WWDC attendees greeted with jackets featuring Apple Watch San Francisco font, Swift code

Attendees registering for Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference are being given a familiar jacket with a new flourish: text set in the company’s new internally created San Francisco font, along with a clever reference to Apple’s recently released Swift language.

The windbreaker-style swag jacket lacks an Apple logo, instead simply stating “WWDC 2015” on the front with a large “15” on the back, nearly identical to the jackets Apple gave attendees last year.
There are a couple differences, principally the use of the San Francisco font that alludes to the company’s new Apple Watch, which promises to get prime developer attention at the week-long conference.

 

WWDC attendees greeted with jackets

WWDC attendees greeted with jackets

WWDC attendees greeted with jackets

WWDC attendees greeted with jackets

WWDC attendees greeted with jackets

WWDC attendees greeted with jackets

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Apple’s new iOS 9 and the next 10.11 version of OS X will also adopt the new font as their system default, providing a freshened appearance that harmonizes the overall appearance of the company’s platforms.

While similar in style to the fog-resistant polyester-spandex jackets from WWDC 2014, this year’s jackets also sport invisible zippers for their front pockets (as opposed to the open pockets last year).

While the fleece-lined, albeit lightweight, jacket might seem out of season in California in the month of June, San Francisco is infamous for its June Gloom, where days may be sunny but as soon as the sun goes down the fog rolls in and temperatures can plunge below their lowest point from the calendar’s winter.

In another coy reference to its technology, Apple has outfitted its jackets with a garment tag that designates its size and comments that it was “Made in the USA” using code written in Swift, the new programing language introduced at last year’s event.

The tag reads: ‘let jacketSize = “Medium”‘ and “// Made in the USA,” following Swift’s conventions for assigning variables and adding code comments, in numbered lines and color coded text familiar to Apple’s Xcode developers.

A few attendees are already lined up outside the Moscone West convention center, ready to sleep on the sidewalk tonight in order to be among the first to grab seats. Registration staff noted that Keynote attendees should be able to get a good seat if they’re “in line by 5 am,” but added that this year Apple will make sure everyone in attendance will get a seat.

Those not at the conference will be able to watch the WWDC Keynote via a live feed starting at 10 AM PST, via the web or Apple T

Apple begins preparing Moscone Center for WWDC as first banners start to go up

With WWDC coming up next week, Apple has started preparing for the big day. Following the launch of the Apple TV channel for the keynote stream yesterday, the company has started decorating Moscone West with Apple logos and banners.

WWDC 2015 banner

As spotted by MacStories and followed up by images from our own Tom Maxwell, the first bits of a large Apple logo on one side of the building have already been put up. There’s not much more to see at the moment, but many more banners are expected to go up in the coming days. As in previous years, some of them will likely be covered to prevent news about upcoming announcements from getting out early.

Apple is expected to announce the next versions of its iOS and OS X software during the event.

WWDC 2015 banner

 

WWDC 2015 Starts June 8, New Versions of iOS & OS X Expected

Apple has announced their annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place June 8 through June 12 in San Francisco, California. Though WWDC is a developer centric conference, Apple typically unveils new versions of iOS and OS X on the first day of the event, making it notable for regular Apple product users as well. The assumption is that a successor to OS X Yosemite versioned as 10.11 will be unveiled alongside iOS 9. Occasionally, Apple also unveils new products at WWDC as well, and there is ongoing speculation that a new Apple TV with an App Store could arrive during the event.

Tickets to attend WWDC 2015 are $1599 and require applying to be randomly selected to purchase and attend the event. Scholarships are also available.

WWDC 2015 Starts June 8, New Versions of iOS & OS X Expected

Those interested in learning about about WWDC can find added details on the official Apple website

The official press release from Apple promoting the event is found below:

“CUPERTINO, California—April 14, 2015—Apple® today announced that it will hold its 26th annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) June 8 through June 12 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, with more sessions than ever before streamed to developers. At WWDC, Apple’s renowned developer community will come together to learn about the future of iOS and OS X®, helping them continue to create the most innovative apps in the world. WWDC will feature more than 100 technical sessions, over 1,000 Apple engineers, hands-on labs to help developers integrate new technologies and fine tune their apps, as well as the Apple Design Awards which showcase the best new apps in the last year.

“The App Store ignited an app ecosystem that is simply amazing, forever changing the lives of customers and creating millions of jobs worldwide,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We’ve got incredible new technologies for iOS and OS X to share with developers at WWDC and around the world, and can’t wait to see the next generation of apps they create.”

