Next week, tech giant Apple is anticipated to amaze all its fans with the kick-off of the most awaited event of the year, the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2012). The conference is to be held from June 11-15 in San Francisco and tech enthusiasts from across the globe are gearing up for Apple's event and the new Apple gadgets that will be introduced by the company.
After Steve Jobs' passing, Tim Cook, the new Apple CEO, is expected to be one to deliver the company's keynote address. This keynote will likely reveal a little bit of all the updates by the company, including the hardware.
WWDC is one of the most important events for Apple as it serves as a platform to introduce the latest improvements and developments for the company. As for the consumers, the WWDC is where they would be able to get first-hand and official information about Apple's newest product and updates.
For months, experts, analysts and fans have been speculating on what exactly Apple plans to unveil at the event, spanning from June 11-14, but the freshest reports swirling in the media hint that the company will introduce as many as 14 new Mac models at WWDC, including desktop computers (iMac and Mac Pro) and laptops (MacBook Pro and MacBook Air), among other products.
Further, the event will also play host to developer talks of all kinds, ranging from OS X to iOS, desktop computing to mobile.
Here is a brief detailing all speculations that are buzzing in the tech gossip world, while the WWDC 2012 event is just days away.
Apple MacBook Pro
Recently, AppleInsider reported that a list of 27 new part numbers are reportedly on their way to resellers in Australia. Of the 27 total parts, 13 of the numbers correlate to "standalone kits" or accessories, which leaves 14 products that can only be new Macs.
The report also informed that at present, a total of 20 different Mac models, not including build-to-order options, are listed in Apple's store among its five product lineups: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and Mac Pro.
Rumor also has it that Apple will introduce the new MacBook Pro that is expected to feature a thinner and lighter design similar to the MacBook Air along with a new higher resolution display, as well as the all-in-oneiMac desktop, which is also said to receive an upgraded display.
Apple TV
Several reports and analysts also suggest that Apple TV might undergo some major improvements especially in terms of OS. Apple had reportedly created an operating system especially for Apple TV which would incorporate Siri as well as a redesigned interface.
In a recent report by AppleInsider, it noted that CEO of Internet video provider Brightcove, Jeremy Allaire, has suggested that Apple will release a thin black bar that will add FaceTime video chat and motion control to existing, non-Apple televisions.
Mac OS X Mountain Lion
The next version of Apple's desktop computing software, OS X Mountain Lion, is also expected to be unveiled at the event. The latest version of OS X was first released as a developer preview in February. Mountain Lion will include a new security feature called Gatekeeper, improved iCloud integration, and iOS apps and features such as Reminders, Notes, Game Center, Messages, Notification Center, and share sheets.
iOS 6
iOS 6 the next version of Apple's OS is expected to come with numerous changes in the software build, with a possibly larger screen size in mind for the iPhone 5. Apple's iOS 6 is said to have Facebook and may also bring on a whole new application that will have Apple mapping the earth.
This Apple Maps app and environment has been tipped to be bringing Open Maps to the platform and will keep Google and their Google Maps app on their toes.
This new OS will also be applicable to different Apple products such as iPhone, iPad, and iPodTouch.
Siri
Siri, the popular virtual assistant was first launched with iPhone 4S. It is expected to expand in iOS 6, likely bringing on the service to data-connected iPad 3 models and pushing itself into more apps for better integration into the iOS system as a whole.
Siri will likely see a reliability boost along with its expanded abilities.
iCloud
As Apple's cloud storage solution has seen much success in its "automatic and effortless" ways in the newer versions of iOS on both the iPad and the iPhone, there's certainly room for the ecosystem to expand.
In mid-May, reports of new iCloud features surfaced including a new photo sharing feature. The new feature allows sharing photos with other iCloud users who can then view and comment on your images, according to The Wall Street Journal. Apple may also improve iCloud.com by adding access to the iOS Notes and Reminders apps. The site currently gives the users access to mail, contacts, calendar, documents, and the Find My iPhone feature.
iPhone 5 -- To Expect Or Not?
One of the most anticipated Apple products for this year is Apple's iPhone 5 and many experts are speculating that official information about this smartphone can be mentioned during the WWDC. Though iPhone 5 is not yet slated to be released anytime soon (rumored date: September - October 2012), some additional details could be revealed during the conference.
These are just some of the speculated subjects that could be discussed for next week's WWDC. Additional information and updates are also expected to be discussed during the said conference.
