In addition to Apple Watches, Apple gave select members of the press test units of its new ultra-thin MacBook to try out and review. Like the Watch, the new MacBook goes on sale this Friday, so naturally those reviews began hitting the web today.
For the most part it sounds like reviewers agreed with the general consensus back in March, which is that it looks great, but it comes with significant trade-offs. Nevertheless, we've rounded up some of our favorite takes on Apple's new notebook.
Apple on Thursday morning released a new version of iTunes, bringing the media manager to version 12.1.2. The update is a minor one, but important for those who have updated their Macs to the new OS X 10.10.3 software that was seeded yesterday.
More specifically, iTunes 12.1.2 brings about enhanced support for the new Photos app in 10.10.3. The app, which essentially replaces both iPhoto and Aperture, features a new, lighter design and deep integration with Apple's new iCloud Photo Library.
Google on Thursday pushed out an update for its mobile photo editor Snapseed, bringing the app to version 2.0. The new build is a significant one, as it brings about a number of changes including a brand new design, new features, additional filters and more.
Those fond of Snapseed's simple, gesture-based interface may not like the new design. Google's really moved things around here, so it's certainly going to take some getting used to. New features like spot repair and brush tool, however, are welcome additions.
After nearly 6 months of waiting, you will finally get the chance to check out the Apple Watch in person tomorrow. All official Apple Stores should have them on display, with representatives eager to answer your questions about the device and help you try one on.
Pre-orders for the Watch also open to the public tomorrow, starting at 12:01am Pacific time. So with that in mind, we thought it'd be a good idea to put together a quick roundup of everything you need to know before you decide to stay up all night to get your order in.
In addition to a lengthy change log of improvements, today's iOS 8.3 release also includes several security patches. In fact, as MuscleNerd points out, the new firmware features 39 security patches, rivaling the amount found in the jump from iOS 7 to iOS 8.
Among the patches is one of particular interest, to us anyway, that is credited to the TaiG Jailbreak Team. It's labeled CVE-2015-1087, and described as a backup bug that can allow an attacker to use the backup system to access restricted areas of the file system.
Apple on Wednesday launched a revamped Siri website with a slew of changes, including an all-new design and several other improvements. Atop the new page is a video of Siri in action, followed by a comprehensive page of information on the digital assistant's features.
Users can now sort Siri's abilities into categories, such as 'Staying in Touch, Getting organized, Sports, and Entertainment. There are also dedicated sections for how to get directions and how to find answers to commonly-asked questions, all by talking to your device.
Apple quietly purchased Dryft, a startup that develops keyboard apps, according to a new report from TechCrunch. The site says that the acquisition happened sometime last year, but the financial terms of the deal are still not known.
Dryft, who TechCrunch notes was a finalist in its 2013 Disrupt startup battlefield competition, gained notoriety for its custom mobile keyboard that would only appear when the user placed their fingers on their device's display.
It looks like the rumors were true, YouTube is readying a new subscription service. In an email obtained by iDownloadBlog, Google tells video creators it wants to offer an ad-free version of YouTube for a monthly fee, which has yet to be determined. The service will offer features like offline playback, kickbacks for content creators, and could be ready to launch as early as this year.
Facebook on Wednesday unveiled a new standalone web version of its Messenger chat service, giving users a way to message their friends and family without dealing with News Feed and other interruptions. It can be accessed at Messenger.com, and can be used in a browser tab on your desktop the way you'd use the mobile app.
"Messenger.com is for users who want to message without the other distractions that Facebook can provide," a spokesperson told Recode. "If you’re messaging through Facebook, that means News Feed and your friends’ user profiles are nearby. Messenger.com is about focus."
Customers who don't opt to pre-order an Apple Watch this Friday could run into inventory problems when trying to order the Apple Watch at launch. German-based Apple blog Macerkopf.de has discovered what looks like shipping dates for the wearable, which appeared on Apple's German and U.K web stores, and some models show up to 6 week lead times for select models.
In addition to releasing OS X 10.10.3 to the public this morning, Apple has also rolled out iOS 8.3. The update, which developers and members of Apple's public beta program have been testing since February, includes a number of new features and improvements.
Among those new features is support for Wireless CarPlay, which allows folks with vehicles or head units that support the feature to use CarPlay without dealing with cables. There is also new, more diverse emojis, additional language support in Siri, Safari fixes and more.
Photos appeared on Instagram Tuesday afternoon, offering what could be the first look at the packaging of the Apple Watch. Instagram user Jeremy Gan uploaded the images, first spotted by MacRumors, to the social network showing off the Watch's box.