The highly-anticipated WWDC 2023 has drawn to a close, and as the dust settles, I find myself sifting through a barrage of new revelations and innovations from our friends at Apple.
As an ardent ChatGPT user, I was on tenterhooks to see what Apple had been concocting in their AI lab. But in classic Apple fashion, ‘AI’ has been stealthily replaced with the phrase ‘Machine Learning’. An interesting move, to say the least, and a clear indicator of Apple’s control over their narrative.
Turning to iOS 17, Apple has granted Autocorrection an upgrade. A shiny new transformer-based model is set to take on your personal writing style, predicting your next words, and even potentially completing well-known phrases for you. It’s a tantalising glimpse into the future of communication.
Adding to the mix, Apple has unveiled on-device audio transcription for voicemails and those infamous iMessage voice notes. No more listening to long-winded voice messages – instead, read the transcription and get the gist in mere seconds.
In a less dramatic, but still significant shift, ‘Hey Siri!’ has been reduced to just ‘Siri!’ It may not sound like a monumental change, but it shows Apple’s continuous pursuit of simplicity and efficiency. Additionally, Apple’s dedication to running all Machine Learning operations on-device could be a major stride towards preserving user privacy.
While I was half-expecting to hear about advances in generative AI, it seems Apple is keeping their cards close to their chest. I guess they’re watching how Microsoft’s foray into that space pans out before taking the leap themselves.
In terms of hardware, the transition of Mac Pro to Apple Silicon has been completed – a significant milestone. And while the change was inevitable, it feels a bit like saying goodbye to an old companion.
The grand reveal of the Apple Vision Pro marked Apple’s bold entry into the realm of Spatial Computing. Yes, the term you and I would typically call ‘AR’ has been transformed, showcasing Apple’s propensity for its own unique verbiage.
Despite joining the AR/VR party a tad late, the Vision Pro, with its myriad features, stands to make a strong impact. The intriguing lenticular screen on the outside of the headset, the collaboration with Zeiss for optimal visual clarity, all reiterate Apple’s dedication to user experience.
However, the unveiling of Vision Pro does pose a dilemma for me personally. Should I stick with my pair of Intel 27″ iMacs, invest in a Mac Studio and Studio Display, or lean into the future and embrace the Vision Pro?
Sadly, this conundrum won’t be resolved soon. The Vision Pro isn’t slated for release until next year (if you’re in the US), and it comes with a hefty $3500 price tag.
As the ripples of WWDC 2023 start to fade, one thing remains clear: Apple is charging into the future with unwavering commitment. It’s a bold, exciting new world, and Apple is beckoning us to join them on this journey. It’s going to be quite the ride!
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