It’s been a busy few weeks in the tech world. Apple has announced a multitude of upgrades to its signature products, and both Apple and Samsung have launched new products.
Apple’s Latest Products: Apple recently unveiled its new MacBook Pro, which is marketed towards developers and professional creators, such as video editors. It is an impressive looking machine, composed of stainless steel frames and handles.
Its capabilities make it a powerhouse; it has 1,400 watts, an after-burner that can process six billion pixels per seconds, a modular system (which MacBook fans have been eagerly waiting for), and far better functionality than previous versions. It is fair to say that Apple has developed a device with enough substance to excite even the most tech-savvy individuals. Beware, though, as it comes with a $5,999 price tag.
Another new product, the Pro Display XDR, can be used to display content for the MacBook Pro and can sustain brightness of 1,000 nits. (To put that in perspective, HDR – which is standard in the industry – is typically around 600 nits.)
The 32-inch machine’s resolution is so magnificent – and its screen is so incredibly bright – that Apple is calling it a 6K display (its resolution is 6016 x 3384). The Pro Display XDR will set consumers back $4,999.
Samsung’s Latest Products: For those looking for a cheaper alternative to Apple’s MacBook Pro, Samsung recently unveiled some new laptops geared towards the average consumer. Users can choose between two versions of the Notebook 7 – a 13-inch display screen and a 15-inch display screen – and the Notebook 7 Force.
The Notebook 7’s models look remarkably similar to the previous version MacBook Pro, and some tech bloggers are jokingly calling them Samsung’s MacBooks. The Notebook 7 Force, in contrast, has an all-black design and is a powerful machine. Prices start at $999 for the 13-inch, $1,099 for the 15-inch, and $1,499 for the Force. They will be available for purchase on July 26 on Amazon and Samsung’s online store.
Apple’s Latest Software Updates: Apple is also upgrading its operating systems for virtually all its devices.
IOS13: IOS13 will be available for download this coming fall. The latest iPhone software promises enhanced security features, privacy improvements, and an overall faster performance. It will also include a dark mode feature and a facial unlock that is purported to work 30 percent faster than the previous version.
In addition, Apple maps’ coverage has received a major upgrade – and expansion – thanks to new aerial footage images. Safari, Mail, Notes, Reminders, and Memojis will also see significant enhancements.
And the camera? Portrait lightening effects, editing interface, capabilities to rotate and filter videos, and a new automatically organized photo system are just some of the many new features coming to iOS13’s photo and video apps. Oh, and Siri is finally getting a more natural and human-sounding voice!
IPadOS: Apple’s iPad will receive its own operating system for the very first time. (Until now, the iPad shared the iPhone’s iOS operating system.) The new operating system, called iPadOS, has a variety of multitasking features, including split screens as well as file-sharing capabilities. The iPadOS also has the ability to import pictures directly from a camera using a USB port.
Some other great features include: a swipe-friendly QuickPath keyboard, a small floating keyboard, extensive text selection and custom fonts, and the ability to copy, paste, and undo with just finger gestures. Apple’s pencil latency has also been improved and will be easier to use for markups. These new features are available on the iOS13 as well.
Watch OS6: The latest software version for the Apple Watch comes with the app store, so users can download new apps on the go! Users also have a selection of new designs to choose from for the face of their watch. Watch OS6 has several exciting new features such as voice memo and a calculator app and tools, as well as redesigned health apps, fitness tracking, and a decibel-monitoring app. These redesigned apps are available on iOS13 as well.
Perhaps the biggest news in Apple software upgrades is that the newest version of the MacOS – Mac’s operating system, otherwise known as Catalina – will say goodbye to iTunes as we know it! ITunes will now be divided into three parts: Music, Podcasts, and TV Apps.
MacOS also has Voice Control, a new feature that allows users to control their device using only their voice, as well as Activation Lock and a Find My feature, which will make it easier to lock out thieves. Find My can even be used on Macs – and iPhones – that are turned off!
In addition, Apple released some innovative new tools for developers using Swift UI, a coding language for Apple products, and ARkit, which allows developers to get creative with some awesome virtual reality and motion features.
All these products and software updates are exciting, but how they will affect these technology giants’ bottom line? We’ll find out soon enough.