WWDC 2012
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TUAW TV Live pre-keynote community chat
Happy Dub-Dub-Dee-Cee Day! All of us here at TUAW are breathlessly anticipating what words will trickle from the lips of the like of Tim Cook, Scott Forestall, and Phil Schiller in just a few short hours. To build up the anticipation, we're having a special edition of TUAW TV Live and would love for you to join in on an IRC chat. Joining me today for an hour of chat about what exciting things might be appearing from Apple is Erica Sadun, who will also be running our metaliveblog of the keynote at 1 PM ET today. Today's video stream is an experiment -- we'll be using an embedded YouTube stream so this will not be visible on Ustream or Justin.tv. You can watch the event here or by viewing the tuawvideo channel on YouTube. As for the live chat, feel free to use the embedded chat client below or your favorite IRC client. Join us in the #tuaw chatroom on irc.freenode.net, where Kevin Avila (eddienull) will be moderating.
Engadget's pre-WWDC live broadcast from San Francisco!
We wish you were here, we really do, but we understand -- you're busy. That trip out to San Francisco takes ages and besides, getting a ticket into Apple's developer conference can be a tricky proposition. So, then, please do us the honor of being our guest at what is shaping up to be a bombastic show. The WWDC liveblog happens here, but before then Darren Murph and Tim Stevens have a special live video broadcast just for you, where they'll break down what you can expect from this year's keynote presentation. Click on through to get streaming.
The Apple store is down... here we go
Down goes the Apple store. Whatever the reason is, it'll be a few short hours until we know what new goodies have been added to Cupertino's boutique. Whatever happens, we'll be right there, detailing all the action in our liveblog -- in the meantime, you can check what we're hoping to see in iOS 6 right here. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Editorial: What we want to see in iOS 6
We asked for third party apps, copy and paste, multitasking, wireless sync, data-only messaging and better notifications and year by year, they all arrived. iOS 5 may be one of the most mature, and popular mobile operating systems out there, but that doesn't mean Apple can take the day off. If you'd like to know what we're hoping Scott Forstall announces when he takes to the WWDC stage in a few short hours, head on past the break.
MacBook Pro blurrycam pics hint at Kepler GPU
Blurrycam photos purporting to be of the 15-inch MacBook Pro's logic board, suggest that the refreshed laptops will carry NVIDIA's GeForce 650M Kepler GPU. Given that we're barely hours from an Apple keynote and being deluged with all sorts of weird and wonderful rumors, we're filing this under "could be plausible." That said, it's a surprise given the company's high-profile switch to AMD's graphics last year, but Cupertino has never been a company for sentimentality. We'll find out the truth later today, so stay tuned.
Apple alternative to UDID may come soon, track app use without pesky privacy issues
Apple has already provided a few clues as to what it's going to put on the plate for developers at WWDC. One change that's unlikely to be touted at the keynote, or even the entire conference, could prove to be the most important for app writers: an alternative to the UDID (Unique Device Identifier) that Apple started phasing out a year ago. If Wall Street Journal tipsters are right, the hardware-specific ID will be replaced with tagging independent of any one iPad or iPhone, such as a number sequence. The system as it's teased would let developers track user behavior and improve their apps without spooking users worried that Apple, or someone else, might snoop over their shoulders by linking a UDID to the owner. It sure sounds like a remedy to mounting privacy concerns to us, although an unveiling supposedly due within the "coming weeks" raises the possibility that the new ID won't show its face until after the programming hordes have already left San Francisco.
