Apple WWDC 2023: Rumours and Expectations

By: Rohit Yadav

|

Updated on: 05-Jun-2023

5,356 views

Follow Us:

5,356 views

This year's WWDC starts with a keynote address on Monday, June 5, at 10 am Pacific time. Prior to the event, there are usually numerous rumors circulating about new features for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. While some operating systems receive more attention than others, the list of new features for these platforms in 2023 seems relatively limited. It appears that Apple has been focusing its efforts on something different, possibly an entirely new product category.

If you've been following Apple's rumor mill, you've likely come across headlines about the company's long-awaited mixed-reality headset for augmented reality and virtual reality experiences. After years of speculation, it seems that Apple is finally ready to unveil this highly anticipated device at WWDC. There is even a possibility that we'll see it in action during the conference, as it is rumored to run on a new operating system called xrOS, specifically designed for the headset. It is expected to support a few key apps upon its launch.

However, it's important to note that all of this is based on speculation. We were also expecting to see the mixed-reality headset at last year's WWDC, but the reveal was postponed. Regardless, one thing is certain: there will be new software features announced for existing devices. There are also rumours of potential new Mac hardware announcements from Apple. We will be closely following all the news and providing a liveblog to cover the major reveals. To get you up to speed before the event, here's a preview of what you can anticipate at this year's WWDC. I will also provide details on how you can tune into the keynote on Monday morning.

New Software

iOS 17

Apple introduced the ability to add widgets to the home screen with the release of iOS 16, allowing users to display weather, activity rings, and social media feeds. According to a report by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, iOS 17 is expected to expand on this feature by introducing a new smart-home display mode. When the iPhone is locked and placed horizontally, this mode would activate, providing users with notifications, weather information, calendar appointments, and more in a layout similar to Google's Nest Hub or Amazon's Echo Show. The display would feature bright text on a dark background for improved readability.

Gurman's report also mentions rumours of Apple launching a journaling app, the ability to sideload apps to comply with European Union regulations, a mood-tracking feature in the Health app, and enhancements to location services. Another report from MacRumors suggests that Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cut out on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max serving as a secondary display, will receive additional functionality such as Siri integration to make it less obtrusive on the main display.

Additionally, Apple is expected to introduce new accessibility features. In May, they announced plans to launch software features later in the year to improve cognitive, vision, and speech accessibility. These features include Point and Speak in Magnifier, which facilitates interaction with physical objects labeled with text for individuals with vision disabilities, as well as Live Speech, enabling users to type messages that are spoken aloud during phone and FaceTime calls.

iPadOS 17

Like previous iterations, it is expected that iPadOS 17 will share many features with iOS 17, such as the smart-home display mode, journaling app, and the ability to sideload apps. Additionally, there are indications that the Health app may finally be introduced on the iPad, complete with the mood-tracking feature. One significant update revolves around Apple's Stage Manager feature, which was introduced in iPadOS 16. This multitasking feature aims to emulate a desktop computer experience by allowing users to organize apps, group and resize windows, and overlap them. However, it has been noted that the feature lacks intuitiveness. According to reports from 9to5mac, Apple is planning to enhance the capabilities of Stage Manager. These enhancements may include support for webcams on external monitors, a sleep mode for the iPad's display while the external display remains active, and a resizable dock specifically for the external display.

In his Power On newsletter, Gurman also mentioned that iPadOS will lay the groundwork for upcoming revamped iPad Pro models with OLED displays, expected to be released next year. A tweet from @analyst941, which has since been deleted, suggested that the iPad may receive the same Lock Screen customization as iOS 16, including the ability to adjust the position of the clock. This customization could potentially indicate that future OLED iPad models will feature an Always-On display, similar to the iPhone 14 Pro line up, as speculated by MacWorld.

MacOS 14

The official name for macOS 14 has yet to be revealed. Parker Ortolani, a product manager at Vox Media, shared a tweet mentioning 15 unused names that Apple has reportedly trademarked. Among these names is Mammoth, which was heavily rumoured for macOS 13 last year but was ultimately not chosen in favour of Ventura. Therefore, there is a possibility that Mammoth could be used as the name for the upcoming macOS version.

