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Apple on June 11 took the stage at the Worldwide Developers Conference to discuss the many new products it has already launched or plans to unveil in the coming weeks and months. From iOS 6, the new update to its mobile operating system, to OS X Mountain Lion, Apple showed off a host of new offerings for consumers and enterprise users to get excited about.
However, there were still some major omissions. On the hardware side, especially, consumers were disappointed to see that the new iPhone and the long-rumored iPad didnt show up. And as much as Apple fans wanted to see it, the television that has been the most drool-worthy possibility to come out of Cupertino since the iPhone, was also a no-show. Simply put, there was a lot that we wished Apple had announced at WWDC but just didnt.
Read on to find out the complete list of things that Apple didnt discuss at WWDC, but many of the companys fans wished it had.
1. Wheres the iPhone 5?
Prior to the Worldwide Developers Conference, several reports claimed Apple was considering unveiling the iPhone 5 during its keynote. However, the company made no mention of any new iPhones, which seems to confirm that it wont unveil the device until later this year. Expect the iPhone 5 to launch at the same time as iOS 6this fall.
2. How about that new iPad mini?
There has also been talk of Apple launching a new iPad to take on smaller devices like the Amazon Kindle Fire and Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet. The device would offer a 7-inch screen and come in at a much cheaper price than its larger predecessors. At WWDC, however, Apple hardly even mentioned a new iPad, let alone the iPad Mini.
3. Waiting on the Apple TV
Wheres the Apple TV? For several months, rumors have been circulating that Apple is planning to revolutionize the television market with a set that combines apps, iCloud and high-quality visuals. But so far, the company has not given any indication that a TV is in the works. Some had hoped to get some details on a new television at Apples WWDC keynote, but they were disappointed.
4. An improvement to the current Apple TV
Just prior to Apples WWDC keynote, reports claimed that the company was working on a software development kit for its Apple TV set-top box. With the help of that SDK, developers could create programs that would work on any television and extend their ability to perform tasks in the living room. Too bad Apple didnt get the memo at WWDC.
Retina Display Needs to Run on Entire MacBook Pro Line
5. A significant Mac Pro update
One of the most surprising results of Apples WWDC keynote was its outright neglect of the Mac Pro. Over the last two years, the Mac Pro hasnt changed one bit, leading some to wonder if it would get a much-needed face lift during the keynote. That didnt happen. Instead, Apple announced after the keynote that it will update the Mac Pro with an outdated Intel Xeon processor. It was surprising and disappointing.
6. Retina display across the entire MacBook Pro line
Apple announced one next-generation MacBook Pro model will have a 15-inch screen and the companys Retina display. Although that is awfully appealing to consumers, it would have been great if it updated its entire MacBook Pro line with the Retina display. The time has come for Apple to bring its Retina display to all of its products.
7. StreetView competitor
Apple unveiled a new Maps application for iOS at its WWDC keynote, permanently ending Google Maps dominance on iOS. Although Apples Maps comes with several neat features, including 3D support and turn-by-turn directions, it lacks the StreetView so many folks find useful in Google Maps. Hopefully Apple will bring its own StreetView-like application to Maps at some point in the future.
8. Siri expansionto a point
According to Apple, Siri will make its way to iPads when iOS 6 launches. Thats nice. But what about Macs and all of the other hardware the company sells? Siri might not be out of beta just yet, but its improving. And it would be nice to have her assistance on all Apple products.
9. iMacs are still around, you know
As noted, the Mac Pro didnt get an update at Apples WWDC keynote. But that wasnt the only device to be neglected. In fact, Apple also turned its back on the other desktop it sells, the iMac. Like the Mac Pro, the iMac is getting a little old and outdated. Its about time Apple unveils a new version of the device to bring it into 2012.
10. A Google Wallet competitor
Googles Wallet mobile-payment service is the first of what will be many such solutions available to consumers this year. But its Apple that just about everyone wants to see launch such a service. After all, Apple tends to understand usability and security, and with so many iTunes accounts already under its control, it shouldnt have any trouble supporting different payment solutions. Apples WWDC keynote would have been much stronger if it showed off its own Google Wallet competitor.