Hugo Beniada, Fueled
For the last three decades, Apple has held the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), a five day event in which developers are able to gain a better understanding of Apple software, directly from the source.
Given the company’s growing customer base and immense market share, the WWDC creates quite a buzz in the tech world, specifically its kick-off event that includes a two-hour keynote address.
Rumors begin to fly once the conference approaches, and this year was no different. Talk of an updated version of the iPhone and Macbook begin early, along with discussions of iOS 8, OS X 10.10, and even an iWatch launch.
iOS 8 and OS X predictions
An overhaul of its operating system (iOS) laid out what was touted as an enhanced experience for users. There were a handful of rumours floating about prior to the WWDC Keynote event regarding what developers could expect as far as changes for the iOS 8 and the OS X release.
However, a number of tweaks and improvements were anticipated, with a focus on integration between the two.
iOS 8 and OS X Results
So, what aspects of iOS 8 and OS X were discussed? The most notable to developers was the release of Apple’s new API, Healthkit, which allows for the linking of other applications to a central database of users’ personal health data.
The new app is available for purchase in the app store for users, but more importantly, is meant to be utilized by medical apps and platforms. Health information will be stored privately, and can be easily shared with doctors and hospitals across a range of networks.
Also, the company discussed a new Photos app that allows users the ability to edit simply – an enhancement of Apple’s iPhoto technology.
Notifications under the iOS 8 launch have been enhanced as well, providing a way for users to answer them without having to leave an app or unlock the device.
Double tapping the home button under iOS 8 will now bring up a list of the most contacted people as a group of icons. Selecting one of the icons gives access to the available forms of communication, such as calling, chatting, FaceTime or FaceTime Voice.
The discussion of OS X and its seamless integration with iOS 8 took on a large portion of the keynote. Most notably, Airdrop now works between MacBook and iPad or iPhone devices, allowing users to now drag and drop files from one device to another via a wireless network.
Additionally, iPhone devices can now send SMS messages to a user’s MacBook through iMessage, providing a seamless message center. The same is now being done with calls, too, allowing iPhones to relay voice calls to a MacBook.
Overall, the predictions about iOS 8 and OS X were not far off the mark, with simple improvements and tweaks coming in the latest versions of both systems.
iWatch and iPhone 6 Predictions
Along with the rumours of the release for the iPhone 6 came a number of predictions about a compatible iWatch device. Experts speculated that the wearable Apple product would sync to the new HealthBook app, similar to other fitness devices that track a range of health related activities.
iWatch and iPhone 6 Results
Despite experts’ predictions, neither an iWatch device nor an iPhone 6 were discussed in the two hour keynote during the first day of the WWDC. The main focus of the event was geared toward software, not hardware, with no clear indication of when a discussion of new products would take place.
It seems Apple is keeping these launches close to the chest, with new predictions aiming for a late fall reveal.
The WWDC was not as jam packed with new bells and whistles for developers to latch on to as previous events held by Apple, but certainly the upgrades and improvements to operating systems for both mobile devices and MacBooks speak to continued innovation and a desire to meet consumer demands.
With a clear focus on enhancing the user experience, developers and users alike are looking forward to the future of Apple products to go hand in hand with its updated software suite.
