Apple Showcases iOS 5 at WWDC 2011
At the WWDC 2011 Apple announced iOS 5 that, along with over 200 new features and improvements– boasts of an important new feature – the iOS notification system. The next-gen mobile OS is loaded with over 200 tricked-out new features, all of which will be rolling out to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners this fall.
Other favorite new features are the iMessage, which allows you to easily send texts, photos and videos between all iOS devices; and Newsstand, a new way to purchase/organize newspaper/magazine subscriptions. iOS 5 also offers “PC Free” capabilities, which enables users to activate their iOS device right out of the box and receive over the air software updates. Apple’s Safari browser has also been updated and now offers tabbed browsing, automatically removes “clutter,” sets appropriate font sizes, and allows users to save articles across all their iOS devices.
Twitter fans will also be happy to know that the new iOS now also has built-in Twitter integration where users can sign in once and tweet directly from all Twitter-enabled apps, such as Photos, Camera, Safari, YouTube and Maps with a single tap. Other features include Reminders, Upgraded camera and photo capabilities, Game Center, Mail enhancements, and AirPlayMirroring.
—
Apple Introduces iCloud
Apple has finally announced its long-awaited cloud-based music service: iTunes in the Cloud. While it would not be a streaming music service as rumored, iCloud will allow users to download any music they have purchased to all of their devices at no additional cost. All new music can now be purchased and can also automatically be downloaded and pushed to up to ten different devices. To top it all, as with the other apps that make up the broader iCloud service, it’s completely free, with a beta version available today (in the US only).
Apple has also announced a complementary iTunes Match service that will allow users to put their existing collection of ripped CDs in the cloud. How? By scanning the user’s library and matching songs to the versions Apple already has, rather than uploading everything. This service will run you $24.99 a year (for up to 25,000 songs), and promises to give users all of the “same benefits as music purchased from iTunes” when it launches sometime this fall.
—
Sony Unveils PlayStation Vita
Sony’s next-generation PlayStation Portable debuted in North America today at E3, as well as a new name–PlayStation Vita. The device, which was unveiled by Sony in Japan last January, comes with two joysticks, multitouch 5-inch OLED screen, front and rear touchpads, and front and rear cameras for augmented reality.
“Vita means life,” said Kazuo Hirai, president and group chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment. “And we’re confident that Vita will be the first product that blurs the lines between reality and interactive entertainment.” The Wi-Fi model will be at $249, and a model that includes 3G and Wi-Fi will cost $299. Sony said it will be available for the holidays.
