Apple successfully completed the first day of its first-ever online WWDC (WorldWide Developer Conference) 2020. So, if you missed the event, here are a few exciting announcements.
iOS 14
Apple will be shipping the new iOS 14 to iPhones in the latter part of 2020 bringing in fresh widgets, App Library, and Picture-in-Picture (PiP).
Apple introduces the idea of using widgets on the home screen. And you can add more widgets from the Widget Gallery. Similarly, the App Library itself organizes apps categorically ensuring intuitive user experience. Meanwhile, with Picture-in-Picture debuting, you can simply swipe a full-screen video and resize and move it. Even if you wish to see the full screen, you can minimize the PiP to a button without having to exit the video.
iOS 14 will bring in added age options and Memoji accessories including face masks and blushing emotions. Now, Memojis are not actually the additions to really get excited about, however, they do ensure a better Memoji conversation.
A Dedicated Map View for Cycling and Electric Vehicles (EV) Users in Apple Maps
Apple is launching a dedicated map view in the Apple Maps for cycling. The update notifies elevation and whether or not you should carry it up to the destination. EV drivers can make use of the feature to know charging stations along the way. However, the company will be launching the feature in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Beijing in the first batch while gradually ship it to other places in the future.
Apple Digital Car Key
Apple is shipping the digital car key to both the iOS 13 and iOS 14. It uses NFC to unlock cars that support the feature. All you require is a key registered in the Apple Wallet and get near to unlock the car. After that, you can start the engine with your device on the pad.
You can delete the key from the cloud whenever you want. You can even signup for special permissions for different iPhone users to allow and permit users to the key. However, for now, the feature is supported in the BMW 5 series only.
App Clips
The iOS 14 will come with App Clips, much like Android Instant Apps. This means you don’t really need to download the full application to access it, while you can use the Apply Pay to buy one.
iPadOS 14
Apple is introducing widgets to the next iteration of its iPadOS, the iPadOS 14, much like iOS 14. However, we don’t really know how similar will it be to the widgets on iPhones. You will also see a new sidebar for “more intuitive” navigating experience and “productivity”. The company was open to talk about ongoing developments in Apple Music and other apps.
Apple also revamps the iPad search that now looks like the macOS’ Spotlight. You can use the iPad search in order to launch applications as in Launchpad and search contacts as well as the web.
Apple Pencil and Scribble
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Now, you can use Scribble with the Apple Pencil to convert your handwriting to text. Just write in any text field in your handwriting with the Apple Pencil and Scribble will detect the written information context itself, redirecting you to corresponding apps. And of course, Scribble renders your handwriting in multiple languages into text on the iPad.
Switch Devices with AirPods
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Apple affirms to update the AirPods software for an automatic connection with a paired device that starts playing audio. Hence, you don’t have to select and connect a device manually.
With the AirPods Pro, the company is leveraging its accelerometer thereby producing enhanced spatial audio, which is said to track the head as well as the device location.
Watchfaces and Face Swapping
Apple’s Face Swapping lets you get and share the watchfaces. You can search for a watchface on Apple developer’s website or social media and apply it to the Apple Watch.
WatchOS 7
WatchOS 7 brings in the capability to track dance, sleep, and handwash. Apple is leveraging gyroscope and accelerometer in the Apple Watch alongside heart rate data thereby tracking several dance genres. Also, it is using the sensor in the Apple Watch to track the motion. The company mentions the use of machine learning that is able to track sleep. While you don’t really need an Apple Watch to track such, the use of one produces more precision.
Furthermore, Apple incorporates a machine learning capability in the WatchOS 7 that can find out if you have started handwashing. Basically, it’s leveraging watch microphones to listen to the water splashing sound and starting a countdown on the watch face for handwashing confirmation.
A New Smart Home Tech
Apple bonds with companies including Google, Amazon, Zigbee, and so on to develop a new smart home tech on top of HomeKit-compatible devices. However, it didn’t talk much on the topic.
The Apple TV with Multi-user Support for Apple Arcade and the PiP
Now, you can switch an Apple Arcade title to someone else while keeping your progress. Also, Apple supports the Xbox Elite 2 wireless controller as well as the Xbox Adaptive controller.
Similarly, with picture-in-picture, you don’t need to switch applications in TvOS 14 just to watch more stuff on the TV. Make sure you have tabs on the news and you are good to go.
macOS Big Sur
Apple announced a macOS Big Sur update for its Mac devices that seems much like iOS bringing in a design revamp to align with it and iPadOS. It’s really not a surprise to see features including widgets, grouping and pinned conversations, and Memoji in macOS Big Sur.
The new Apple Silicon
Apple finally speaks regarding its own silicon. It is taking a big stride both in terms of hardware and software getting its own hands dirty with the components. The company that has been relying upon Intel for the processor is working to get the Intel-based applications running on new Macs. While on the software side, it’s working to run applications from environments including Linux to run on Macs.
Also, considering the use of custom hardware, they even support the iPhone and iPad applications. Apple says that they will continue to release Intel-based Macs but will wholly transition to its custom silicon in the next two years.
