Apple Tying Up Loose Ends

Apple has been looked at as trying to catch up and stay relevant in recent years. I even accuse them of it. However, there is an important trend that has been very implicit in Apple's product launches. Apple is very different than its competitors because it makes software, but doesn't license it or make it open source. Android can often look more appealing to a user because of the variety of options that are available from so many different phones. These phone makers have much less at risk when they introduce a new phone. Meanwhile, the iPhone hasn't had any radical change until the iPhone X with its new display. Any new changes to the design have to be very well thought out for Apple, otherwise, iOS is no longer unified and developers become more frustrated. With Apple redefining an edge-to-edge display with its signature notch, we see two types of responses from Android. Either phones that brag about having no notch or phones that embrace the notch. In fact, this has led Android development tools to simulate many different sizes of notches. As one could imagine, this is much more frustrating for Android users and developers because the chances of an app being fully optimized for these phones is much less than an app being fully optimized for iPhone X. Being able to take a trend like this and capitalize on it like Apple has could be a big win for Apple, albeit subtle. This is just one example of Apple's strategy to regain relevance. The slashing of the iPad's price will likely be a big slap in the face at Chromebooks, and the idea of a cheaper Apple notebook coming soon could help shred more marketshare away from Chromebooks as well. Apple tying up these loose ends and capitalizing on their competitors' mistakes and pricing helps Apple products appeal more to the average consumer.

New MacBook Coming at WWDC

According to DigiTimes, there will be a new entry-level 13.3" MacBook announced at WWDC. It's currently unknown if this could be a MacBook Air or a MacBook. It seems likely that this will be a long-overdue refresh to the MacBook Air line. In addition, it would have a Retina Display. The MacBook Air is the only all-in-one Mac without a Retina Display currently. This would be refreshing given that the MacBook Air feels very outdated by today's standards. That being said, I think the MacBook Air is having an identity crisis, due to the MacBook being thinner and more modern. I'd like to see how Apple would execute a MacBook Air refresh.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Written on MacBook Air

According to The Wall Street Journal, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was written entirely on an air-gapped MacBook Air by Rian Johnson. An air-gapped device is never connected to the internet as a security measure. It’s important to note that the MacBook Air is Apple’s least expensive and most outdated notebook in their current Mac lineup. It was locked in a safe. Johnson stated that his producer was fearful of him leaving it in a coffee shop. For keeping the computer air-gapped, I was surprised he would even think of bringing it outside. 

Updated MacBook Air Coming at WWDC 2017

According to Bloomberg, the MacBook Air could see an update at WWDC. This is unexpected as most were expecting Apple to discontinue the laptop due to its old hardware. However, its affordable price point has secured customer loyalty. While the update would be mostly under the hood, it's an update nevertheless. We may see Kaby Lake processors. Hopefully, this doesn't hold back Apple's other computers.

New MacBook Pro and Air Coming in October

According to Bloomberg, refreshes to the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air may finally come this October. The MacBook Pro, which I'm particularly looking forward to, will be thinner, use USB-C, and have a dynamic function bar to replace function keys (pictured below). The MacBook Air will have a minor refresh. All we know is it will likely just use USB-C, which is a topic I will save for another day. The existence of the MacBook Air is up to debate at this point. The MacBook pretty much defeats the purpose of the MacBook Air, considering the MacBook is lighter. If the MacBook Air gets USB-C, there is almost no point for there to be a MacBook Air. Anyways, none of these Macs are expected to be revealed next week, but it's not out of the question.

Mockup Credit: Martin Hajek

New MacBook Airs Coming in 2016?

After the announcement of the new MacBooks earlier this year, I figured that they would replace the current MacBook Airs, as the MacBooks are much thinner than the MacBook Airs. This seems redundant. With Apple's term "air" meaning thin, light, and simple, some continuity should be present among the naming of its products. There's the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and AirDrop. MacBook Air doesn't really fit into this anymore. However, a new design for it may be in next years WWDC event. Perhaps it will be even thinner than the MacBook? Probably not, since the MacBook ditched almost all ports except a USB-C port and, ironically, the headphone jack. This is an early rumor, but more will probably surface around late Spring next year. Stay tuned!

'Spring Forward' Event: The Scoop

Here's a quick summary of today's events.

Apple Watch

Apple has shown off much more information about the Apple Watch. Mostly, apps were shown off, which really peaks my interest. In addition, we have a release date. It's April 24. Pre-orders start on April 10.

MacBook

A new MacBook was announced. It truly defines the wireless era. It only has a USB-C port, but you'll find that it's very versatile. It's a power port and data port. The battery is also innovative as it's a layered battery that takes up every bit of space.