The WWDC 2012 prediction post: Community edition
As we wait for Tim Cook to headline Monday's WWDC 2012 keynote, we're all getting excited about what's to come. We're dusting off the old crystal ball to see what WWDC will bring us this week. Here's what some of our TUAW bloggers predict for Monday. Plus, we want to invite you to join in as well. What are you most looking forward to on Monday? New tech, hardware, and software? Tell us what you expect to see and where you think our predictions have merit -- or are full of monkey wax. Jump into the comments and let us know your take on WWDC 2012. Predictions will be added by TUAW bloggers throughout the weekend, so revisit this post early and often! Steven Sande I'm predicting a surprisingly modest WWDC: iOS 6, a preview of Mountain Lion, and that's about it. Why do I think this to be true? Well, I think it's time for Apple to give devs some real lovin', and the words on the banner -- "Where great ideas go on to do great things" -- seem to be more focused on the act of development than on new hardware. Sure, it would be awesome to see a new iMac, new MacBook Airs, new Mac minis, a new Mac Pro, and maybe even some announcements of Apple-branded Thunderbolt peripherals. But my guess is that Tim Cook and Company are going to really focus on the software technologies that make Apple great. Erica Sadun The thing I most want to see on Monday -- and the thing I'm not really counting on -- is an Apple OS Roadmap, similar to the one that Steve Jobs offered in the October 2010 "Back to the Mac" event. During that presentation, Jobs announced Lion and the Mac App store and discussed how OS X would grow to take advantage of advances in technology innovated on the iOS side of the house. While I expect Tim Cook to introduce iOS 6 and demo Mountain Lion, which may enter its first "gold master" release at WWDC, I hope he will have the flexibility to discuss where the two operating systems are going next, and how much convergence we'll see over the next 3-5 years. I'd also like to hear about how supporting technologies like AirPlay, iCloud, and 802.11ac will bring the entire Apple line closer together over time. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw some hardware introduced as well, specifically brief mentions of a new MacBook Pro (feels like an Air, works like a Pro, docks to upgraded Cinema Displays). I suspect a lot of the Monday keynote will focus, however, on iOS 6 and Mountain Lion features. I'd really like to see some 10.8 surprises due to hardware refreshes and iOS 6 innovation for iCloud, reminders, and other key lifestyle support technologies. Megan Lavey-Heaton Like Erica and Steve, I think the keynote Monday will be focused on Mountain Lion and iOS 6. However, I do feel that new hardware will be introduced as a means to promote development. This is the Apple hardware's moment to shine outside of the iOS family, and I'd be disappointed if new systems weren't announced. We know Mountain Lion is coming. iOS6 is a given. The only blank is the hardware, and it's past time it had a refresh. Victor Agreda, Jr. I believe there will be enough amazing features in iOS 6 to continually raise the roof and the bar on Monday. From advancements in maps to upgrades to Siri, Apple will show why anyone considering the use of tiles on Windows Phone or whatever it is that makes Android compelling should consider switching or keeping iOS on their phone or tablet. Mountain Lion is less of a mystery, although I would expect the cloud efforts from Cupertino to be a key ingredient of the wow soup they are no doubt rehearsing at this moment. We've seen a lot of nice, new features, plus integration of iOS notions that will make life easier for the average user -- several of which Erica mentioned above. As for hardware... Isn't WWDC a software thing? It's possible we'll see the new MacBook Pros, or they could do it a week later (when "normal humans" continue their annual blissful ignorance of WWDC's purpose) so as not to distract. Further, the Pro may be due for a revision, but unless there are developer-specific niceties baked in, why not wait a bit later? It's not like we'll be so busy with the latest BlackBerry to notice. Chris Rawson Guaranteed: iOS 6 and Mountain Lion demoed. Likely: "iMaps," Apple's replacement for Google Maps. Maybe: Updates to at least one Mac model announced. Apple TV apps/SDK. Third-party access to Siri APIs. I'll believe it when I see it: Updates to all Mac models announced. Retina Displays on the MacBook Pro, iMac. Not a chance: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad hardware updates. "Are you inebriated?": iPad mini, Apple HDTV.
WWDC banner shot betrays iOS 6 debut
What does Apple have in store for us at WWDC? Well, it was a pretty safe bet that there was going to be some iOS news, and now we can pretty much confirm that iOS 6 will be unveiled at Cupertino's big developer event. What exactly we might see from the self proclaimed "world's most advanced mobile operating system" is anybody's guess, but it's probably safe to assume the power of flight or teleportation is not on the feature list. Hit up the source links for some more images and don't forget to check back in here Monday for the official unveiling.
Approved Mac OS app boasts 'Retina graphics'
As if there wasn't enough speculation already, what with WWDC just around the corner, bets are already being placed on the possibility of "Retina Display" Macs. So, when an app turns up in Mac App store mentioning "Retina graphics" under the new features list, eyebrows are understandably going to rise. Of course, this isn't the first such tease we've seen, but it's not the least convincing either. So, we're still not ready to put our money down on a retina-reveal next week just yet, but those odds do seem to be getting ever shorter.
