New Delhi: Apple on Monday kicks off its developers conference, where the focus will be on software in iPhones, iPads, iPods and Macintosh computers with scant hope for the next big thing.
In trademark style, Apple has remained mum about what it will unveil at the keynote presentation opening a sold-out World Wide Developers Conference devoted to tailoring applications or services for the company's coveted devices.
As is usually the case leading up to Apple events, rumours about what the California company may be planning have ricocheted across the Internet. Here are things that you could expect at Apple's WWDC conference 2014.
1. Public comments by Apple chief executive Tim Cook that the company will weigh into a new product category by the end of this year have added impetus to speculation that includes talk of a smartwatch or a system for using iPhones or iPads to control door locks, security systems and other computer-enlighted devices in smart homes.
2. Apple will be keen to spotlight capabilities added to the operating systems powering its mobile devices and Macintosh computers, according to analysts.
3. Apple, Microsoft and Google vie for devotion of third-party developers whose hip, fun or functional applications are essential to the popularity of smartphones or tablet computers. Software features that Apple might crow about could include a mobile payments platform to challenge Google Wallet on Android smartphones, according to analysts.
4. Apple might also expand Passbook capabilities for storing and using digital airline tickets, movie passes and gift cards to include health-related information in a move that could tie to an "iWatch."
5. You can think of this as their event for evolving the existing things they have - new software but no important new hardware."
6. Apple could upgrade its line of Macintosh computers while it touts the next generation operating system.
7. The keynote speech, which will be webcast, is likely to include cameo appearances by music industry legend Jimmy Iovine and rapper Dr Dre, co-founders of Beats Music bought this week by Apple in a deal valued at $3 billion. Apple's biggest-ever acquisition includes the maker of high-end audio equipment and a streaming music service, but more importantly, the talent of Beats brains Dr Dre and Iovine. Some say Beats could help Apple deliver wearable and smarthome products based on Beats designs.
(With inputs from AFP)
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