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iOS 7 tells Apple users to 'get excited' again, says analyst

The updates that Apple showed off in iOS 7 could prove to be the most important ones since the iPhone debuted in 2007, at least in the opinion of Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.

To kick off Day 1 of its Worldwide Developers Conference this week, Apple revealed a whole new look for its iOS interface and icons, along with a slew of new features and enhancements. Some of the early takes on the new UI have been decidedly mixed. But Munster feels the revamp is cause for Apple users and investors to get excited about both current and upcoming … Read more

Apple's high-res wallpaper suggests Retina iMac, monitor

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

iOS 7 specs versus Android 4.2, Windows Phone, BlackBerry 10

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

iOS 7 hands-on videos leak out onto the Web

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

iTunes Radio vs. Pandora

Apple may be the top dog when it comes to digital music sales, but does it have what it takes to get a late foothold in the world of Internet radio?

To cut through the hype and get a sense of what Apple's newly announced iTunes Radio service really offers that may be noteworthy, we've stacked it up against the gold standard of personalized Internet radio, Pandora.

iTunes Radio Pandora Free option Yes Yes Premium tier $24.99/year $36/year $3.99/month Platforms iOS, Apple TV, Mac OS, Windows iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Mac OS, … Read more

Apple WWDC roundup: iTunes Radio, iOS 7, Mavericks, and MacBook Air

CNET Update keeps it simple:

In this episode of Update, get the highlights of Apple's WWDC keynote presentation in under three minutes. To dive deeper, check out these stories:

- Apple's iTunes Radio service finally revealed

- iOS 7 changes are overwhelmingly cosmetic

- Details on Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks

- New MacBook Air aims for all-day battery life

- Apple offers sneak peek of next Mac Pro desktop

And during Apple's keynote presentation, Microsoft announced the Xbox One will arrive in the U.S. in November for $500. During the E3 presentation, Microsoft showed off new games … Read more

Apple developer site buckles following WWDC

Update: Back up now; see update below.

Apparently a lot of developers are eager to get their mitts on preview versions of Apple's next iOS and OS X software.

Enough are visiting the developer site to bring things to a screeching halt. Users who attempt to make their way there are currently getting page load errors, as well as a page that tells users: "We'll be back soon."

This has happened plenty of other times, and is expected to be sorted out, though Apple's currently offering no guidance on when. Additionally, its fancy system status page … Read more

iOS 7 Photos, Camera apps get better shooting, sharing

A little bit of organization can go a long way -- especially when it comes to pictures and videos.

That seems to be the theme for the improvements coming to iOS 7's Photos and Camera apps, with new features to help rediscover the photos you've already taken and make it easier to snap ones in the future.

Photos app Given how many people seem to use their smartphones as their primary camera, it's amazing how lacking organization is within the iOS Photos app, which is basically just a never-ending folder of photos and videos.

With iOS 7, … Read more

Twitter users go gaga over OS X Mavericks and iOS 7

Apple can still put on a show -- at least according to your tweets. The Twittersphere erupted in utter elation over the unveiling of OS X Mavericks and iOS 7 during Apple's keynote address at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference.

During the two-hour keynote, a majority of Twitter users tweeted in excitement around Apple's latest Mac operating system and its radically redesigned mobile OS, according to data provided to CNET by social-media management startup HootSuite. For both OS X and iOS 7, more than 90 percent of tweets registered on the positive side of the spectrum, the firm … Read more