Apple is hosting its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) tonight and the keynote has started with a film by app developers. The WWDC keynote sets the tone of what to expect from Apple on the software product perspective, be it the next iteration of iOS or macOS or watchOS.
iOS 15, the latest version of the iPhone operating system, is official. The new iOS update includes a number of improvements including a much better FaceTime. Now, FaceTime includes Spatial Audio, portrait mode to blur backgrounds, and a grid view to speak to multiple people at the same time. Not just that, Apple has also added a new way that lets users send links to schedule individual FaceTime calls, similar to Zoom. Plus, users can also share their screen or music through a new feature called ShareTime. The big news is that FaceTime is now supported on Android and Windows through a web browser.
At WWDC 2021, Apple announced a new version of macOS. It’s called Monterey, named after the beach town in California’s central coast. macOS Monterey brings a number of features including the ability to use the same mouse and keyboard across a Mac or an iPad. This feature is called Universal Control. Also, for the first time, iOS devices can beam their screen to a Mac, thanks to AirPlay. That’s not all. Apple’s Safari web browser has also got a redesign with new features including tab grouping and tab bookmarking. Apple also added new Shortcuts to the Mac interface.
Universal Control lets users rely on the same keyboard,
trackpad to control different devices be it your MacBook and iPad. Users can
even drag and drop files between devices. It will work with more than two
devices, according to Apple. macOS Monterey is here. It has the new FaceTime
support, SharePlay and Shared with You feature and better notifications as seen
on iOS 15.
Say hello to watchOS 8. The latest Apple Watch software not only includes new watch faces but several brand new features such as the ability to write text with their finger to send a text message using the Apple Watch. watchOS 8 also includes an updated Breathe app called Mindfulness. There’s also support for tracking your respiratory rate while you’re asleep. Meanwhile, in the Workouts app, new workout types have been added including martial arts and palates. A new Artist Spotlight series is being added, offering new workouts featuring Lady Gaga, Leith Urban, and more.
Apple watchOS 8 adds new Mindfulness app, redesigned Photos
app, and improvements to the Health app. Apple has already announced it plans
to bring these to its music streaming service at no extra cost for subscribers.
A new Portraits watchface. Now users can pick their Portrait shots as
watchface. The Photos app has also been redesigned on watchOS 8 and will show
Memories as well on the watch. It also makes it easier to send messages from
the watch, and add lots of emojis as well to a reply.
iPadOS 15
Like iOS, iPadOS is getting a ton of new features. With the
iPadOS 15, users can rearrange iPad apps by putting widgets on the screen and
the App Library feature, announced for iOS last year, automatically organises
apps. Apple also introduced a new
multitasking interface, making it easy to put two apps side by side on the iPad
screen. The Notes app, meanwhile, has been updated with a better interface. A
new feature called Quick Notes allows users to jot notes using the Apple
Pencil. A new update to the Translation app has also been announced.
New privacy features, iCloud+ announced
Apple is adding new privacy features to its devices. For
instance, it is adding something called tracker-blockers in its Mail app which
basically hides your IP address and location. The company is also adding the
App Tracker Report section to settings, where users can see how often apps use
info in the last seven days. The tech has announced a new service called
iCloud+. The idea behind the iCloud+, which includes additional features for
online privacy. Perhaps the biggest feature as part of iCloud+ is Private
Relay, which essentially routed web traffic through two separate servers, just
like VPN.
HomePod Mini now works as stereo speakers
Apple is tightening its HomePod Mini with Apple TV. Later
this year, users can ask HomePod Mini to play music or movie on Apple TV. “Hey
Siri, play Schitt’s Creek” on Apple TV, for example. The big news is users will
be able to use their HomePod Mini as stereo speakers when hooked into the Apple
TV. This feature was previously limited to the original HomePod.
Safari Extensions
Apple is bringing Web extensions to iPhone and iPad as well
on the Safari browser.
Safari update on Monterey
Safari is getting a complete redesign on the latest version
of macOS. There's a new streamlined tab bar on Safari. There's a new tabs
groups feature, where users can create a set of tabs depending on the kind of
websites/links they contain. Tabs Groups get reflected on other devices as well
such as iPad and MacBooks.
Apple is bringing Shortcuts to Macs
Shortcuts app from iOS is coming to Macs as well. Users can
link together a series of actions on Shortcuts on their Macs as well.
AirPlay to Mac
AirPlay to Mac will let users AirPlay anything from your iPhone
or iPad to the Mac. More fluidity, across Apple devices with this version of
macOS.
Siri is coming to third-party devices
This is big. Apple will let other accessories add support
for Siri as well.
Apple users will be able to use their iPhone or Watch to
unlock their home, provide it has a Smart Lock with HomeKit compatability.
Apple TV app will also show what movies or shows your friends are watching on
the app. Users will also be able to select HomePod mini as the audio output for
their Apple TV 4K.
Apple Health: Data sharing with family
Apple users will be able to share health alerts and data
with their family members. This could be useful in tracking the health of an
aging parent, according to Apple. According to the company, all data will be
encrypted in transit.
Apple Health: Labs data
Apple Health app will now help users understand their lab
results better. Apple is also adding trending on long term changes such as
resting heart-rate, steps, glucose, etc.
Apple Health: New features
Walking Steadiness: Apple is adding a new feature which can
look at your risks of a fall based on how you walk. A number of metrics are
used to figure out your stability and determine walk risk. Users can see their
risk in the Health app. Users could receive a notification if their steadiness
is low. The app will also have exercises to reduce your risk of falling.
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