In advance of this week’s media event, Apple has unveiled new MacBook Pro models and a developer preview of Mac OS X Lion. Adam first looks at the new features Apple revealed for Lion, and then turns his attention to the new MacBook Pro models, focusing on the Thunderbolt I/O technology, the new quad-core Intel CPUs, and the high-resolution FaceTime camera. Glenn Fleishman follows up with additional details about Thunderbolt and Lion. In other news, Amazon added free video streaming to the Amazon Prime membership program, we released updates to our iPad and iPhone Basics ebooks, and Adam suggests that it doesn’t make sense for Steve Jobs to return to Apple (while still doing whatever he wants behind the scenes). Notable software releases this week include FaceTime 1.0 and, well, not much else.
Apple has released the developer preview of Mac OS X Lion, revealing a few more features, such as an improved Mail, wireless file copying between Macs with AirDrop, version control with Versions, and full-disk encryption with the all new FileVault.
The new MacBook Pro line retains its aluminum unibody design but features faster processors (quad-core for the 15- and 17-inch models), 10 Gbps Thunderbolt I/O, and new FaceTime HD cameras.
The coverage of the new Thunderbolt input/output port and Mac OS X Lion has been extensive, but we found a few elements that have been overlooked along the way.
We’ve just updated our “Take Control of iPhone Basics, iOS 4 Edition” and “Take Control of iPad Basics”—the trick now is to get the word out so people stop asking if we have books that will help new buyers.
The Amazon Prime membership program has long provided free two-day shipping and $3.99 one-day shipping for a $79 annual fee. Now Amazon Prime members also receive free streaming of 5,000 movies and TV shows.
Steve Jobs has left the building, and while he may be back, there’s no reason it should be in an official capacity, since Apple successfully played down the transition. Why do it again?
Notable software releases this week include FaceTime 1.0 and, well, not much else.
Steve Jobs turned 56 last week, Adam was interviewed about the iPad and publishing, and a number of developers have banded together to raise money to help the Christchurch earthquake relief efforts. Read on!