Regarding new features, Tom's Guide referred to an interview with Gurman on the MacRumors Show where he mentioned that he hasn't come across any noteworthy information about macOS. Similarly, Gurman does not anticipate significant changes for tvOS 17 either. Furthermore, Apple already released the next-generation Apple TV in October.

It seems that Apple is primarily focused on enhancing iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS as part of their continuity strategy, and then incorporating support for these features within macOS. This approach has been hinted at with the introduction of the M1 chip. When Apple announced their first in-house silicon in 2020, they emphasized that it operates similarly to an iPhone and iPad, allowing users to directly download iOS apps onto their MacBooks.

WatchOS 10

In contrast to Apple's other upcoming operating systems, watchOS is expected to receive a significant update that will introduce "a new focus on widgets and fundamental changes to how the device works," as mentioned by Mark Gurman. The updated interface is said to combine iOS 14-style widgets with the previous watchOS Glances system, enabling users to scroll through different widgets (such as weather, activity tracking, and calendar appointments) without needing to manually open each app.

Another potential addition to watchOS is the introduction of widget stacks, which would allow users to group multiple widgets together and scroll through them. Alongside the interface revamp, Apple might also modify the functions of certain buttons on the watch. For instance, currently, pressing the Digital Crown takes users to the home screen, but in the future, it could be used to open widgets instead.

xrOS

It seems that Apple has decided to name its headset's software platform "xrOS." This information was initially reported by Gurman last year, and recently, Ortolani noticed that Apple had trademarked the name in New Zealand through a shell corporation.

According to Gurman, the platform will feature a home screen similar to that of an iPad and will enable users to operate multiple apps simultaneously in space. Users can place apps in specific physical locations, such as a living room, and when they re-enter that room, their previous workspace will reappear. The headset will have the capability to run almost all of Apple's existing iPad apps, including Messages, Music, Photos, Books, FaceTime, Maps, and Weather, as well as third-party iPad apps. Users will be able to sync their Apple account data from their iPhone or iCloud to the device.

In Gurman's Power On newsletter in April, he provided an extensive list of additional capabilities for the headset. These include a Wellness app for meditation, a VR portal for watching sports, new features in the Freeform app like virtual whiteboards, a VR version of the Fitness+ app for exercising while wearing the headset, videoconferencing with realistic avatars, and the ability to use the headset as an external monitor when connected to a Mac.

Apple's mixed-reality headset may not introduce ground-breaking features compared to what's already available in the market. Like other VR headsets, it will likely be positioned as a versatile device for work, exercise, gaming, and relaxation. However, the interest in VR and AR technology has declined in recent years. This lack of interest may be attributed to the inconveniences associated with using AR or VR devices. From setting up the physical space and dealing with cables to wearing a bulky headset and downloading necessary software, these gadgets have yet to gain mainstream appeal.

Nevertheless, Apple's reputation for seamless connectivity and software integration across its ecosystem of devices could give mixed reality the momentum it needs. If the navigation of the new headset is as intuitive as using an iPhone, people may feel less intimidated about incorporating a completely new product into their lifestyle. We will have to wait and see if Apple finally unveils the headset at WWDC, and hopefully, it won't be kept behind glass for attendees to merely observe, similar to the first iPhone launch.

New Hardware

Reality Pro

Based on the various reports coming out of Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, it seems highly probable that the company is developing its own mixed-reality headset. The key question now is not about the nature of the headset itself, but rather when it will be officially launched. Speculations and insider information indicate that the unveiling could take place on Monday. The anticipation surrounding Apple's headset is so significant that other companies are rushing to release their own headsets just days before Apple's expected announcement at WWDC. Meta has announced the Meta Quest 3, Lenovo introduced the ThinkReality VRX headset, and Magic Leap has been showcasing the capabilities of the Magic Leap 2.

As for Apple's headset, rumoured to be named the Reality Pro or Reality One, it is anticipated to carry a price tag of $3,000. Given its high cost, it is likely that the initial version will target developers and professionals rather than the general consumer market. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the second-generation version could offer both high-end and mid-priced models. Kuo has also provided details on the specifications of the headset, including 4K micro-OLED displays, 12 optical cameras for hand movement tracking, two M2-based processors, and an external power supply. These specifications align with tweets from Ross Young, a credible leaker and CEO at Display Supply Chain Consultants. Young also claims that the headset will boast an impressive peak brightness of 5,000 nits, whereas competing headsets like Meta's Oculus Quest 2 reach 100 nits, and the Magic Leap 2 can achieve up to 2,000 nits.

