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進入《TAIPEI TIMES》 New chips to bring Macs into iPhone ecosystem
Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook delivers his keynote speech at the 2020 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in Cupertino, California, on Monday. Photo: AP
‘APPLE SILICON’: Mac computers would get a more powerful and energy-efficient system that operates more like Apple’s mobile devices, Apple CEO Tim Cook said
/ AFP, SAN FRANCISCO
Apple Inc on Monday said that it would build its own chips to power its Mac computers to create a “common architecture” that allows the devices to run the same apps as those on the iPhone and iPad.
The news came at the annual Apple developer conference — a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic — where the tech giant announced a series of product updates including details of its upcoming iOS 14 software powering its popular handsets.
The new “Apple silicon” initiative ends a long-standing partnership with chipmaker Intel Corp and enables the computers to run the same apps as those on iPhones.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook said the move represents “a huge leap forward for the Mac,” which would get a more powerful and energy-efficient system that operates more like Apple’s mobile devices.
Cook said the first of the new Mac computers would be shipping by the end of the year and that the change would help lead to “a common architecture for all of our products.”
This means developers can more easily create services that can run across the range of Apple products and devices, the company said.
“Apple has made an important point that by designing their own silicon it has helped them keep pushing performance in ways merchant silicon vendors can’t,” Creative Strategies analyst Ben Bajarin said.
Apple also offered a first look at its iOS 14 for the iPhone, which gives a new look to its home screen and allows users to more easily manage their apps.
The new operating system would organize apps into a cleaner “app library,” with the most frequently used ones prominently featured.
The update “transforms the most iconic elements of the iPhone experience, starting with the biggest update we’ve ever made to the home screen,” Apple senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi said.
Apple said the software would include a “digital car key” allowing the iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock and start a vehicle.
The virtual key for compatible vehicle models can be shared using messages, or disabled if a device is lost.
Apple said iOS 14 would also include a translate feature for 11 languages powered by its Siri digital assistant, and allow for “app clips” or fragments of apps that can be quickly downloaded and used for transactions at partner merchants and services.
A revamped Apple Maps app would for the first time include directions for bicycles, a feature that has been available for years on Google Maps.
Updated software for the Apple Watch, known as watchOS7, would include a series of health and fitness features, including improved sleep tracking and automatic handwashing detection to help users clean their hands for the 20 seconds recommended by health officials to help prevent the novel coronavirus spreading.
Apple announced its upcoming Mac operating system would be known as “Big Sur” with more immersive features and improved privacy.
The updated iPadOS14 would add new features for the Apple Pencil, which can be used on the tablets.
新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES
