WWDC 2017: The Important Announcements

Apple made some huge announcements at WWDC 2017, San Francisco. The conference started with the keynote speakers announcing major Apple releases. Apple unveiled major updates like Homepod speakers, Machine Learning Framework, iOS 11, ARKit & many other updates which seem to be exciting for the iOS developer community and business for implementing on their existing products and solutions and also updated the audience with some new releases.

So, let’s see what were the major announcements of the event.

Apple’s HomePod Speaker

Amazon’s pioneering device, Echo, lets you play music, look up basic information and control your home accessories. Google’s Home has the ability to tie in to multiple Google accounts, so you can check your calendar for the day, set and manage reminders in Keep, and report traffic conditions on your commute using Maps data. Apple showed off HomePod on Monday, and it will be available in December. This will open new opportunities in the iOS app development industry.

Apple recently announced a product that is a 7-inch high speaker called the HomePod, fitted with an A8 chip that adjusts sound based on the shape and size of the room it’s on and respond to commands. It is fitted with Siri and has been designed to rival the Amazon Echo and Google Home speakers.

Apple also announced that it had prioritized the speaker’s sound, which can be lacking on rival devices. HomePod has an array of speakers to create virtual surround sound.

iOS 11 – Time to Update Your Mobile Application for new iOS

With the introduction of extensions, iOS 10 made a remarkable advancement. What’s next you ask? iOS 11 with more awesome features.

• Apple’s upcoming mobile software, iOS 11, includes a more helpful Siri.
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) payments within iMessage. This will enhance the use of iMessage extension for your iOS app development.
• A control center that assembles all functions at one place.
• iMessage will now synchronize messages across devices, so deleting a message in one app will delete it across all devices. It will also feature a new toolbar for emoji and stickers within iMessage.
• Multitasking made easy with this iOS 11.
• The Photos app in iOS 11 can create collages of pictures and videos called ‘Memories’ that can spot key moments such as anniversaries or birthdays.
• Apple has also introduced a feature that knows when users are driving and triggers a new “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode.

iPad Pro – 10.5 inch – UI designers have new hardware to play with.

A 10.5-inch iPad Pro is replacing the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and joining the 12.9-inch version. By designing iOS 11 features for iPad makes it work more like an Apple computer. The iPad app development will revolutionize because of this major update.

Apple’s predicament seems to be that for existing iPad customers. The tablets are still quite capable and running strong, giving them little reason to upgrade. However, Amazon is a tough competitor in the field of the table as they offer Amazon Kindle Fire tablets for $50 only.

Introducing iMac Pro

Apple’s most awaited hardware debut was the iMac Pro that will support up to 18 core processors and include a graphic chipset called Radeon Vega. Apple also unveiled a new operating system for its Mac computers, called High Sierra. Privacy is the key selling factor for Apple, they made it clear that the auto streaming of videos and advertisements over Safari browsers will be blocked. This could be a trouble for developers who rely on Ads. With this announcement, Apple ensured a stronger updated graphics engine that supports VR app development.

“It’s going to be the most powerful Mac we’ve ever made,” said John Ternus, Apple’s vice president of hardware engineering.

• The iMac Pro will start at $5,000 and ship in December.
• It has a 5K screen and comes in space gray.
• Apple has updated its whole iMac range with 7th generation Intel Core Kaby Lake processors, as well as improving memory and graphics card performance.

Watch OS and TV OS : build an app that talks with people

Apple also unveiled new software for the Watch called watchOS 4, which includes a Siri face that can offer personalized advice through the day. Also, the news is, Amazon Prime Video will join Apple TV later this year. By adding notifications, AppleTV is ready to launch new features.

Apple demonstrated changes to the OS for the Apple Watch including a new watch face that uses Siri to suggest directions and show calendar items. The most substantial changes focused on fitness, consisting the ability to track new types of high-intensity workouts.

Have some insights to share?

These were some of the major announcements made at WWDC 2017 conference. Talk is, even Virtual Reality was in limelight with the introduction of High Sierra for MacOS.

Have something to share on what you expect of the new features unleashed by Apple? Tweet us on Twitter @letsnurture or drop a post on the official FaceBook page of LetsNurture. Share your thoughts with us, we will be happy to have a discussion on the same.