According to a Bloomberg report, the headset will combine augmented reality and virtual reality. VR features will be facilitated by internal displays, while AR functionality will operate through a video pass-through mode. Users will have the ability to switch between modes using the Digital Crown, a dial similar to the one found on the Apple Watch. This will enable a seamless transition from a fully immersive VR experience to having apps seamlessly blend into the user's real-world surroundings.

15-inch MacBook Air

Multiple sources indicate that Apple is likely to unveil a new 15-inch MacBook Air during WWDC 2023. This forthcoming notebook is anticipated to be the largest MacBook Air ever released and will be powered by the Apple M2 chip. While the official name and pricing details are still undisclosed, it is expected that the price of the 15-inch MacBook Air will be higher compared to the current 13-inch MacBook Air due to its larger size. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst, has suggested that the second-generation version may offer both high-end and mid-priced models.

In terms of design, the new 15-inch MacBook Air is anticipated to bear similarities to the existing 13.6-inch MacBook Air, featuring slim bezels and a flat-edged design. Notable improvements expected on the new laptop include the inclusion of a function key row, an upgraded 1080p webcam, enhanced speakers, and the return of MagSafe charging.

Mac Studio

Apple is gearing up to release an updated model of the Mac Studio along with a new 15-inch MacBook Air. Reports suggest that the company is developing two new desktop computers, equipped with the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips, which align with the specifications of the Mac Studio. Apart from the chip upgrade, no other significant new features are anticipated. Nevertheless, these M2 Max and M2 Ultra Mac Studio machines will serve as replacements for the existing M1 Max and M1 Ultra Mac Studio models that were launched last year.

Nothing OS 3.0 Update Rolls Out with Fresh Features and Personalisation Options

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 21-Dec-2024

17,902 views

Follow Us:

17,902 views

Key Highlights

• Nothing OS 3.0, based on Android 15, focuses on personalization, efficiency, and connectivity.
• The update brings a redesigned lock screen, an AI-powered Smart Drawer, and a revamped gallery app.
• Now available for Nothing Phone (2) and (2a); other models to receive it in early 2025.

Nothing has officially launched its new operating system, Nothing OS 3.0, based on Android 15. The update prioritizes customization, connectivity, and performance improvements while staying true to the brand’s minimalist design philosophy.

What’s New in Nothing OS 3.0?

• Redesigned Lock Screen: Users can now personalize the lock screen with new clock styles and widgets, including the option to add Shared Widgets. This feature allows users to interact with friends and family directly from their lock screens.
• Nothing Gallery App: A brand-new gallery app with advanced search features, filters, and markup tools has been introduced. The app is designed to provide a smoother and faster photo browsing experience, with Nothing claiming it’s 1.4 seconds faster than Google Photos for opening images.
• Countdown Widget: A handy new widget lets users track important events and dates. It will be available later this month via the Google Play Store through the Nothing Widgets app.
• AI-Powered Smart Drawer: This feature automatically organizes apps into folders, ensuring the most frequently used ones are easy to find.
• Other Enhancements: The update also brings revamped Quick Settings, a better Pop-up View for multitasking, and improved system fonts for a cleaner look.

Rollout Details

The Nothing OS 3.0 stable update is currently rolling out for Nothing Phone (2) and Phone (2a). The rollout will continue until the end of 2024. Other models, including Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1, will receive the update in early 2025.

Special Edition Launch

Alongside the update, Nothing introduced the Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition, featuring a phosphorescent back that glows in the dark. Priced at ₹29,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant, only 1,000 units are available worldwide.

Conclusion

The Nothing OS 3.0 update enhances the user experience with smarter features and customization options while retaining the brand’s sleek aesthetic. Whether it’s the redesigned lock screen or the new gallery app, Nothing continues to innovate in style. If you own a Nothing Phone (2) or (2a), check your settings now to download the update!

