Apple’s WWDC Keynote Revealed iOS 7, iTunes Radio, and All-day MacBook Air

Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC), the tech giant’s first major product event in nine months, was launched on Monday with no big surprises. But despite this, post-Steve Jobs Apple showed that it still has the capability to innovate. Timothy Cook, CEO and other speakers unveiled a number of pleasant new developments to Apple enthusiasts worldwide at the Apple’s WWDC in San Francisco, California.

Headliners

Heading the line-up was Apple’s new mobile operating system, iOS 7. It was announced that the iOS 7 would be available to consumers in the fall although a beta version was given to developers on Monday. The OS X system for Mac computers was also upgraded and dubbed “OS X Mavericks.”

Other key revelations were the iTunes Radio, FaceTime, and MacBook Airs that have extended “all-day” battery life from five hours to nine hours. Another highlight of the two-hour keynote presentation was a preview of what is to become the most powerful computer ever made, a new Mac Pro, which will be released this year. It was hinted that this leveled up version would be doubling the power of the most powerful computer in the planet.

iOS 7

In the keynote, CEO Tim Cook called the OS upgrades the “biggest change” since the iPhone was introduced years back. The iPhone and iPad will get a radical touchscreen overhaul. The rumors surrounding new chief designer Jonathan Ive’s influence in the iOS 7 proved to be true.

For users of iPhone 4 and up, iPad 2 and up, iPod Touch and Mini, this OS would entail a bit of time to get used to. The user interface is flatter without textures inspired real-world materials. Ive said that the objective was to give it a clean, simple, clear, and efficient look and “elevate” the content. Ive’s hand was evident in the new icons design, the typography, and the more subdued palette. Ive introduced the new minimalist look in a video and explained that “it’s about bringing order to complexity.”

Goodbye wood and felt

The new Game Center app, finally devoid of the classic green felt texture was highlighted somewhat with a joke from Craig Federighi, senior VP of Software Engineering. He said that Apple’s supply of wood and green felt was depleted – something that ought to be good for the environment.

Hello, parallax and the rest of the lot

Here are a few more revelations. The new parallax effect uses feedback from sensors causing icons to shift against the background. Some iPhone users might find this a bit disorienting, but it may be a thrill for those who enjoy visual effects. Aside from an OS redesign, a rehash of the Control Center was also introduced. In addition, it was revealed that the Photo app is now capable of creating albums by location or year, and has photo filters similar to Instagram. File-sharing program Airdrop was also integrated with iOS 7. For those who want “Siri” to sound male, the option has been made an option as well.

Coming soon with more than 200 programmed channels is iTunes Radio, associated by many to Spotify and Pandora. Critics were quick to say that Apple is playing catch-up with Google on this one. For sure, iTunes Radio would be ad-supported.

Photo Credit: WWDC 2013 Moscone West entrance