This year’s Apple WWDC keynote, held at the San Jose McEnergy Convention Center in San Jose, was a big surprise for many, not for what it showcased, but for what it didn’t—hardware. Even though the event is clearly about software, Apple has gotten us used to  announcements of future or refreshes of current products. But this year’s session was all about a large variety of enhancements to its iOS, tvOS, watchOS and MacOS platforms, designed to further optimize the overall Apple experience. News on hardware will reportedly be announced in September. iOS improvements include faster speeds and enhanced responsiveness for the iPhone. This even applies to the older versions, like the 6S, which the company claims will fire up 50 percent faster than previously with its camera will be ready to snap photos 70 percent faster than before. iOS 12 should work just fine on all devices capable of running iOS 11, including the little 5S. This was pleasant news for those hanging on to older phones. Maybe the nicest touch added to the operating system is Screen Time, which could help curb smartphone overuse. New usage reports will show how you’re wasting your time and, should you want to, you can set limits for those apps that eat up too much of your time. Grouped notifications are an attempt to cut distractions, and parents will be able to limit their child’s screen time. For many, this announcement was bizarre as it is unheard of to have a company use one of its biggest annual events to showcase ways to use its products less. But the reality is that Apple doesn’t make money from the time people spend on its devices, it just needs as many people as possible to buy those devices. If...

Tight-lipped Apple is finally opening up on its tech advancements and is turning heads: the company’s recent developments explore how a combination of solar energy and artificial intelligence can further reduce energy consumption. Solar Energy The California-based tech company has joined forces with utility provider NV Energy. Together, they will increase the solar power to Apple’s Reno data center by 200MW. In a press release, NV Energy president and CEO Paul Caudill stated, “We are proud to play a role in helping Apple meet their energy needs with Nevada’s abundant solar resource.” He continues, “In partnership with our customers, we continue to develop a more balanced fuel mix in a way that benefits the local economy by providing hundreds of jobs for Nevadans, particularly those in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 357 and 396, and advances the state’s policy goals.” Apple will dedicate 5MW of power towards their partner’s solar program for residences and businesses. “Our partnership with NV Energy helps assure our customers their iMessages, FaceTime video chats and Siri inquiries are powered by clean energy, and supports efforts to offer the choice of green energy to Nevada residents and businesses,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for environment, policy and social initiatives. She adds, “Investing in innovative clean energy sources is vital to Apple’s commitment to reaching, and maintaining, 100 percent renewable energy across all our operations.” Artificial Intelligence When it comes to AI, casual Apple users think of Siri, the (more-often-than-not) intelligent assistant. But Apple’s new approach to machine learning explores how AI can reduce energy usage in data centers Google was one of the earliest major tech companies to blaze the trail for energy-saving AI.  As early as July 2016, Google announced that AI reduced data center energy...