Samsung Offers Huge Festive Discounts on Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7 and More

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 21-Dec-2024

19,231 views

Follow Us:

19,231 views

Key Highlights

• Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Watch Ultra is available with discounts up to Rs. 12,000.
• Galaxy Watch 7 buyers can enjoy up to Rs. 8,000 cashback or upgrade bonuses.
• Additional offers on Galaxy Buds 3 series, including Rs. 5,000 off on Buds 3 Pro.
• No-cost EMI options for up to 24 months are available on all key wearables.

Samsung has kicked off a festive sale, offering significant discounts on its latest wearables lineup, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, and Galaxy Buds 3 Series. These offers come just in time for Christmas and include cashback, upgrade bonuses, and easy financing options.

Exciting Discounts on Galaxy Watches

• Galaxy Watch Ultra: Originally priced at Rs. 59,999, the flagship Galaxy Watch Ultra now comes with discounts up to Rs. 12,000. Customers can avail an instant cashback of Rs. 12,000 or an upgrade bonus of Rs. 10,000. The smartwatch features on-device AI and supports up to 24 months of no-cost EMI.
• Galaxy Watch 7: Buyers can enjoy up to Rs. 8,000 cashback or upgrade bonuses on the Galaxy Watch 7, which starts at Rs. 29,999 for the Bluetooth variant and Rs. 33,999 for the cellular version.

Other Wearables Offers

• Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Get Rs. 5,000 off, bringing the price down to Rs. 14,999.
• Galaxy Buds 3: Enjoy Rs. 4,000 cashback or upgrade bonus.
• Galaxy Buds FE: Available with Rs. 4,000 cashback, making these budget-friendly TWS earphones an even better deal.

Discount Overview

Conclusion

Samsung’s festive discounts make it the perfect time to upgrade to premium wearables like the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7. With generous cashback offers, no-cost EMIs, and exciting bonuses, the brand ensures there’s something for everyone this holiday season.

Huawei Leads 2024 Wearables Market with 44.3% Growth, Surpasses Apple

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 21-Dec-2024

18,324 views

Follow Us:

18,324 views

Key Highlights

• Huawei led the global wearables market in 2024, achieving 44.3% year-on-year shipment growth.
• It surpassed Apple for the first three quarters of 2024, securing a 16.9% global market share.
• Apple briefly regained the top spot in Q3 with the Watch Series 10 but was overtaken by Huawei again.
• Strategic global marketing and advanced product features drove Huawei’s success.

According to IDC's* most recent study, Huawei became the market leader for wearables worldwide for the first three quarters of 2024. In addition to attaining a 16.9% market share worldwide and controlling the domestic Chinese market with a 35.7% market share, the company reported an amazing 44.3% year-over-year growth in global shipments.

Notably, Huawei surpassed Apple in the market for wrist-worn devices, which Apple had dominated for many years. With the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple momentarily reclaimed the top rank in Q3, but Huawei's sustained pace allowed it to recover the lead for the entire three-quarter period.

Huawei's emphasis on cutting-edge health features and pricing provided them an advantage in the larger wearables market, even though Apple continues to lead the global smartwatch market.

Key Huawei Products:

• Huawei Watch D2: Features 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring.
• Huawei Watch GT 5: Equipped with advanced sports tracking via the TruSense System.
• Huawei Watch Fit 3: Includes calorie tracking and nutritional analysis for wellness.

A strong localization plan was another factor that contributed to Huawei's success. Through regional operations and strategic alliances, the corporation increased its footprint in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Europe.

Furthermore, by emphasizing its focus on fusing cutting-edge technology with user-centric health solutions, Huawei's advertising campaigns like "Light Up Your Rings" and "Tech with Love" helped it connect with a larger audience.

Summary:

Huawei's impressive 2024 performance, which included overtaking Apple in the wrist-worn device market, highlights its competitive advantage and global presence. Huawei is revolutionizing the wearable technology market and establishing new benchmarks for the future with its emphasis on localization and health technology.

NVIDIA Launches Affordable Jetson Orin Nano AI Supercomputer: Generative AI Supercomputer

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 20-Dec-2024

19,342 views

Follow Us:

19,342 views

Key Highlights

NVIDIA unveils the Jetson Orin Nano, a budget-friendly generative AI supercomputer. Priced at $249, it’s compact yet offers 67 TOPS of AI performance. Designed for developers, students, and small businesses to explore edge AI and robotics. Offers 50% better memory bandwidth than its predecessor, boosting efficiency.