T-Mobile 1,900MHz 3G lights up Moscone West in time for WWDC, carrier swears it's a happy accident
T-Mobile may be planning to deploy 1,900MHz HSPA+ across the whole of its network, but it sure has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. The carrier has confirmed that it just recently started testing the refarmed frequency for 3G in San Francisco's Moscone Center West -- you know, where a certain Apple conference will be taking place next week. While no one is realistically expecting Apple to unveil a T-Mobile iPhone deal at WWDC, the testing will conveniently let anyone with an iPhone on T-Mobile (whether international or US unlocked) get data at full blast while they're learning about Xcode updates and Gatekeeper. A spokesperson tells 9to5 Mac that the expanded access is "just coincidental," and we're inclined to believe the statement. Just don't be caught off guard if San Francisco is blanketed in 1,900MHz T-Mobile 3G by the time a new iPhone model swings around. [Image credit: Scott Schiller, Flickr]
T-GAAP posts WWDC preparation gallery
If you're excited about WWDC and want to get further in the mood, point your browser to T-GAAP, where you'll find a handful of Moscone images from both inside and outside the building. It looks like dubdub prep is in full-swing, as Moscone's workers are busy getting the site ready for next week's developer conference. We'll be covering all things WWDC right here on TUAW, so stay tuned.
TUAW TV Live: Steve and Megan redux
Just when you thought it was safe to watch Ustream and Justin TV again, here we go with another episode of TUAW TV Live. Today my guest and fellow TUAW editor Megan Lavey-Heaton and I will chat about the upcoming Apple Worldwide Developer Conference scheduled for next week in San Francisco. Whether it's the persistent reports of new Mac hardware refreshes or the expected announcements about iOS 6 and OS X Mountain Lion, there's sure to be a lot of exciting news coming out of the sessions at WWDC. We're just planning to give you our take on what to expect so you're not shocked! Below, you'll find a Ustream livestream viewer and a chat tool. The chat tool allows you to participate by asking questions or making comments. You can also choose to watch the show on Justin.tv if you wish, by visiting our portal at http://justin.tv/tuawtvlive. In either case, you'll be watching the show in glorious HD! If you're driving somewhere and would like to watch TUAW TV Live while you're stuck in traffic, please don't -- keep your eyes on the road! However, if someone else is doing the driving, you can watch the show on your iPhone and join the chat by downloading the free Ustream App. It's a universal app and is wonderful on an iPad, both for viewing and participating in the chat. We'll start at about 5 PM ET, so if you're seeing a prerecorded show, be sure to refresh your browser until you see the live stream. For those of you who are not able to join us for the live edition, you'll be able to view it later this evening on our TUAW Video YouTube channel and as part of the TUAW TV Live podcast viewable in iTunes or on any of your Apple devices.
Urban Airship and TUAW want to give you a ride on a real airship
Urban Airship is the name behind a lot of successful mobile apps, providing push notifications, "rich push" (adding HTML, video, and more to push messages), reports and metrics on user engagement, and in-app purchase support. The Portland-based development tool provider wants to take a TUAW reader for a ride on a real airship on June 15, 2012. The Bay Area is home to one of two Zeppelin NT airships in the world, this one owned and operated by Airship Ventures. If you meet the requirements to fly, will be in the Bay Area on June 15th, and have a sense of adventure, you can win a seat on the Zeppelin Eureka for an awesome flightseeing trip over San Francisco Bay. Here are the rules! Read the WWDC Ride Terms and Details and understand them. Share this post at least once on Twitter (please don't spam Twitter). To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before June 12, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a sight-seeing trip aboard the Zeppelin Eureka valued at US$375. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
TUAW TV Live at 5 PM: Megs and Steve show reboot
For all of the TUAW TV Live fans who came to watch Megan Lavey-Heaton and me chat about Tim Cook's prognostications last week, it was a bit of a disappointment. All of the minor technical issues of the last two-and-a-half years came to a breaking point, and the show was canceled. However, four hours of experimentation later, I am happy to say that we should be able to go into the future with fewer issues than ever before, as the new workflow takes a lot of crash-prone apps out of the loop. It's a wee bit late to talk about Cook's AllThingsD speech this week, so Megan and I will take on the unenviable task of forecasting the future. Yes, WWDC is next week, with a Monday keynote that will be metaliveblogged by our fleet-fingered Erica Sadun, so we'll make our prognostications for what will happen during the week. Will Apple really refresh the entire Mac line as some websites have suggested, or will the focus be on iOS 6 and Mountain Lion? As usual, I'll be starting the show at 5 PM EDT (2 PM PDT / 10 PM BST) sharp, and we'll take a few minutes to chat before the demos start. To join in on the chat and watch the live streaming video, drop by TUAW about five minutes before the start time to get your instructions on how to participate. If you're unable to join us for the show, remember that you can always subscribe to the video podcast and watch the show at your leisure in iTunes or any other favorite podcatching app. The past shows are also available on the TUAW YouTube channel. The chat is on IRC: join us on server chat1.ustream.tv, chat room #tuaw-tv.
