AwesomeCast 736: Liquid Glass & AI Sass: WWDC 2024 Breakdown

On this episode of AwesomeCast, co-hosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar welcome Greg McMillan of the iPhoneography Podcast to unpack Apple’s latest WWDC 2024 announcements. From the iOS 18 redesign with liquid glass effects to groundbreaking video tools and local AI integrations, the crew dives into the most impressive—and sometimes frustrating—developments. They explore the new iPad OS multitasking features, how Final Cut might be more viable on mobile, and what spatial scene photography could mean for creative workflows. Plus, they break down the new CarPlay UI upgrades, AI assistant integrations like ChatGPT, and potential applications for live streaming and podcasting. Chachi returns with a jam-packed Video Game Minute covering PlayStation updates, Imagine Dragons entering game dev, and how even 90-year-olds are gaming now. And yes, there’s some solid Apple vs Android real talk with pro wrestler Zeke Mercer.

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• 📱 WWDC 2024 Highlights

  • iOS 18 introduces “liquid glass” UI redesign.

  • First significant visual update since iOS 7.

  • iPad OS features floating windows, a menu bar, and more Mac-like multitasking.

  • macOS and watchOS follow new naming standard: “2026” suffix across the board.

• 🧠 Apple Intelligence & AI Features

  • Integration of ChatGPT and potential for other LLMs.

  • On-device AI for writing assistance and context-aware suggestions.

  • New “Image Playground” lets users generate AI art from selfies, now more photorealistic.

  • Spatial scene photos introduce a 3D effect to standard photos.

• 🎙️ Media Production Enhancements

  • Potential for better live streaming and podcast production using Apple devices.

  • New APIs allow multi-cam support and on-device audio/video processing.

  • Tools for developers to build local, bandwidth-efficient recording tools for interviews.

• 🚗 CarPlay Upgrades

  • Widgets and live activities like flight trackers and food apps coming to CarPlay.

  • CarPlay UI now adapts to specific screen resolutions and formats.

  • New “CarPlay Ultra” debuted exclusively in Aston Martin models.

• 📞 Call Screening & Language Features

  • Siri-based live call screening with transcription before answering.

  • New language translation support for calls, FaceTime, and even Apple Music karaoke.

• 🎮 Chachi Says Video Game Minute

  • Gen Z to Gen Alpha: gaming engagement continues to rise.

  • Highlights from Sony’s State of Play including Marvel vs Capcom 4v4, 007 game.

  • Imagine Dragons announces game studio & new CTF title “Last Flag.”

• 🧠 Additional Discussion Points

  • Caution about using developer/public betas.

  • Comparison of iPhone vs Android camera performance.

  • The challenges of privacy vs AI innovation on Apple platforms.

  • Commentary from Zeke Mercer on Apple vs Android tradeoffs for content creators.