NVIDIA’s Compact AI Supercomputer

The Jetson Orin Nano, NVIDIA's most affordable generative AI supercomputer, is now available for $249 (about ₹21,000). With its potent capabilities and affordable pricing, this palm-sized device is revolutionizing AI for developers, corporations, and hobbyists.

The Jetson Orin Nano is part of NVIDIA’s Jetson lineup, known for compact, high-performance computing devices. It is specifically designed for robotics and AI to introduce cutting-edge AI capabilities to a wider range of users, including students and enthusiasts.

Powerful and Efficient Hardware

The Jetson Orin Nano has a 6-core ARM CPU that can perform up to 67 trillion operations per second (TOPS) and is powered by NVIDIA's Ampere architecture. As a result, it can manage challenging AI tasks like generative AI models, computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP).

With a memory bandwidth of 102GB/s, the Orin Nano delivers a 50% boost over its predecessor. For demanding workloads, this improvement guarantees improved efficiency and faster data processing.

How It Works

The Jetson Orin Nano combines powerful GPU, CPU, and software tools to simplify AI development. The integrated GPU excels in parallel processing, enabling seamless training and deployment of AI models. NVIDIA has also introduced software updates that enhance the generative AI performance of the Orin Nano, further improving its capabilities for existing users.

Applications and Use

This supercomputer has been designed for edge computing real-time AI applications. It’s suitable for applications in robotics, autonomous systems, and smart cities, where low latency and speedy decision-making are critical. It can be used by developers to test generative AI tasks, deploy AI models, and develop creative solutions.

The Orin Nano gives users access to pre-trained models and development tools as part of NVIDIA's extensive AI software ecosystem. For both novices and experts, this makes it a flexible platform.

Why It Matters

The introduction of the Jetson Orin Nano emphasizes how crucial edge computing and reasonably priced AI solutions are becoming. Tasks that traditionally required enormous data centers may now be handled on a tiny device, cutting infrastructure costs and speeding up AI deployment across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

A Leap Towards Accessible AI

With its affordable price, powerful performance, and compact design, the Jetson Orin Nano is paving the way for a future where AI is accessible to everyone. Whether for personal projects or industrial applications, this supercomputer opens new doors for innovation.

In summary, NVIDIA’s Jetson Orin Nano is a compact AI supercomputer designed to make cutting-edge AI accessible to a wider audience. Priced at $249, it delivers impressive performance with 67 TOPS and improved memory bandwidth. Ideal for robotics, edge AI, and generative AI tasks, it provides a cost-effective way to explore and deploy AI solutions. As edge computing becomes more critical, the Orin Nano represents a step forward in affordable and efficient AI development.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Listed on BIS: Launch in India Soon

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 20-Dec-2024

17,342 views

Follow Us:

17,342 views

##Key Highlights

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is listed on India’s BIS certification website.
• Two models with different battery capacities are expected.
• The tablet may come in Wi-Fi and 5G variants.
• The launch could happen before July 2025, based on other hints.

Samsung is getting ready to release the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, a successor to the **Tab S9 FE from last year, in India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website has seen the impending tablet, suggesting that it may soon be available in Indian markets.

There will likely be two Galaxy Tab S10 FE variants, each with a different battery capacity. Model numbers EB-BX526ABE and EB-BX526ABY were used to list the battery details. This implies that Samsung might sell the tablet in two different versions, one of which might be a 5G model. The advertisement, however, provides no information about the precise debut date or additional features.

Interestingly, a recent update on Samsung’s US website mentioned the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series, stating that customers in the US who purchase it will get one year of the note-taking app Goodnotes for free. This offer is valid for purchases made before July 31, 2025. Based on this, it’s likely that the tablet will launch before that date.

The Galaxy Tab S10 series is expected to include the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, Galaxy Tab S10, and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Samsung’s FE (Fan Edition) tablets are known for offering premium features at an affordable price, so this launch could attract buyers looking for high-quality tablets without breaking the bank.

Summary

While Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed the Galaxy Tab S10 FE launch date, the BIS listing and other hints suggest it could arrive in India soon. Fans of Samsung’s tablets can look forward to an exciting addition to the Galaxy Tab lineup.