Developers can apply for tickets via the WWDC website (developer.apple.com/wwdc/tickets) now through Friday, April 17 at 10 a.m. PDT. Tickets will be issued to attendees through a random selection process, and developers will know the status of their application by Monday, April 20 at 5 p.m. PDT. There will also be up to 350 WWDC Scholarships available, giving students and members of participating STEM organizations around the world the chance to earn a free ticket (developer.apple.com/wwdc/scholarships).
WWDC 2015 activities include:
• more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers on a wide range of topics for developing, deploying and integrating the latest iOS and OS X technologies;
• over 1,000 Apple engineers supporting more than 100 hands-on labs and events to provide developers with code-level assistance, insight into optimal development techniques and guidance on how they can make the most of iOS and OS X technologies in their apps;
• access to the latest innovations, features and capabilities of iOS and OS X, and best practices for enhancing an app’s functionality, performance, quality and design;
• the opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow iOS and OS X developers from around the world—last year more than 60 countries were represented;
• a series of get togethers for attendees focused on particular topics with special guest speakers and activities;
• engaging and inspirational lunchtime sessions with leading minds and influencers from the worlds of technology, science and entertainment; and
• Apple Design Awards which recognize iPhone®, iPad®, Apple Watch™ and Mac® apps that demonstrate technical excellence, innovation and outstanding design.
Select Worldwide Developers Conference sessions will be live streamed throughout the week via the WWDC website (developer.apple.com/wwdc/videos) and the WWDC app, giving more developers around the world access to the latest information in real time. Videos from all technical sessions will also be available by the end of each day.
Visit the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2015 website (developer.apple.com/wwdc) to apply for a ticket, as well as for updates and more information.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.”

OS X Yosemite Available Now as a Free Download

Apple has released OS X Yosemite, officially versioned as OS X 10.10. The update to Macs is available now as a free download. OS X Yosemite brings a redesigned user interface to the Mac, as well as many new features that intend to improve productivity and interoperability with iOS devices.

OS X Yosemite Available Now as a Free Download

The newest version of OS X runs on all Macs that are capable of running Mavericks, if you haven’t done so yet, you can prepare your Mac for the Yosemite update by following a few simple tasks, including updating your software and backing up the computer before installing the free update.

OS X Yosemite is available as a free download from the Mac App Store. To download and install the update, head to the  Apple menu and choose “Software Update”, the OS X Yosemite installer is several GB in size and can be found under the “Updates” tab. You can also use the download link below to head directly to OS X Yosemite in the App Store.

• Yosemite Download Link to App Store

To start the download of Yosemite on your Mac, simply open the above link and click on the “Free” button. The download weighs approximately 5.1GB and will begin immediately.

If you are having trouble downloading OS X Yosemite, with either a “null” error, a “We could not complete your request” error, or a timeout, it’s likely due to Apple Servers being overwhelmed by requests. Simply try again, or wait a minute or two.

Many users are currently experiencing a “This item is temporarily unavailable” error message when trying to download OS X Yosemite. This simply means you should try again later, as the download is likely propagating through Apple servers. This would be a good opportunity to prepare your Mac for the OS X 10.10 update and backing up the computer if you haven’t done so yet.

Update: Users have reported successfully downloading OS X Yosemite by hitting Command+R to refresh the Yosemite page in the App Store, then try clicking the “Free” button again. The download will begin and appear under the “Purchases” tab:

 

Users who wish to create a bootable USB installer for OS X Yosemite will want to do so before completing the installation of Yosemite, or, at least make a copy of the OS X Yosemite Installer, which is found in the /Applications/ folder.

Separately, new versions of iWork are also now available as a free download.

Apple seeds OS X Yosemite Public Beta 6 to testers

Apple on Monday pushed an update to the public beta of its next-generation desktop operating system, granting members of the prerelease program access to a sixth revision that brings it up to speed with the version released to developers late last week.

Apple seeds OS X Yosemite Public Beta 6 to testers

Public beta members will find the new version available via the Updates tab in the Mac App Store. While the exact changes are not enumerated, it likely matches up with the third “golden master” version that registered developers received last Thursday.

Such a public beta program is rare for Apple, who previously strictly limited access to unfinished software to developers. That remains the case for the company’s mobile operating system, iOS.

When announcing the public beta program, Apple indicated that they would accept up to 1 million beta testers. Though it is unclear how popular the program has been, sign-ups remain open, suggesting that they have thus far fallen short of that figure.

OS X Yosemite brings new Continuity and AirDrop features to OS X and iOS, which allow owners of devices running iOS 8 to perform cross-platform operations like creating ad-hoc data connections for transporting files, routing iPhone voice calls through a Mac and continuing in-app functions across devices. The next-gen operating system also incorporates a “flat” iOS-style user interface and other graphical tweaks.

Apple is expected to provide more detail about OS X Yosemite, and its release, at a media event on Thursday, Oct. 16. AppleInsider will be on hand at Apple headquarters in Cupertino and will bring live coverage from the event.

