WWDC 2016, What Will Apple Announce?
More tea leaf reading!
Apple is all set to unleash some changes to its software stack that powers their Macs and iDevices. Curtains go up at it’s Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, 13th June.
At last year’s WWDC, Apple had introduced OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), iOS 9, and WatchOS 2.
The News App too, made its debut, Maps added Public Transit Directions, and HomeKit and CarPlay both got updates.
But this year, it seems Siri is going to be the show stopper, penetrating deeper into Apple’s major OS.
Siri — The Show Stopper
This year we’re expecting hear a lot about how Siri is moving deeper into Apple’s major OS’, and about her advances in general smarts and usefulness.
Apple execs will probably talk about how the company has further integrated its cloud services into its OSs and apps.
OS X has had the least share of Siri in its neural networks, but this might soon change. On your Mac, Siri could be used to send texts or e-mails, or making hands-free voice calls using the usual voice control at Siri. This could be in the form a keyboard shortcut or an icon in the Mac’s menu bar. This sounds interesting and ease at Mac would definitely be increased if that happens.
Apple Music Makeover
Apple is rumoured to be refurbishing and re-designing it’s streaming music service that was revealed last year at WWDC. This makeover of Apple Music is more to do with interface changes than with functional retrofitting. Much needed, we say!
If 9to5Mac’s Mark Gurman speculations are to be believed, then the “New” tab, which currently contains curated playlists, top lists, and featured content, will be cleaned up and rechristened “Browse”.
Gurman is also of the view that the app will get a prominently dual black-and-white color scheme, thus relying largely on album art to lend that pop of color. Other reports speculate that Apple will add support for song lyrics to Apple Music.
Earlier this year, the rumour mill was abuzz that the social aspect of the app — Connect- will be abandoned. Perhaps, it might disappear at this WWDC.
Simply said, what could happen is that Apple Music might likely get rid of the complicated version of the app making it simpler with fewer colors and different screens.
Since the download business is about three times as profitable, as per Bloomberg, it would be desirable for Apple to continue featuring downloads in any redesigned interface it brings to the table.
What’s up with iOS 10?
The major change that everyone is expecting is Siri on Mac and its integration with third party developers. Other than that, Apple is purportedly working on a person-to-person payments system, something similar to Venmo, as reported by The Wall Street Journal back in November 2015.
So it is possible that Apple might launch some new service related to the Apple Pay which might get a mention at this WWDC keynote.
WWDC keynotes always excite iPhone fans since it gives them a peep into what the new handsets might look like and what new features are coming to the table in autumn.
Furthermore, Apple CEO Tim Cook told BuzzFeed News last year that the company may allow iPhone owners to get rid of default apps that they use less or don’t use altogether, like the Stocks app. That would definitely come as a welcome change for many but it’s important to constantly keep in mind that all these are speculations and nothing has been set in stone as yet.
Messaging AI on the way?
Keeping in mind, the current trend of standalone home assistant devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home, Apple might incorporate the same Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its messaging platform. Rumours about home device being launched looks like a doubtful case; instead, it is more likely that this new intelligence could be built into its iMessage service. Personal mobile payments via Apple Pay perhaps?
A VR to be mentioned?
On similar lines, there have been rumours regarding Apple working on a VR device. But the What, How and When still remain unanswered in this case.
Apple has this habit of not jumping head long into the sea of new trends, it sits back, observes, analyses, learns from the mistakes and experiences of other companies and then hits the bulls eye.
What we mean here is that you might have to wait a little longer for Apple to come out with its VR device, in case you got excited with the mere possibility of it.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch hasn’t got a makeover or any significant love since it was first launched in April, 2015. Changes in this department are the most expected ones. Rumour has it that Apple might bring a camera to the Watch and its own internet connection so that it can work without a phone.
To know what really materializes and what remains behind just as a rumour, watch out for the keynote.
Rest assured, we at Chip-Monks will keep you updated.
Originally published at Chip-Monks.
