Apple WWDC 2021
Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference went virtual this year, streaming from June 7 through June 11. The event was kicked off with a keynote and jammed to the brim with announcements.
TechCrunch outlined some of the biggest news to know from the week long event. The latest major update to iOS, iOS 15, will roll into public beta this summer with a full release sometime in the fall. The release focuses on four points: staying connected, finding focus, using intelligence and exploring the world. Various FaceTime updates are coming from spatial audio to shareable links and more. “Focus” mode will allow you to shift your phone into different, customizable modes, and notifications can be set up to “batch” as well. Live text will now be recognized in photos, whether handwritten or printed.
Other areas of newness include updates to Apple Wallet and Apple Maps. Home, office and hotel keys will be incorporated into Apple Wallet, allowing the ability to unlock compatible doors in those places with your phone. Maps will be receiving a details-focused overhaul, including the addition of 3D elevation maps and rendered landmarks, crosswalks, bike lanes, etc. AirPods will now work with the Find My app and the Pro version includes a Conversation Mode where you can boost the volume of voices and control ambient noise volume.
iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS will also have new features and updates rolling out. Plus, we will be seeing new security updates and Health updates, along with Siri being opened up to third-party manufacturers and their devices. Lastly, while the keynote tends to focus on consumer-facing announcements, there were a few developer highlights noted too. To learn the full details about all of the exciting announcements shared, visit here for TechCrunch’s full recap.
Datto Launches WiFi-6
Datto Networking’s new line of WiFi-6 Access Points, the AP840 and AP840E, are now available for purchase. The new APs are one of many exciting enhancements coming this year.
The premium 4×4 APs complement Datto’s WiFi portfolio, as they are purpose-built for MSPs and will provide access to efficient and secure wireless performance with expanded coverage. The new cloud-managed APs offer enhanced features including high performance WiFi-6 efficiency and capacity, advanced wireless network reliability, and a dedicated scanning radio for security and optimization. The AP840 and AP840E enable business growth by solving complex wireless challenges in high density environments, while ensuring powerful and reliable wireless performance. Smarter and simpler WiFi means higher overall efficiency with less maintenance and a better overall experience for users.
To learn more about the exciting announcement, read the details here or reach out to the office for more information.
Mark your Calendar
Remaining Microsoft 365 apps and services will no longer support IE 11 beginning later this summer on August 17, 2021. If you are still using the old Edge or IE 11, you can expect a “degraded experience” or you might not be able to connect to Microsoft (Office) 365 apps on IE 11 anymore. A degraded experience means users won’t be able to see new features, including no new Teams features.
While the chance can be difficult, Microsoft is committed to helping customers make the transition to the new Microsoft Edge in order to get the most out of Microsoft 365. The new Edge offers “better, more innovative online experiences”, according to Microsoft.
To learn more about the deadline and what it might mean for you, visit here.
