Cheat Sheet: Apple software updates from 23 October iPad mini launch event

The iPad mini was not the only product to be unveiled at Apple’s launch event in California today. Apart from its diminutive new device, Gearburn also saw Apple’s other offerings, the 13-inch Macbook Pro with Retina Display, Mac Mini, incredibly thin iMac and 4th generation iPad.

As far as Software goes, Apple did not disappoint either, showcasing the new features of iBook 3.0, iBook Author and enhanced functionality of its Mountain Lion OS.

Apple CEO, Tim Cook began his presentation by shooting off a couple of impressive statistics showcasing the growing influence that iDevices has had in our day-to-day lives.

Statistics

iOS6 updated on 200-million devices reaching the fastest upgrade rate for any software in history.

iCloud has had 125-million document uploads.

Over 300-million iMessages have been sent from iDevices (time frame not specified)

Apple’s App Store has had 35-million downloads.

iBooks has a library of 1.5-million books with 400-million downloads.

100-million iPads have been sold to date.

iBook 3.0 App

Single tap access to open app.

Enhanced “continuous scrolling” (flick) functionality.

Sepia and Night theme settings allow for better reading experience.

Social media integration allows users to “share” passages or pages on Facebook and Twitter.

New languages added — Japanese and Korean.

iBooks Author App

Specifically designed to take advantage of the educational applications of the iPad.

Newly designed templates allow for customization of fonts.

Publishers now have the ability to edit and update their books.

Mountain Lion OS

With the newly announced iMac, Mountain Lion will separate storage of applications and documents through its newly developed Fusion Drive.

Fusion Drive fuses elements from the Flash drive and HDD drive into a “single volume” which is said to nearly match the performance of a standard SSD drive.

Applications will be stored on SSD and ordered, based on frequency of use.

Documents will be stored on HDD.

Unfortunately no talk of the new iTunes made its way to the stage, a little disappointing considering it was heavily rumoured that it would make its appearance following the iPhone 5 launch. Apple has however given us plenty to look forward to for the festive season. For a full round-up of all the iDevices that were revealed, check out our full product round-up.

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