watchOS 3 is available to preview from today to anyone enrolled in the Apple developer programme. Now, it looks like Apple has finally cracked watchOS’ performance issues, with watchOS 3 able to keep your favourite apps in memory and update them in the background, then launch those apps instantly.
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That’s a development that will make a huge difference to the way Apple Watch feels to use, but Apple hasn’t left it at just that.
Secondly, Siri has been opened up to developers.
iOS 10 made its first public appearance at Apple’s WWDC conference on Monday, but contrary to what people expected, Apple didn’t say anything about a potential dark theme that could make its debut in the next iteration of the operating system. Facebook’s WhatsApp, with about one billion users, and Messenger, with about 900 million, both consistently rank among the top downloads on Apple’s App Store. In addition Apple has also added new APIs and tools for its tvOS middleware. It starts with a new lock-screen with a “raise-to-wake” feature – something we saw in the Moto X’s active display notifications at a glance. Apple doesn’t officially number its tvOS operating system updates, but on June 13, Apple introduced the latest version of tvOS, known as tvOS 10 to developers. Starting soon, users will be able to conduct voice-based YouTube searches asking Siri things like “search YouTube for kitten videos”. That recaptures ground lost to Amazon and Google, who have released virtual assistants since Apple introduced Siri in 2011.
Furthering their HomeKit home automation, Apple unveiled a new “Home” app on iOS that aims to be the control center for all connected household devices. Developers can create a custom user interface within the Messages app, create a sticker browser, include text, and media files within a conversation, and create, send, and update interactive messages. “It could really change the way that apps are built and how customers experience them”, he said.
Apple introduced a revamped version of its music streaming service aimed at making it easier to use.
Apple’s annual conference sets the stage for its software releases for the rest of the year. Its new picture-in-picture functionality allows for smoother transition between various apps. Along with that, Apple Music will now provide lyrics to the songs you are listening.
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Federighi said Apple Pay would be expanded “in the coming months” to more markets including France, Hong Kong and Switzerland. PayPal also lets users of certain devices log into their accounts with a fingerprint reader. “If Apple figures out a more convenient way of going through the authentication process, customers that have Apple Pay may pick that and not use PayPal”.