Apple TV

The Apple TV is now only $69, instead of $99. This isn't a sale. It's a new price. In addition, you'll be able to watch great HBO shows, like Game of Thrones, on Apple TV with HBO Now.

I haven't had a chance to watch the entire presentation, but I'll finish it as soon as possible. I'll also discuss some of the specifics throughout the week. 

'Spring Forward' Event Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the Apple Watch event entitled "Spring Forward." We're expected to see more specific details about the Apple Watch. In addition, we could see any number of other things at the event tomorrow, specifically for the Macs. There may be an announcement of a 12" MacBook Air. All will be revealed tomorrow... To watch the event, go to Apple's website tomorrow. The event should begin around 10 AM PDT.

iOS 8.2 To Be Released To The Public Next Week With 'Spring Forward' Announcement

With the Apple event next week, we have reason to believe that iOS 8.2 will be released next week. This makes sense as Apple has done this in the past. This event is expected to focus on the Apple Watch and possibly a 12" MacBook Air. The event will be on March 9th, this coming Monday. iOS 8.2 is a relatively simple update despite it being a semi-major update. It adds stability to the Health app and other apps.

Could Touch ID Come To Macs?

With iPads getting Touch ID, this leads us to wonder if Macs will get Touch ID. According to Apple.club.tw [Google Translate], they might. The idea is that MacBooks, Magic Mice, and Magic Trackpads would get Touch ID integrated. This rumor seems sketchy for several reasons. First, with a physical keyboard, Touch ID isn't as necessary for a Mac. Next, if the device used to unlock your Mac is connected via Bluetooth, there are certain uncertainties. They could be hacked (worst case scenario) or disconnected, causing features like Apple Pay, which requires Touch ID, unaccounted for. Anyways, that's my opinion. Feel free to leave your opinion in the comment section below.

Apple Posts The Story Behind Holiday Ad 'The Song'

Today, Apple posted a behind the scenes look of this year's holiday ad, 'The Song'. It talks about he voice-o-graph and how Dana Williams, the granddaughter in the film, used musical talent and GarageBand to create her song. Check out the embeds below.

Apple Releases New 'The Song' Ad For The Holidays

As is tradition for them, Apple has released a heartwarming holiday advertisement. This year, it's called "The Song". It depicts a girl finding a present her grandmother sent to what seems to be her grandfather. The present included a note to the grandfather noting how they couldn't be together for the holidays and a record with the grandmother singing "Love Is Here To Stay". The girl secretly learns the song on multiple instruments and learns the lyrics. She then combines her song with that of her grandmother's. She leaves the audio file on an iPad mini with a note that says, "A Duet, Press Play". The grandmother listens to the song and looks at the pictures that were left with the iPad mini and the note. The memories bring the grandmother to tears of joy as the granddaughter watches from above.

Although last year's holiday advertisement, called "Misunderstood", has been taken down by Apple, you can watch a re-uploaded version in the embed below. Credit to Matthew Miller.

Apple Releases New iPhone 6 Ads: 'Gamers' and 'Reservations'

Apple released two new advertisements for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. "Gamers" advertise the game, Vainglory, and the A8 chip. "Reservations" shows off continuity between iOS and Mac. They're pretty funny, so I suggest you watch them in the embeds below.

Intel Broadwell Core M Processors Hints At New MacBook Air

Intel's Core M processors seem to hint at a 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina Display. They are intended for next-gen fan-less devices, like the unannounced 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina Display. Having a efficient processor like this would seem appropriate for a thin computer that needs a lot of power. In addition, the new laptop is expected sometime in 2015. The same expected shipping date for the new Intel processors for Macs is around the same time. All of this seems to hint at a MacBook Air with Retina Display in 2015.

Stickers Ad

Apple has made a new ad targeted for the people who like to add decals to their MacBooks. The ad shows a plethora of decals used on the MacBook Air. From the Simpsons to Pac Man! And- oh my gosh is that Aperture Science?! Apple has also dedicated a web page for it's "Stickers" ad. To watch the ad, it's embedded below.

New MacBook Airs!

A quiet refresh of MacBook Airs were released yesterday. They have new processors and, most notably, they are $100 less for each model. Be sure to grab one if you need one! Also, a Retina Display MacBook Air is expected to be "in the works" currently. Stay tuned!

Next MacBook Air To Be 12"?

A new report by David Hsieh shows that Apple will unveil a 12 inch (specifically 11.88 inch) MacBook Air with Retina Display this year. This will be the first time a Retina Display come to the MacBook Air lineup. In addition, the first time a display size of 11.88 inches has reached Apple's notebook lineup. This size hints at a Retina Display. After a lot of boring math, you'll find that the pixels and size will be porportional to those of the iPad Air.