WWDC Recap
Big news from the Worldwide Developer’s Conference 2016.
Anyone entrenched in the tech or developer world will know that the acronym WWDC stands for Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference, the yearly event held in California where Apple reveals its software updates to developers from all around the world. Over the years, the live stream of the conference—and accompanying chatter and analysis all across the internet—has become as integral to the event as the announcements themselves.
An Apple A Day
The most recent installment was held in early June and led by Apple CEO Tim Cook. For Apple devotees, it contained big news about numerous changes to the company’s software programs. However, for the close observer, one of the interesting things about the WWDC is that it reveals more than just the latest updates. Since the days of Steve Jobs’ meticulously planned keynote addresses, the stage presentation has softened somewhat and new focuses have emerged, suggesting the company is moving gradually in new directions in order to adapt with the times.
Any Device
At June’s WWDC, one of the most notable examples of that shift was the emphasis on the “Apple Experience”. The idea is, as Fast Company put it, that using Apple products should feel like using “a seamless, increasingly omnipresent and intelligent platform experience accessed via those devices.” In other words, “Apple wants you to be able to do whatever you need on whichever of its devices you are using. Start a document on a Mac, you can wrap it up on your iPhone. Start editing a slide show on your iPad, finish it up on a Mac or an iPhone. Track your physical activity on a Watch, check it out later on your iPad.”
While that idea provides a meta picture of what the company is going for, there were also dozens of more granular updates that had Apple devotees across the internet either celebrating or lamenting. Here are some of the most notable software updates announced at WWDC this year:
Universal Clipboard
This feature will allow users to easily work on a single document or application across multiple devices. It is one of the flagship features of what is being called Sierra, or the new operating system now referred to as macOS, rather than the previous OS X.
Apple Watch Improvements
In the face of widespread complaints about the user interface and functionality of Apple’s watch, the company has responded by making some notable changes. The changes include faster loading times for apps (up to seven times faster, says the company), a new dock which makes it easier to switch between apps, and a new SOS feature which makes emergency calls immediate and seamless.
Apple Music Makeover
Beefing up its service – which is only a year old – Apple seems to be directly competing with Spotify by introducing algorithm-curated playlists and a complete redesign to the interface of the service.
iMessage Excitement
With new animated effects, bigger emoji, writing notes in handwriting and better sharing options, Apple seems to also be making a play for Snapchat by making their flagship messaging service a little more exciting and playful.
Siri Comes To Mac
Now available on your desktop or laptop and not just your mobile device, Siri will be waiting to field demands like voice commands to find files, carry out web searches, or draft messages.
Apple Pay Expands
You will now be able to make payments using Apple Pay on your desktop, using the authentication system built into your phone or Apple Watch. This means more seamless payments where Apple Pay is accepted, and fewer instances where you must type in your card details.