Cocoanetics zapruders the WWDC banner
Oliver Drobnik at Cocoanetics has beautifully zaprudered this year's WWDC banner, finding app icons from Path, Star Walk, Instagram, Foursquare, and more (by "more" I mean exhaustively more). He notes that social networks have a place of prominence, as do maps and productivity with a strong emphasis on iOS. I love this sort of fun analysis. If you do too, go read the whole thing. If not, look, squirrel!
The first WWDC 2012 banners go on display
Apple has begun dressing the Moscone Center in its first WWDC 2012 banners. The image above, first posted by MacRumors, shows a banner being installed that reads "WWDC2012: Where great ideas go on to do great things." There's not a lot, if anything, the banner gives away. It highlights some of the more popular iOS apps like Netflix, Facebook, Evernote, and Temple Run, but beyond some app icons, there's not much to look at. You can see the high-res image posted by MacRumors here. WWDC 2012 starts in just five days -- on Monday June 11th.
Possible new Mac Pro part numbers tip up, WWDC attendees raise eyebrows (Update: 15-inch MBP specs too?)
We're still unsure as to whether or not Apple's rumored Mac update smorgasbord will come to pass at WWDC, but if any of it pans out, it looks to be the almost mythological Mac Pro update. A trio of model numbers for a "K5BPLUS" have popped up that 9to5 Mac claims are the base, mid-range and high-end configurations for the long-sought workstations. The part numbers don't include details, though talk of similar pricing to what we know today would point to Intel's Xeon E5-2600 (itself a long story) taking the reins as the processor. If there's any truth to the talk, the new Mac Pro could be ready to sell just as WWDC kicks off next week -- a mention supported by rumors of Apple recalling what little Mac Pro stock it keeps at retail stores. Not that a few extra days would matter, knowing how long prospective buyers have had to wait. Update: Just when we thought we were clear, another Apple laptop spec sheet of unknown provenance has appeared. Posted by 9to5 Mac (2), it suggests a 15-inch MacBook Pro with a 2560x1600 Retina display, 16GB of 1,600MHz DDR3 SDRAM plus an AMD Radeon HD 7770M graphics core with 2GB of RAM and auto switching to integrated Intel video. Droolworthy bullet points to be sure, but until we have more concrete evidence prospective upgraders should keep their credit cards set to stun.
Possibly fake MacBook Pro spec sheet: USB 3.0, Ivy Bridge and no Retina Display
It's hard not to drown in Apple rumors right now, but here comes another one to help things along. As a counterweight to recent reports of MacBook Airs getting Retina Displays, the label above hints that the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro could be stuck with plain-Jane 1280 x 800. There's nothing to say that this bit of paper didn't derive from an inkjet hooked up to someone's imagination, but some of the other new specs have been rumored already from separate sources: notably the HD 4000 graphics reflecting the presence of Ivy Bridge, plus Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 co-starring on the I/O front. Those hypothetical additions would be great for productivity, but if there's nothing resolutionary about the new Pros then Apple had better find something else to console us with at WWDC. [Thanks, Josh]
Apple reportedly readying numerous Retina display MacBooks and multiple accessories for WWDC
New MacBook Pros are practically a given for WWDC (or, let's just say tears will be shed if they elude us), but now, 9to5Mac is stepping up the expectations in a major way. The outlet is now reporting that we could see two different versions of a revised 15-incher, not to mention Retina display-equipped editions of the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air. Less certain (but certainly believable) is an iMac refresh, which would again get served with a Retina display, and a fourth major Mac update is apt to see the practically forgotten Mac Pro or the Mac mini updated with bolstered internals. For those following Apple, you'd know that updating so many products at one event isn't a typical move for the company, but Tim Cook's been doing things slightly differently of late -- and honestly, there's no better way to enforce the importance of Retina than to blow it out across the portfolios. Finally, a whole host of new accessories are said to be on tap, with "refreshed keyboards, mice, trackpads and AirPorts" on the list. Hit the source link for the down and dirty, and go ahead and wipe your calendar for June 9th; we'll be liveblogging every last announcement direct from Moscone.
Google to hold Maps event ahead of WWDC, hopes to make Apple sorry for dropping it
According to rumors, Apple will soon ditch Google Maps for a service of its own (reportedly to launch in iOS 6), but far be it from the search giant to take that snub silently. The company will reportedly hold an event to give the press a "behind-the-scenes look at Google Maps and share our vision" on June 6th. According to the invitation, Google will demo new features that "will get people where they want to go -- both physically and virtually." That shindig will go down just five days before Apple's WWDC, where Cupertino will likely announce its own Google Maps replacement.
