Apple harvests MacBooks, iOS 6
Apple unveils vision for near-future, while we get a peek at some of the Web domains of the future. Also: Verizon's share plan.
Apple's announcements at WWDC were skewed heavily toward its Mac line, while also providing a first glimpse of the latest version of its iOS mobile operating system.
Perhaps the biggest news of the show was a redesigned 15.4-inch MacBook Pro that takes some design cues from the MacBook Air line. It boasts a 2,880x1,800-pixel resolution Retina Display screen, an HDMI port (an Apple first), USB 3.0, discrete Nvidia graphics, and the requisite Intel Ivy Bridge CPU, and Thunderbolt connections. However, starting at a whopping $2,199, this one is strictly for those with deep pockets.
• Apple playing hard to get with the newest MacBook Pro
Apple also unveiled iOS 6, the next version of the company's mobile operating system, which includes 200 new updates, as well as upgrades to Siri. iOS 6 comes with more personalization options, allowing users to turn on a do-not-disturb mode, as well as respond to phone calls with a set message, and set VIP status to individuals whose e-mails come through as an alert.
• Apple's iOS 6 to add privacy controls for user contacts
Apple also unveiled a new in-house 3D Maps app built entirely from the ground floor up. The 3D option isn't turned on by default but can easily be switched on by the user via a large button logically dubbed 3D.
• WWDC 2012 rumor scorecard: The hits and the misses
• Facebook integration comes to Mountain Lion in the fall
• Apple CEO says Mac Pro update to come 'next year'
More headlines
The most coveted domains, from .app to .home
ICANN releases its list of top-level-domain applications, and .app appears as the most popular domain. Surprisingly, .sex and .sucks garnered less interest.• Apple, Google, Amazon: Give us our own domains
• Dot-mayhem: The domain landgrab, by the numbers
• The strangest new top-level domain applications
• Guess who wants new military top-level domains? Not the military...
Verizon unveils 'Share Everything' family plans for data
The plans allow for unlimited voice, text messages, and a set amount of data for up to 10 devices. They also mark the end of unlimited data for many.• Hoping to keep your Verizon unlimited plan? Here's how
• Why Verizon's shared data plan is a raw deal
Facebook's U.S. growth eases on the brakes
New data shows the rate at which U.S. users frequent the social network has markedly decreased along with users spending less time on the site.• Samsung: No, we're not making a Facebook killer
• Facebook said to be launching platform for real-time ad bidding
• Facebook plugs in WordPress for social sharing
Disaster awaits U.S. power grid as cybersecurity lags
Digital signatures that protect access to power-plant control systems are highly insecure, an industry leader warns -- and some companies want to make the problem worse.
Thunderbolt vs. USB, HDMI, PCIe Cable: How does it compare?
Intel's high-speed communications technology is pitted against strong incumbent interfaces -- and the nascent PCI Express Cable could provide more competition.• Where Thunderbolt is smart -- right now
Skout suspends under-18 service after it's linked to rapes
After three reports of sexual assault in which men allegedly posed as teenagers on the location-based flirting app, Skout suspended its 17-and-under community for "safety upgrades."• Habbo silenced after accusations of improper behavior
NASA sends NuStar black-hole hunter into space
Using state-of-the-art mirrors and detectors on opposite ends of an extended 33-foot-long mast, a small X-ray telescope launched today will study black holes and the mechanics of supernova explosions.'Expanded Tweets' bring more content to Twitter feeds
Microblogging site partners with online media sites to deliver a wide range of stories, images, and videos that can be previewed from within tweets.• Twitter rolls out tailored trends based on location, your peeps
Also of note
• Reddit anti-spam sweep snares The Atlantic, Business Week
• Kleiner Perkins denies Ellen Pao's harassment complaint
• Mysterious Microsoft media event coming June 18