit of a challenge. Apple promises to fix that.

Half of American adults hacked this year

Hackers have exposed the personal information of 110 million Americans -- roughly half of the nation's adults -- in the last 12 months alone.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to tweak File Explorer and customize your Windows experience

How many of us bother to spend a few minutes to get File Explorer to work exactly how we'd like it? I'm guessing not many, so let's change that by getting into the "advanced basics" of File Explorer tweaking.

Top 10 Incredibly Useful Windows Programs to Have On Hand

Some apps are essential, and you use them every day. Everyone knows their names: Firefox, VLC, 7-Zip, and so on. However, there's another class of app that gets less attention: the apps that are insanely useful to have in your back pocket on the rare occasions you need them.

30 Gmail Tips That Will Help You Conquer Email

If Gmail has become a huge part of your life, then it's time you became a power user. These tips will get you there.

9 Tips for Longer Laptop Battery Life

Some of these techniques are for when you need to stretch your battery at that very moment, while others are preventative measures, best implemented before your battery life comes up short.

14 Google Search Tricks That Make Life A Whole Lot Easier

You think you know how to Google? You don't know how to Google. Even the most seasoned Googler might not know every tip and trick available. Consider this your instructions manual for the world's most popular search engine.

 

Mobile Computing

Best iPhone and iPad apps for May 2014

As usual, we have a full range of puzzles, action games, utilities, photgraphy apps, and just about everything else you could be using your iOS device for. There's also a healthy mix of both free and paid apps to check out here.

16 of the Best New Android Apps From May

From Foursquare spin-offs to whistle-powered selfies, we covered a lot of ground with new Android apps in May.

Nova Launcher updated, brings "Ok Google" hotword support

The latest version of Nova Launcher has arrived to Google Play bringing with it a few new improvements, chief among them is added support for the “Ok, Google” hotword.

What does iOS 8 mean for Android

With the announcement of iOS 8, my Twitter feed blew up with one common theme: How does iOS 8 compare to Android and what does this mean for Android? Let's take a brief moment to discuss these topics

SwiftKey keyboard will be coming to iOS 8

One of the major new features in iOS 8 just announced at WWDC 2014 is support for third-party keyboards and SwiftKey will be one of them. We've just received word from SwiftKey that in fact...they've already started. Other keyboards will be coming also.

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