Apple unveiled updates to its tablet lineup by introducing the new iPad mini 2 and the completely renamed iPad Air. At its keynote speech, the company went over a slew of new features, devices, hardware and software alike. With so many feathers being placed in Apple's cap, you'd think the company wouldn't need to call out its competition, however, that didn't seem to stop it from taking a few digs at other tablet and computer makers, particularly Microsoft.
"Our competition is different: They're confused. They chased after netbooks. Now they're trying to make PCs into tablets and tablets into PCs. Who knows what they'll do next? I can't answer that question, but I can tell you that we're focused," said Apple CEO Tim Cook before unveiling the new tablets.
This is a direct shot at Microsoft's Surface tablet/PC hybrids. As VentureBeat puts it, it is Tim Cook's way of showing other companies that aren't quite ready to embrace the post-PC world in a negative light. It sort of puts them behind the times as many look to alternative methods of browsing the web and augmenting their productivity than simple desktops or laptops.
Microsoft has received criticism in the past for not completely letting go of its PC interfaces that have come before it. It clumsily swaps between the tile interface, designed for tablets and the aged Windows desktop. With the release of Windows 8.1, it has even brought back the famous Start Button as well as improved swapping between the two interfaces. However, it still leaves them with two interfaces for people to learn.
Apple also took a shots at Microsoft when it announced that its new Mac operating system OS X Mavericks would be released for free on Tuesday.
"The days of spending hundreds of dollars to get the most from your computer are gone," said Apple engineering vice president Craig Federighi when making the announcement. Meanwhile, the latest version of Windows will cost PC users who want to stay up-to-date nearly $200.
