From the debut of the next-generation CarPlay to the ability to use your iPhone as a Mac webcam, these are the most unexpected announcements at Apple’s WWDC 2022.
The first day of Apple’s yearly WWDC developer conference is over, with the company announcing iOS 16 for the iPhone, as well as software updates for the Apple Watch, Mac and iPad. Although Apple did not reveal or tease the mysterious mixed- reality headset, it did advertise the revamped MacBook Air with the M2 processor. Many of the notifications that were part of this time’s WWDC were formerly blurted or known in tech circles. But there were still a many surprises in store – ranging from the debut of the next- generation CarPlay to the capability to use your iPhone as a webcam on a Mac. Here’s everything we were not hoping at WWDC 2022.
Use your iPhone as a Mac webcam
Apple’s announcement that we will soon be fit to plug our iPhones into Macs for webcam use was exciting no doubt. The best part is you do not have to connect the iPhone to the Mac; the computer will immediately recognize the unit. You will, of course, need to update your iPhone to iOS 16 and Mac to the rearmost macOS Ventura to turn an iPhone into a webcam. The feature will also let you use two of the iPhone camera lenses at the same time. One will be on the speaker, while the other can concentrate on something else. Apple calls it “ Desk View ”, to concurrently show the user’s face and an overhead view of their desk. It’s great for doing unboxing videotapes. But to make this all work, Apple recommends getting a holder which is made by the accessory company Belkin.
All-new CarPlay
Nobody supposed that Apple would preview the next generation of its in- app car mirroring tech at WWDC. The all-new CarPlay takes the in- auto interface beyond just displaying the information on your iPhone to the genuine hardware integration with your automobile. The best part of the new CarPlay experience is how it adapts to multi-display dashboards and screens, depending on what car you command. The level of customization features, adjust your AC and view car data like fuel level or speed shows how serious Apple is thinking about getting the software right on cars.
Freeform is Apple’s take on digital whiteboard apps
Whiteboard operations are hot right now, given so many people these days use a whiteboard for remote meetings, online collaboration and presentations. While we were awaiting the iPadOS to get a big update, we were not conscious that Apple was still developing a whiteboard app. It’s called Freeform, and it ’ll be available on iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura latterly this year.
A $200 price increase on the new MacBook Air
Let’s be honest the refreshed MacBook Air looks stunning. A chunkier, squared- off look, a fan less body, a new 13.6- inch Liquid Retina Display and the second- generation M2 chip makes the new MacBook Air the coolest notebook in town. But the starting price of $1200 is arguably high for an entry- level machine indeed if we add all the improvements by Apple. That’s a lot more than you’d spend on the M1 MacBook Air that comes in at just $999.
Mac and AAA gaming
Maybe the biggest surprise (and the least anticipated announcement) was Apple’s drive to make its Macs true AAA gaming machines. At WWDC 2022, Apple talked over news regarding the Metal 3 update for Macs. The presentation certainly concentrated on letting inventors know how they can take advantage of the Metal 3 and MetalFX Upscaling tools to optimize visuals, textures, frame rates, for the M1 and M2, offering a smooth, immersive gaming experience for Mac users.
It may look like a small step for Apple to dip its toes into the gaming world, but its impact could be huge if developers start supporting AAA titles for Macs. With No Man’s Sky, Grid Legends, and Resident Evil Village coming to Mac this year, “ it’s a new beginning ” for gaming on Mac.
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