appleipad2013
Latest
Apple OS X Mavericks 10.9 review
When Apple first unveiled Mavericks, the latest version of its desktop operating system, we noted one key takeaway: The company is committed to OS X. Meaning, those of you waiting for an altogether new experience will have to keep holding your breath. Like all the iterations before it, version 10.9 is a building block atop the operating system's familiar UI. Apple didn't opt for a "biggest change ever" update as it did with release of iOS 7 (and potentially risking alienating longtime users as a result). Which makes sense, in a way: there's little question that the success of its smartphone and tablet offerings have contributed to the erosion of desktop sales, so it figures that the company is focusing much of its developer talent on mobile. That's not to say there aren't a fair number of additions. As the company's decidedly modest tagline puts it, Mavericks lets users "Do even more with new apps and features." At the top of the list are the additions of Maps and iBooks -- two apps first introduced in iOS. And while there are no changes to the Finder as major as Notifications, tabbed windows and tags aim to help users better organize their desktops. We can tell you right now that there's enough in here to justify the download time, especially given that this is free for people already running Snow Leopard or higher. But is it enough to help OS X maintain Apple's self-proclaimed "world's most advanced desktop operating system?" Or is the company's reluctance to think different on the desktop hampering innovation?
Apple announces new covers for the iPad Air and iPad mini, prices start at $39
New iPads means new accessories, right? Hot on the heels of announcing the new iPad mini and the ridiculously thin iPad Air, Apple revealed two new cases to go with each. These include a standard cover (similar to what's available now), which is priced at $39. There's also going to be a leather version for $79. Additionally, Apple will be selling a Product Red version, though it's unclear how much that will cost, if there is in fact a premium.
Apple announces new version of iLife for OS X Mavericks and iOS, available today
Every three years around this time, Apple comes out with a new version of iLife. So, given that the current suite was launched back in 2010, we had an inkling today we'd be getting an update today at Apple's press event. Sure enough, the company just unveiled new versions of iPhoto, iMovie and Garage Band, with fresh software for both iOS and OS X Mavericks on the desktop side. All told, the apps usher in not just a cleaner, stripped-down design, but upgraded performance, too: like all the native applications that come pre-installed on iOS 7, the new iLife programs are 64-bit. In terms of the individual apps and what you can actually do with them, iPhoto now allows you to create Photobooks on the iPad. iMovie, meanwhile, lets you change speed the speed of the video; if you're on iOS, you can do picture-in-picture as well. Additionally, a new feature called iMovie Theater (yes, that's a real name) allows you to watch all of your videos on any device -- iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, whatever -- so long as your movies are stored in iCloud.
