So last Monday, I signed off early at work so I can get all my errands done before the start of the World Wide Developer’s Conference 2020. I was kind of banking on two things – both of which didn’t happen, and I’m still bummed about that.
The first thing I was hoping was to have the Apple Watch Series 6 announced – it wasn’t, which means I have to wait until September – I’m not happy about that. But at the same time, I wasn’t really surprised. WWDC has always been about software, not the hardware, and it’s very rare that Apple announces new hardware during WWDC – it’s not unheard of (which is what I was kind of banking on) – but really rare. So there’s that. But also, none of the new hardware that’s been predicted and “leaked” were announced. No AirTags (which I am interested in, actually), no Apple Glass (I’m not too excited about this, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t carry something in my power/grade range but I figured this out already, get the Apple Glass with no power and wear contact lens inside it)! No Apple Headphones (which I kinda of want to see as well, but I’m also glad – this means more time with my Beats Studio Pro 3! Yay)
The other thing I was most disappointed about was the announcement of the Big Sur OS, which would essentially allow iOS apps to run on Macs – not that this isn’t a great thing, it’s wonderful, actually, but I was kinda hoping for it to swing the other way – where Mac OS native apps would be able to run on the iPad. I know a lot of people are asking for at least Final Cut Pro to finally run on the iPad Pro at least, but I’m not one of them. I’m asking for simpler things – like the full version of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, to run on the iPad. I know we have the iPad App for Microsoft Word (and excel and powerpoint) but it’s not the same! It’s still a watered down version of the real thing! I just want a full-featured, fully functioning word processor on the iPad – is that too much to ask?!
Okay, ‘nuff drama. Let’s get on with the recap.
The biggest thing about this week’s WWDC is the new Mac OS, The Big Sur, which, okay, i am slightly curious about – it’s a good thing it will run on my 2015 MacBook, which also I’m slightly grateful I have not let go of when I decided to pick up the 2020 iPad Pro and use the iPad Pro as a laptop replacemeant, so yay, I can try out the Big Sur without spending way too much on it! My only worry is that I might like the Big Sur too much to get a new laptop. The Big Sur will work on any Mac from 2013 onwards, so that’s at least 7 years’ worth of compatible devices! Tim Cook said that there will be new Macs shipping out before the end of the year with the Big Sur, so that’s great! I’m trying my best not to prematurely salivate, I love my new iPad Pro!
Anyway, the Big Sur is a complete redesign of the Mac OS, making it look and behave more like an iPad. I’m liking it in theory, but I’m not sure how this will affect the way i would use a Mac – or a laptop for that matter. If I’m being honest, I’m actually slightly worried. I happen to like how I work on the Mac (at least during the times I actually take out my Mac for a spin).
On to the iOS 14, we got new widgets! Yay! I’m excited about this as you can customize widgets on the iPad and the iPhone now! Although, truth be told, I still could not figure out how to make the widgets in iOS 13.5 work for my workflows, but hey, a new OS is coming up, so i don’t really need to learn the current one! Yay for that! I’m also excited about the newly redesigned translate app! I just wish we could all travel again so we can show off on all being multilingual.
iOS 14 also now has this thing called “App Library”, where apps will be designated into boxes, not sure about that, I’ve kept all my Apps in boxes ever since and I’ve been happy about my 2-screen set up (3 for my iPhone). On the iPad, my first screen only has all Apple-made apps and the second screen has all third party apps I’ve downloaded, neatly sectioned off and categorized in boxes. My iPhone has 3 screen, 2 screens same as iPad as screens 1 and 3 and the middle screen has all my work-related apps.I don’t want iOS to now mess up my system.
iOS 14 can also now open car systems – although I doubt it will work on my buggy car from the 70s! Haha, I kid! But I soo doubt it will support the car I have my eye on. iOS 14 also redesigned a few things, like Siri and incoming calls will no longer take up the whole screen, there are new fun things and Memojis for iMessage, Apple Maps has been completely redesigned – there’s a bike lane option now! iOS 14 will also be supported in all the devices from 2013 onwards.
Apple also updated the software for the AirPods Pro – it will now have surround sound, which is kind of interesting and is seriously making me want to get an AirPods Pro – the only thing that’s stopping me is the silicon buds – i am not a fan of that. I prefer the shape and size of the regular AirPods. Apple is also now allowing easy switching between Mac devices when using an AirPods, i.e., you can be listening to music on your mac, and say, you pick up a call in your iPhone, AirPod will automatically transfer its connection to the iPhone, and then when you pick up your iPad, it switches to the iPad, or maybe you want to go back to your mac, it automatically switches to the mac. I’m not sure though if it supports the First Gen AirPods. I heard somewhere that it only supports the 2nd Gen AirPods and AirPods Pro, and I only have the First Gen AirPods, which is not included in this particular software upgrade so boo.
I don’t really want to talk about WatchOS because I’m bummed there was no Apple Watch Series 6, and i didn’t really pay too much attention to the whole WatchOS section – All I could think about was “comeon, comeon, announce a new watch!” Which they did not. Sad.
Did you watch the WWDC 2020? Did you play the obligatory drinking games like some people I know? 😀
Are you hyped about the new changes? Let me know! Until then,
Stay Wild, Moon Child!
XXOO, The Geek
EllaLand 