Apple did not disappoint this year at WWDC. They announced some big changes that will be rolled out to devices later this year.
Apple have rolled out a new range of iPads (10.5-inch iPad Pro), announced the iMac Pro, is set to release the iPhone 8 at some point this year, and will even have a new operating system to accompany them.
Apple is calling iOS 11 the biggest software release ever for the iPad, and it appears to be packed with some pretty cool features.
Here’s a list of some of the new goodies we can expect to come our way from the WWDC:
10.5-inch iPad Pro
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro has been replaced by the 10.5-inch model. Apparently, those who like iPad Pros like a bigger screen. So Apple delivered.
Unlike the 12.9-inch big brother, the 10-inch model comes in all of the colours (Gold, Silver, Space Grey and Rose Gold), and also has a compatible smart keyboard and Apple Pencil available.
The iPad Pro comes with a lightning to USB cable and a USB power adapter so that you can plug and play wherever you are.
Both Wifi and Wifi & Cellular models are available and come in a range of sizes (64GB – 512GB).
Prices start at $979 and are available now. Please note: Lightning to USB-C not included with iPad. Will need to be purchased separately.
iMac Pro
Sporting a new generation of Xeon processor and ECC memory, the new iMac is every power user’s dream. Integrating hardware previously reserved for servers and Apple’s famous 5k Retina display this machine is designed for designers and developers alike.
Custom configuration options allow for some very impressive specifications including up to a massive 128GB of memory, an impressive 4TB of flash storage and a powerful new range of graphics cards.
In true Apple style the iMac Pro will ship in the ever popular Space Grey colour with matching accessories. Arriving in December of this year, early shipments are likely to sell out quickly.
HomePod
Apple has entered the Voice Controlled speaker market with the all new HomePod. Early reviews have claimed this is an impressive beast, comparing it favourably with Sonos and other reputable brands for quality of sound and usability.
It’s ability to configure itself to best suit it’s position in the room will ensure you get the best sound quality no matter where you place it. A welcome change from many other products on the market that require you to set this up manually.
Using Siri and integrating with Apples HomeKit, the HomePod will allow you to control many aspects of your home using only your voice including HomeKit compatible Lights, Heating and Cooling and many other devices.
Available in Space Grey and White. Available in December for those of us who live in the United States, the United Kingdom or Australia. Everyone else will have to wait until 2018 to get their hands on this excellent new accessory.
iOS 11
Apple’s iOS 11 brings with it some powerful multitasking features, new ways to manage files and deeper integration of the Apple Pencil for iPad Pro.
Here is just a handful of features you’ll see once you update your device: – A new App Store
The new App Store has been reimagined as a place where users can find stories and content about the latest apps and developer news.
The idea behind the change is to attract users on a more frequent basis and turn the store into a more engaging and content friendly environment.
A new Today tab will appear to highlight special apps and new arrivals on offer.
– Drag and Drop
Those using iOS 11 on iPads can now rejoice. iOS 11 brings support for multi-touch drag and drop between applications.
For instance, users can now highlight a few photos, pull up the applications bar located at the bottom of the screen, open messenger or email and then drag and drop the desired photos in order to send them to a friend.
You will also be able to drag and drop files between apps that are running simultaneously in split screen mode.
– Siri gets a new voice
Both male and female versions of Siri will be getting a new, more natural sounding voice. Another exciting Siri addition is a translation feature which will let you ask Siri to speak translations.
– New Control Centre
The quick access menu on your device will look rather different in iOS 11.
The handy shortcut menu is pulled up by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and features controls for things such as brightness and volume adjustment, as well as buttons for flashlight and calculator. The new look menu will now include the option to turn on/off mobile data from the Control Centre.
– Do Not Disturb While Driving
Apple is helping you help yourself when driving.
A new do not disturb while driving feature will automatically detect when you’re in the car and on the move, and will block notifications and texts, as well as stopping drivers from opening apps on their phone.
The system can send an automatic text response explaining that you’re driving, but will allow you to take hands free calls.
The new iPhone software will prompt people to turn on the do not disturb mode but the driver can ignore this and risk the distraction of their smartphone.
MacOS High Sierra
Whilst the name may not be all that exciting, High Sierra does come with some improvements.
Being more of a refinement upgrade rather than an all-new operating system, High Sierra added some new features to Photos, and a few other extras.
Here’s a quick list of what to expect:
– Apple reduced the amount space that Mail takes up. It now uses 35% less space on your HDD thanks to APFS (Apple’s new File System).
– The Photos app gets a new sidebar, filters and tools that bring it closer in line to an application like Adobe Photoshop. If you prefer to work in Photoshop or Lightroom instead, you can now right click on an image and choose which app to edit with. Once finished, hit save and all the changes made are saved directly to the Photos library.
– Siri gets a more natural sounding voice. You can also ask Siri to choose music for you.
– iCloud Drive now allows you to share files stored there with friends or colleagues who use the service.
– Notes gets a pin feature that allows your more important notes to be kept at the top of the list for easy access.
– Messages now get saved to the cloud to help reduce file storage on your Mac and keep all of your messages up to date across all of your Apple devices.
