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WWDC 2106: What Was the Big Deal in Apple's Keynote?
Since most tech users live in a mixed-platform tech environment, it's prudent to pay attention to what each of the big tech companies are trying to do in the mobile, desktop and cloud spaces. Here are the biggest talking points from today's Apple WWDC keynote.
Lisa Schmeiser
June 13, 2016
7 Min Read
Since most tech users live in a mixed-platform tech environment -- Windows desktop users might have an iPad or two floating around the house, for example -- it's prudent to pay attention to what each of the big tech companies are trying to do in the mobile, desktop and cloud spaces. Here are the biggest talking points from today's WWDC keynote, which laid out a roadmap for the steps Apple will be taking as it works with developers.
A moment of silence for the victims of the Orlando massacre, a visibly moved Tim Cook. Unusual for a tech keynote. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
13 mil registered AAPL devs, w/2 mil added in the last year — that’s 15% growth year-over-year. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Two million apps on the app store, Cook says. Will there be any word on improved discovery mechanisms for these? #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Introducing four “category-defining” platforms at #WWDC2016 …
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
4 platforms for dev: watchOS, tvOS, OSX, iOS … “we’re going to move each of these platforms forward today.” #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Here’s what’s coming for watchOS: keep fav apps in memory; refreshed background info; faster performance #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Apple Watch app dock — lets users have access to favorite apps quickly. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Adding a control center to the watch too — lets users toggle between watch face and mobile-feeling app interface. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Scribble lets people handwrite messages on their Apple Watch #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Scribble works in Chinese as well as English. Smart. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
One interesting thing: AAPL has noticed Watch users switch between different watch faces depending on use case & context. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
SOS on Apple Watch: Can contact emergency services, provide location, offer medical info — and not restricted to U.S. only #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Apple Watch refined algorithms for wheelchair users so they can accurately log wheelchair users’ activity. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
New health app on Watch OS called “Breathe” designed to guide users through deep breathing exercises #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
The positioning of Watch as fitness app, productivity center, emergency beacon = way to justify the price #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
On to the tvOS part of #WWDC2016 with Eddy Cue — 6K native apps on the platform in 7 mos.
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Single sign-on on Apple TV — reducing pain point for users. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Can now do thing where you download app to both phone and TV — good for ppl who basically watch on any device anywhere #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
No more OS X! Play the Sarah Maclachlan “I will remember you” OS montage. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
macOS Sierra — now featuring AutoUnlock (another push for the Watch), a universal clipboard. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
iCloud Drive — now incorporating features that OneDrive users have enjoyed for some time #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Am pretty sure OneDrive users are looking at the list of stuff iCloud can do & are all, “That’s cute. We’ve had that for a while.” #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Apple Pay coming to the Web. You can authenticate the buy via biometrics on your iPhone or Watch. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Siri coming to the Mac platform. When you curse at your computer, it can now sass back. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Siri on desktop is basically a way to make voice searches on your Mac — find old files, get somewhat specific #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Feature #1: User experience — raise-to-wake lets you see what’s on the lock screen w/o touching button — it’s motion sensitive #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Siri being opened up to developers. Cortona will let her know how that’s working #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Opening up Siri = way to have ppl outside AAPL catch up on smart home integrations. We’ll see if AMZN has to worry. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Siri to break out contextually-appropriate suggestions for texts, emails. Curious how trainable it is, whether data goes to AAPL #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
What’s new in photos: now more closely pairing photos w/geolocation. Also bringing advanced facial recognition #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
The sheer amount of data attached to photos — & how it can be monitored, compiled & analyzed — is mind-boggling. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Apple Photos getting more Google Photos-like: deep learning of facial, object and scene recognition #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
All-new design for Maps w/more proactive features like suggestions for food. (v much like Google I/O keynote) #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Opening up Apple Maps to developers, which will allow tighter integration between retail/travel/restaurants — or activists — and directions.
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
This Apple Maps news about integration into other services is something ppl who were at Build or IO have heard before. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Apple Music — redesigned (and it needs it) but few screens on how to manage your own music #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Moving into smart home news now: HomeKit expanded its roster of manufacturers & home builders who support it #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
New app called “Home” will act as a dashboard for all the smart home items you have. Smart centralization of functions #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Annoying problem w/smart home apps = plethora of individual apps/tasks to manage. Home fixes that w/its centralization #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
One more thing about Home: would love to know what data AAPL’s logging & how it’s being stored for security reasons. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Voicemail transcription & new API for incoming calls. Contact call also remembers whether you prefer to call or email someone #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Yikes, we’re getting animated message bubbles & secret messages (requiring finger sliding) & enhanced emojis in the message app #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Messages also feature handwriting, drawing,animated backgrounds. It is like e-cards from 1997 all over again #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Being able to order at restaurants & pay w/in the Message app seems very handy, esp for “I don’t feel like cooking” nights #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
“Keeping your personal data under YOUR control” & “we don’t build any user profiles. At last, some ref to data privacy #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
“Differential privacy” is a method of data analysis while maintaining user privacy. Novel to see a company addressing this. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
The user privacy emphasis makes sense given past issue w/FBI and the phone-cracking request earlier this year #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Bring me a Brownie troop, 8 iPads and Swift Playground. I wish to see how this learn-to-program app operates in real life. #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
Swift Playgrounds in the app store when iOS 10 ships in the fall — for free! #WWDC2016
— SuperSiteforWindows (@SSforWindows) June 13, 2016
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