Apple CEO Steve Jobs will take to the stage alongside various executives to present iOS 5 and Mac OS X 10.7 – codenamed “Lion” – and introduce Apple’s new “iCloud” service at WWDC on June 6, the company reported Tuesday.
Mark your calendars for 10am Pacific time on Monday, June 6. Today, Apple confirmed that the opening keynote for the Worldwide Developers Conference would include their iconic CEO Steve Jobs welcoming the new iCloud service – “Apple’s upcoming cloud services offering” – as well as showing off updated operating systems for the company’s computer, iPhone and iPad lines.
OS X Lion is version 10.7 of the operating system, the eighth such release since the company made waves with its “Cheetah” offering back in 2001. iOS, the operating system that powers Apple’s popular iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch lines, is set to roll out in its fifth major release, iOS 5. However, it’s clear that much of the excitement is being left to the new iCloud offering and what it will bring to Apple’s legions of fans.
WWDC is the premier event for any developer that codes software for one of Apple’s platforms. The conference offers over a hundred breakout and technical sessions presented by Apple staff, developers and engineers. Lion will be on display to show Mac developers how they can take advantage of all of the new features baked into this release, and app developers will have the same opportunity with iOS. One unique advantage of attending WWDC is that the company allows developers of all types to bring their code to workshops and work alongside Apple professionals, who can provide hands-on assistance and tips.
iCloud has been one of Apple’s worst-kept secrets this year. Although the service was only just confirmed in the WWDC announcement, the purchase of the iCloud.com web address was reported months ago. The domain cost Apple nearly $5 million, so it was clear the service was coming.
iCloud is rumored to be replacing the company’s loved-and-loathed MobileMe offering, which allows users to sync contacts and calendars between their computer and mobile devices, as well as to send and receive email. It’s largely been suggested that some form of online music storage and music streaming that syncs with iTunes will be included with iCloud. Recent reports indicate that iCloud will automatically scan a user’s iTunes folders and then provide access to this music through all connected devices associated with the account. Apple’s cloud offering is expected to integrate heavily with both iOS 5 and OS X Lion.
It was somewhat of a surprise to see iCloud announced in a press release a week before WWDC is set to begin. Apple is well-known for being highly secretive, but with no new iPhone or other hardware expected to launch at the event, the company may just be working hard to bring in media and enhance coverage.
Lion, on the other hand, is much better known. Apple has been previewing the OS to developers and media since late in 2010. On offer is a much better integration with the Mac App Store, apps that can auto-pause and resume, new home screen features, and much more.
As for iOS, Apple has been tight-lipped about any new features or changes. Rumors have placed better voice commands, a completely revamped notification system, and some form of widgets in the new release. However, as usual – we won’t know until Steve Jobs takes the stage, this Monday, June 6th at 10am Pacific time.http://iphone5release.org/steve-jobs-to-announce-ios-5-and-icloud-on-june-6th/
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