June 2012 could reveal the future of three major mobile operating systems - iOS, Android and Windows Phone. Along with WWDC in June, where Apple is expected to preview iOS 6, the Windows Phone Developer Summit and the Google I/O are expected to reveal Windows Phone 8 and Jelly Bean respectively.
Worldwide Developers Conference (June 11-15)
WDDC opens the trio of conferences and is Apple's annual developer-focused conference, and therefore seems a natural fit for the next major version of iOS. There are no concrete details, though some users are wondering if Apple will overhaul the look and feel of iOS, which is largely identical to its debut in 2007. Some uses cite the lack of widget functionality and customization, with Apple not even allowing users to set the default e-mail client.
Regarding apps, Apple is reportedly working on a Google Maps competitor. Apple will likely make iOS 6 available to developers, which will run until the launch of the iPhone 5.
Windows Phone Developer Summit (June 20-21)
A leaked video of Joe Belfiore previewing Windows Phone 8 to Nokia employees preview Windows Phone 8, and Microsoft could reveal the operating system at the Summit.
There's an expectation Microsoft will continue to integrate all of its platforms. The company allows games to be saved on Windows Phones and resumed on the Xbox 360 with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2.
There's also the chance Microsoft will push developer support, especially with Windows 8 releasing in 2012. The similar UIs could mean developers will be able to ports apps across the platforms.
Skype integration and a new version of Internet Explorer, possibly based on internet Explorer 10, may also feature.
Google I/O (June 27-29)
Closing out the trio is Google. Despite the Samsung Galaxy S3 announcement on May 4, which runs Ice Cream Sandwich, and Android 4.0 releasing November 2011, Google could already be readying to reveal its next major version of Android: Jelly Bean. The I/O was delayed six weeks, which could be due to an imminent reveal.
Informationweek predicts Ice Cream Sandwich will reach "critical mass" in June or July 2012, so a Jelly Bean reveal could out-date those devices. Google has said, though, that yearly Android updates would be the new schedule.
If Google doesn't reveal Jelly Bean, it could unveil news apps or service. Last year the company announced Google Music.
(reported by Jonathan Charles, edited by Dave Clark)
© Copyright 2020 Mobile & Apps, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.most read
more stories from OS / Software
Microsoft has reportedly started talks with HTC to add its Windows OS to the phone maker's Android smartphones and HTC is apparently considering to make a Windows Phone/Android dual-booting smartphone.
ernest hamiltonA bug in Chrome for iOS 7 has caused Google's mobile browser to leak private searches made in 'Incognito' mode.
ernest hamiltonHTC has announced that Sprint has already started to roll out the Android 4.3 update to the HTC One, AT&T and T-Mobile will follow in mid-October, while Verizon will release it by the end of the month.
ernest hamiltonThe new Windows 8.1 has gone up for pre-order on the Microsoft Store, ahead of the official launch on Oct. 18.
ernest hamiltonApple has acknowledged the iOS 7 iMessage issue and promised to provide a fix in an upcoming software update.
ernest hamiltonSamsung Canada and French carrier SFR have confirmed the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean rollout schedule for the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2.
ernest hamiltonThe unlocked, international HTC One is getting Android 4.3 Jelly Bean now, but the U.S. and Canadian versions will 'slightly miss' the end-September timeframe.
ernest hamiltonThe Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 are reportedly slated to get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in the fourth quarter, by year-end.
ernest hamilton