 

 

iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus Videos

iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus Videos

Finally, don’t miss the intro videos for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus:

Apple Watch Videos

The Apple Watch “Reveal” video is 2 minutes long and shows how WATCH was debuted to the world, giving a glimpse of the wearable:

The Apple Watch intro video, as narrated by Jony Ive. This is 10 minutes long and gives an excellent overview of the device and its functionality:

Next up is a fitness orientated video for Apple Watch, it’s nearly 4 minutes long and emphasizes the health and fitness related functionality of the gadget:

Don’t miss these videos, they really help to explain and understand the Apple Watch. Apple Watch Pricing, Availability Pricing starts at $349, and goes up from there, which we’ll certainly find out more details on when it ships next year in early 2015.

Help Decide Which Size iPhone 6 to Buy with This Printable Guide

Deciding which size iPhone 6 to buy is no easy task, particularly if you’re going to pre-order this Friday and aren’t able to hold one of the devices in your hand before the big purchase. That’s where this little printable PDF file comes into play, which gives you an accurate idea of the physical size of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus against an existing iPhone 5 model.

Help Decide Which Size iPhone 6 to Buy with This Printable Guide

You’ll want to print this out to get the best idea, though loading it at full size on screen can also work to give a vaguer concept of size too. Either way, bbe sure to hold your iPhone 5 up to make sure that size is accurate. Whether you just look at it on screen or actually print it out as recommended, you’ll find that both models are certainly larger than existing iPhones, but really you should print it out if you’re going to use this to help guide your pre-order:

• Go here to load the iPhone 6 size file
• Print the file as usual (or use that cool print from desktop trick) – be sure the file is printed on 8.5″ x 11″ paper and it is set to 100% scale
• Grab some scissors and cut out the iPhone scale models and use your imagination

 

Help Decide Which Size iPhone 6 to Buy with This Printable Guide

You’ll find both sizes to be larger, where the iPhone 6 feels marginally bigger and mostly taller than iPhone 5 line, it’s the iPhone 6 Plus in particular that really stands out. With the Plus models larger screen and pixel dense display comes a stellar battery life, iPad-like landscape mode, and an optical image stabilization feature, making the larger physical size less of an issue if you find those features compelling, and I suspect the iPhone 6 Plus is going to be a very popular device, particular for those who want to merge an iPad and iPhone into a single carry-around item. On the other hand, if you’re more or less happy with the iPhone 5 lines size, you’ll find the standard iPhone 6 with 4.7″ display to be a notable upgrade on screen size and performance, while still being able to easily carry it in your pocket.

While I haven’t gotten my hands on a physical iPhone 6 yet (few have if you weren’t invited to the Apple press event), I’ve at least had the luxury of holding a third party cases built for the device, which offers a decent idea of what the phones will feel like. Of course, a case – even slim cases – add additional bulk to an iPhone, and if you like to use a cover or case on your iPhone you may want to consider that as well when you’re shopping and pre-ordering the iPhone. Otherwise, if you have enough patience to wait until you can use the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in person, you may want to do that before buying, as they certainly aren’t cheap purchases.

Heads up to AppleInsider for the PDF and iPhoneInCanada for the great find.

Apple design chief Jonathan Ive calls iPhone 6 and Apple Watch its ‘best work yet

In a pair of interviews with ABC News following Tuesday’s big hardware debut, Apple CEO Tim Cook and SVP of Design Jony Ive discussed the trials and tribulations of designing the company’s first wearable device.  Apple design chief Jonathan Ive calls iPhone 6 and Apple Watch its ‘best work yet

Apple design chief Jonathan Ive calls iPhone 6 and Apple Watch its ‘best work yet

Speaking with ABC News’ David Muir, Cook said Apple Watch came about after the death of company cofounder Steve Jobs, meaning the wearable is the first product category to be developed under Cook’s watch.  When asked what Jobs would think of the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch, Cook made it a point to mention the tech guru’s influence is being felt even now, nearly three years after his passing.

“I think he would be smiling today,” Cook said. “I think he would be so proud that he left a company that continued after him where he could clearly see his DNA at the foundation of it. You can see Steve written all over the products we did today.” Cook also handled questions related to Apple Watch security, a valid concern given the wearable will have access to sensitive information that, in some cases, could include payment information. Along with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Apple Watch has NFC built in to conduct touch-less Apple Pay payments.

The Apple chief said the wearable is the most secure solution on the market, noting credit card information is translated into a Device Account Number that is used in conjunction with a dynamically generated security transaction code. Apple Pay technology was first discovered in an Apple patent filing from 2012.

A final question from Muir asked about Apple’s “Made in America” initiative, to which Cook said parts, services and machinery from 22 states are being used in the production of Apple Watch and the latest iPhone product lines. As for Ive, Apple’s design chief said his team took years to get the Apple Watch right. One of the hardest issues to address was making a very personal device attractive to a wide swath of consumers. “We’ve always tried to make products that people don’t begrudgingly use, but that they want to use,” Ive said. “I think that the bar for that is very high when it’s something that you wear. And it’s something that you’re going to wear all day, every day.”

 

Apple Watch is expected to go on sale in early 2015 at a starting price of $349.