Apple held its "hello again" event this past week, and the main highlight of the show was the all new MacBook Pro. Here are the main takeaways from the event.
1. TV app for iOS and Apple TV
The TV app aggregates all your TV shows and Movies from various streaming apps (Netflix was absent, however) and presents you a clean, simplified look at all the video content available to you. It's similar to the Xbox One's OneGuide feature. Apple also promised the new single sign-on feature will soon be available for Apple TV, which requires one sign on with your cable provider login that will be applied to all your apps, which can truly be a first world problem if you do a lot of video streaming.
2. An impressive looking MacBook Pro
A redesigned MacBook Pro was the highlight of this press event. It's thinner, lighter, and faster as usual. But the main new feature is a touch sensor that takes place of the function row of keys we've come to expect on a keyboard. Simply called "Touch Bar," it's a multitouch capable strip of glass that displays media playback controls as well as buttons that are tailored to specific apps. It can display all your favorited websites in Safari, and it will take you to a site with a tap of your finger. Or it can be used for editing apps, and can display previews of different effects in iPhoto. The power button now includes a Touch ID sensor, allowing the laptop to be unlocked with your fingerprint. Apple is also saying goodbye to more old tech, doing away with the USB 2.0 ports and MagSafe connector. The new laptops only come with USB C connectors, meaning the charger is no longer magnetic, and your existing peripherals will more than likely need an adapter. So that means connecting SD cards and even charging your iPhone will require new cables and adaptors. It's impressive tech, but comes at a premium price. These new computers start at $1,499 for a 13 inch without the TouchBar, and $1,799 for models that do include it.
3. Has Apple given up on the rest of the Mac line?
Apple has neglected the Mac Pro and Mac Mini for over two years now, refusing to update them with new tech. The Mac Pro is supposed to be the flagship power computer under the Apple brand, but it hasn't been updated since its redesign in late 2013. Power users are better off looking at PCs for the latest tech. I can't help but worry that Apple is going to slowly phase out most models of the Mac, save for a couple laptop models. The company makes the majority of its money on iOS devices, but seems to be forgetting its roots.
