Tag: macos

  • China launches its first homegrown PC operating system as a competitor to Windows and macOS

    China launches its first homegrown PC operating system as a competitor to Windows and macOS

    China has unveiled its inaugural domestically produced open-source desktop operating system, known as OpenKylin. This move reflects the nation’s determination to reduce its reliance on technology from the United States.

    The release of China’s version took place on Wednesday and is rooted in the existing open-source Linux operating system. It was designed through the collaborative efforts of approximately 4,000 developers and has found applications in various sectors, including the country’s space programme, finance, and energy industries.

    State media referred to an industry report, stating that China’s expansive market for operating systems had a value of 15.5 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) in the previous year.

    Creating an operating system independent of US technology has emerged as a significant objective within China’s tech industry in recent years. Numerous companies and organisations have actively contributed to the development of the OpenKylin system.

    Notably, the China Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team, overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, stands as a prominent supporter.

    Over a dozen Chinese companies are currently engaged in endeavors to produce operating systems capable of replacing Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s macOS. One such company, UnionTech Software Technology Co Ltd, is actively working on what it terms the “Unity OS.”

  • iOS 17 leak: Customisable Lock Screen and revamped Control Center to be featured in new update

    iOS 17 leak: Customisable Lock Screen and revamped Control Center to be featured in new update

    As the date for Apple’s WWDC23 event draws near, speculation about what to expect from the company’s upcoming software releases is growing. While little has been confirmed, it is widely anticipated that iOS will take centre stage once again, with iOS 17 making its debut alongside updates for iPadOS and macOS.

    Setsuna Digital, a source that has accurately leaked information in the past, has recently shared some early insights into iOS 17 via Weibo. It is important to note, however, that while the information may be accurate at present, software plans are fluid and subject to change.

    According to Setsuna Digital, iOS 17 will feature some minor but interesting updates. For instance, there will be changes to the flashlight toggle, allowing for more granular control over brightness. Users will also enjoy more options for customising the Lock Screen, including font size and the use of emoji wallpaper, as well as the ability to share custom configurations.

    There will also be changes to Apple Music, with the app moving towards a more graphics-led interface and the possible addition of on-screen lyrics on the Lock Screen. Finally, it seems likely that users will be able to customise and organise the App Library.

    While some had predicted a major overhaul of the operating system, the company’s focus on developing a mixed-reality headset may mean that iOS 17 will instead focus on quality-of-life improvements. One such change could be the introduction of sideloading, which would allow users to install apps outside of the App Store.

    Another potential change is a revamped Control Center, which has been a staple feature for iPhone users for several years. While the details of any updates are unknown at present, even small changes such as the ability to customise shortcuts would be welcome.

    Until Apple officially announces its plans, however, it remains to be seen what iOS 17 will actually entail.

  • Apple unveils all-new MacBook Air, powered by new M2 chip

    Apple unveils all-new MacBook Air, powered by new M2 chip

    At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), on May 6, the tech giant unveiled a new MacBook Air model.

    The MacBook Air is Apple’s most popular notebook, and the new design is expected to improve Mac sales in the coming quarters.

    As per Canalys, the Mac product line has been growing substantially in recent years, with shipments increasing by nearly 28 per cent in 2021 vs just under 15 per cent for the total market.

    Apple’s Mac lineup has witnessed increasing sales, owing to the pandemic forcing people to buy laptops to work or go to school from home, as well as Apple’s decision to using its own CPUs rather than Intel’s, which has considerably extended battery life.

    The new MacBook Air is still a slim and light laptop, weighing in at 2.7 pounds, but it has a new style that includes a continuous thickness rather than the tapering wedge form that has been popular in recent years.

    The M2 chip, which was revealed Monday and would be quicker and more power-efficient than Apple’s previous chip, is at its heart. It comes with two USB-C Thunderbolt ports for connecting monitors and peripherals, as well as a headphone jack and a MagSafe magnetic charging connector.

    The 13.6-inch screen has been somewhat increased, but there is now a cutout around the camera, similar to the notch on iPhones. The videoconferencing camera has been improved to provide better colour and quality.

    Apple’s conventional silver, grey, and gold tones, as well as a new matte black called Midnight, are all available on the new model.

    Pricing

    The new MacBook Air costs more than the previous model, starting at Rs242,000 ($1,199) vs Rs200,000 ($999)  for the previous model, which is still on sale. The most powerful configuration costs Rs503,000 ($2,499).

    In recent weeks, the company has had difficulty maintaining Macs in stock due to substantial production disruptions caused by Covid lockdowns in Shanghai, China.

    A 13-inch MacBook Pro was also unveiled, but it was not ready for testing on Monday. Both new MacBooks will be available in July, according to Apple.