2013

The release of a 5,120x2880-pixel wallpaper image indicates that Apple could bring high-resolution Retina displays to its iMac line of desktop all-in-one computers and external monitors.

The 3.3MB "OSX_hero_2x" image shows the blue and green ocean wave that's featured in the upcoming OS X Mavericks version of Apple's operating system. Its width and height are exactly double that of of the 2,560x1,440-pixel screen on the current 27-inch iMac.

Marvin Scharle of German Web site design firm Conclurer flagged the high-res Mavericks wallpaper on Twitter.

As Apple has spread its Retina displays across … Read more

We've still got about five months before the new Xbox One and PlayStation 4 launch in North America, and already blood has been spilled.

From Microsoft gathering an arguably more impressive stable of exclusive games, to Sony revealing the lack of restrictions on PS4 games and a $100 lower price -- effectively, not only kicking the Microsoft brand when its down, but also knocking out a few teeth.

This next console launch may be one of the most exciting and brutal yet, and I can't wait to comfortably watch from the sidelines, praising Thor I'm not in either of their shoes.… Read more

As the first day of Apple's 2013 World Wide Developer Conference draws to a close, the results are in for what the company found the best apps running on its platforms.

The annual Apple Design Awards recognizes the achievements of developers who created particularly well-designed software, be it in looks or overall functionality, for the iPad, iPhone, and Mac.

Apple began its annual design awards program in 1997 under the moniker the "Human Interface Design Excellence," changing to its current name just a year later. Those who win get promotion on Apple's developer site, as well … Read more

Sony's next-generation console not only had its hardware shown off on Monday, but its price too.

At the tail end of its E3 press conference, Sony said it would charge $399 for the PS4 in the U.S., which it plans to launch in time for holiday shopping in the U.S. and Europe. The price is 349 pounds in the U.K. and 399 euros in other parts of Europe.

The price comes in $100 less than what Microsoft plans to charge for its Xbox One -- news that was delivered earlier Monday.

Alongside the price reveal came … Read more

Sony has finally taken the wraps off the look and design of its next-generation PlayStation.

At its E3 press conference Monday night, the consolemaker provided a quick reveal of the PS4 box, which looks a tad bit larger than the current PS3 design.

Sony gave people a teaser of the console's design near the end of May, on the eve of Microsoft's Xbox One reveal, and had previously shown off pieces of hardware like the controller and new Eye accessory at the original PS4 reveal back in February.

Price and precise release date for the hardware have yet … Read more

When Apple turns over part of its oh-so-important Worldwide Developers Conference keynote address to an unknown startup, you can be sure Tim Cook and Co. think they're dealing with some very cool technology.

That was very much the case with Anki, which was handpicked for a coveted slot as the poster child for what unknown developers can do with iOS. During its time onstage, Anki showed off what at first appears to be a simple toy car racing game, but what in reality might be the most advanced intersection of consumer-grade artificial intelligence and robotics ever.… Read more

Apple's iOS 7 comes out swinging with an overhauled design that reskins practically every element with a gleaming-new interface. From what we've seen so far (including hands-on time with iOS 7 on an iPhone 5), we like the latest 'do. A lot.

While some new behaviors go along with the updated apps, iOS 7's changes are more cosmetic and iterative than they are groundbreaking. That's completely understandable; not every update can spark a revolution.

However, apart from a few notable innovations, iOS 7 doesn't seem like it's enough to overturn criticism that its growth … Read more

Apple executives had a full slate of new stuff to detail Monday morning during the first day of the World Wide Developers Conference.

From the new OS X 10.9 Mavericks to the revamped iOS 7 to the long-awaited iTunes Radio, Apple had a lot to show off. For those who weren't fortunate enough to secure entry to the Moscone Center in San Francisco but want to experience the event, Apple has posted a stream of the keynote presentation directly to its Web site.

The two-hour video covers the new features of Apple's desktop and mobile operating systems, … Read more

The developer beta of iOS 7 has only been out for a few hours, and there's already a slew of videos of it hitting the Web.

The software, like other betas from Apple, is bound by a strict nondisclosure agreement that requires developers not to share it with others.

That didn't seem to stop several individuals from posting videos showing off some of the new features.

9to5Mac's posted one here:

JAMonsterEnergy has posted a five-minute hands-on demonstration here:

YouTuber gmanist1000 posted a quick two-minute video here:

iTechWorld11 posted a brief one-minute video here:

And last, but not … Read more