MacOS High Sierra is currently only available as a developer beta, which a public beta hopefully being available later this month. A general release of the software will be later this year.
If you missed out on watching the WWDC keynote, you can catch up on your Apple news here.
We at Mac Aid have found that an increasing number of people have enabled Two Factor Authentication on their devices. Whilst this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, some clients seem to have done it without realising, or really wanting it enabled.
Two factor authentication is an added layer of protection for your Apple ID designed to ensure you’re the only person who can access your account. Even if your password is known.
With two-factor authentication enabled, your account can only be accessed on devices you trust, like your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
When you want to sign in to a new device for the first time, you’ll need to provide information—your password and the six-digit verification code that’s automatically displayed on trusted devices. By entering the code, you’re verifying that you trust the new device.
Trusted devices are an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch with iOS 9 and later, or Mac with OS X El Capitan and later that you’ve already signed in to using two-factor authentication. It’s a device known to be yours and that can be used to verify your identity by displaying a verification code from Apple when you sign in on a different device or browser.
A trusted phone number is needed. It is used to receive verification codes by text or phone call. You must verify at least one trusted phone number to enrol in two-factor authentication.
You should also consider verifying other phone numbers you can access, such as a home phone, or a number used by a family member or close friend. You can use these numbers if you temporarily can’t access your own devices.
If you want to enable Two factor Authentication, you can follow the steps here.
We at Mac Aid have found that Two Factor Authentication is good for those who have several devices handy that can be used as trusted devices, and are able to access one or more of them at the same time.
However, it can be a hassle and extremely annoying to get everything trusted in order to get anything to work.
There is also the possibility of not having a trusted device close by, or losing your recovery code.
Using Two Factor Authentication does make things more secure, and in this day and age secure is best. However, there can be annoyances and frustrations in order to be secure, as blogger Owen Williams found out.
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of new goodies.
Starting on Monday the 5th June, Apple will take to the stage and introduce the exciting lineup of gadgets and gizmos we’ll be able to get our hands on relatively soon.
Whilst it’s expected that Apple will be showing off major features of iOS 11 at WWDC, the rumour mill has been pretty quiet on what else to expect.
There’s been some speculation about the release of iOS 11, as well as iOS 11 being a bit more iPad friendly.
WWDC will hopefully bring a flurry of new exciting products, and new features that we won’t be able to live without.
WWDC runs from June 5th to June 9th.
If you would like a little more info on WWDC, you can visit Apple’s webpage here.
iOS widgets can put loads of useful data at your fingertips. A simple swipe to the right on your iPhone’s Home screen brings up the Today view. A place where widgets live and give you a quick glance at info from your favourite apps
If you’re using iOS 10 and you’ve never taken the time to customise your widgets list, you’re missing out. Here’s how to set up iOS widgets and keep your day on track.
How to access iOS Widgets
Accessing your Today view can be done from two places in iOS: the Lock screen and the Home screen. From either of those, simply swipe right to see the Today view.
How to add new Widgets
If you want to add new widgets to the Today view, you can.
Underneath the last widget you should see an ‘Edit’ Button. You may need to enter your passcode to unlock your device if your phone is locked whilst doing this.
In the ‘Edit’ menu, you should see a list of all the available widgets for you to add. The widgets you currently have installed are listed at the top.
Simply tap the red ‘-‘ symbol to delete a widget, and the green ‘+’ to add a widget If you wish to reorder them, touch and hold the grey horizontal bar icon and drag to the desired place in the list.
Tap ‘Done’ and any changes you’ve made will be saved!
Some handy widgets
Activity widget
The Activity app’s widget is a great way to help keep on top of your daily activity (especially if you own an Apple Watch). You can quickly get a glance at how busy you have been that day — and also how far you have to go to complete your move, exercise and stand goals.
Weather widget
Weather widget shows you current conditions and gives you a glance at what to expect during the next few hours. Handy if you are out and about or planning a trip.
Calendar widget
The Calendar widget gives you a broader look at your schedule. Tapping on the Calendar widget will let you view your entire day.
Google Maps
The Google Maps widgets in iOS 10 are a great addition. It includes the ability to see current traffic information without launching the app itself.
Moleskine’s Timepage is a great Calendar replacement. It serves up information in a very visually pleasing way — and the number of widgets it offers is unprecedented!
As our Mac Aid team expands a little, we thought we’d introduce you to the fresh new faces you’ll be seeing around the office.
Ricky
Ricky is one of the newest members to join our tech team.
Being a gamer since a young age, Ricky has always been interested in tech.
So much so, he has custom built PC machines for himself and a few friends.
Ricky is quickly earning his stripes in the office workshop (it’s a little different to a PC environment), and helping with all of our in-house service clients.
He is looking forward to learning all there is to know about pulling apart machines and seeing what makes them tick.
Mac Aid couldn’t be happier to welcome him to the team!
Asher
Asher (not to be confused with Ashley!) is the newest addition to our admin team.
She joins the Mac Aid team as a part-time admin gal, and full time uni student.
With a bubbly, bright personality, Asher is more than happy to help answer your questions as best she can.
She is quickly becoming a master at booking appointments for clients, and we are so excited to welcome her to the team!
