Apple Reveals Its 'Next Generation' Laptops

Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL - news) has revealed what it is describing as "the most beautiful computer we've ever made" at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference in Cupertino, California.

In recent years, Apple Inc. has used the event as an opportunity to announce new software for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

A thinner and quieter line-up of MacBook Air and Pro laptops were introduced to a packed, and largely adoring auditorium, with the inclusion of higher definition 'retina displays' and USB 3 ports.

The MacBook Pro laptop was described as "a true breakthrough in engineering - there has never been a notebook this thin, this light, this powerful for professional use".

The number of pixels in the display was said to be 2880 x 1880 - over four times the current standard.

Apple also announced that the latest software for mobile devices, iOS 6, will have more than 200 new features, including enhancements to 'Siri', a virtual assistant that interprets voice commands and talks back to the user.

Siri is also coming to the iPad, Apple's tablet.

The new operating system for Apple's Mac computers was also claimed to have better integration with social networks.

Apple says the upcoming Mac OS X 10.8 'Mountain Lion' operating system has built-in features to facilitate sharing on Twitter and Flickr.

The crowd was told that Mountain Lion would be available from July.

During the conference, the Apple website was closed with the message: "We're busy updating the Apple Store for you and will be back soon."

When it appeared again the new models were up on the site.