You are likely aware that Apple Computer made some new software announcements Monday at the WWDC (World Wide Developers Conference) in San Francisco, California.
Some critics are quick to point out that some of the features announced today already exist in other technologies or software (Blackberry, Android, and Windows). While those facts are noted it should also be observed what some technology analysts are saying, that Apple sometimes implements technology a little later than others -- but has been implementing them more wisely and more successfully than their previous incarnation.
Given these newly announced software enhancements & upgrades, I don't think it would really make someone who is totally in love with their Windows computer, their Android or Blackberry phone 'jump-ship' to the Apple product line. But these will certainly make Apple customers even more satisfied with their chosen platform, and may just continue to slowly pull new customers into the Apple universe.
The software products announced today are the Mac OS X Lion, the Apple iOS 5 and the iCloud service. I have provided a short summary of each below along with a short video that highlights the new and most notable improvements.
Mac OS X Lion
Among the '250 new features' the most captivating are: Gestures, Mission Control, LaunchPad, Auto-Save with Versions, Air-Drop, ReVamped Mail (Mac Mail software) and Full-Screen Apps. You can view the Apple promotional video fro Mac OS X Lion below for a highlight of these.
This new Apple desktop & laptop OS named Lion will only be available in the Mac App Store and will be 4GB in size. It installs from the App Store and once you purchase it, you can use it on all your authorized Macs. Mac OS X Lion will be available in July 2011 with a retail price of $29.99 Details here: Apple OS X Lion 9
Apple iOS5
iOS5 is the forthcoming new Operating System for Apple Mobile Devices includes more than 200 new features for the iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
Among the major new features & functions in iOS5 are the Notification Center, iMessage, Newsstand, Reminders, Twitter, Camera enhancements, Photo & Safari improvements, PC Free (you will no longer need to connect to a PC to start your iPhone). You can view the Apple promotional video below for highlights.
This new OS for Apple mobile devices is scheduled for a Fall 2011 release and the current indications are that it is a free software upgrade. Apple indicates the iOS5 will be compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod (both 3rd and 4th generation), iPad, and iPad2. Details here: Apple iOS5
Apple iCloud
iCloud is the new service Apple is touting to sync the important content and information on your desktop, laptop, notepad and other mobile devices. iCloud is integrated into the apps on your computer and mobile devices, so you can access your content on all your devices. And iCloud is free with iOS5 - further details here: Apple iCloud
Here is a video from the Apple WWDC 2011 of Apple CEO Steve Jobs sharing how the iCloud service works (compliments of CNET News)
If you are interested - you can view the recording from the Apple WWDC 2011 announcements here: Streaming video from the WWDC 2011 keynote presentation.
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