I’m always excited to see what Apple innovates, but I have to say, I’m really looking forward to some of these fancy upgrades..
Siri Makes Its Way to Mac
Finally, with the new MacOS Sierra update, Siri is being put to use in its best capacity. MacOS is arguably the most powerful operating system available. It has a streamlined design and unmatched performance, but having a personal assistant at your side by simply saying, “Hey, Siri” is amazing. Siri is able to do the same things on Mac as on iPhone, but is specially redesigned to enhance the experience for Mac users. Siri has the ability to search through files on your Mac and give you filtered results based on your needs. For example, you could ask “Show me my downloads from two weeks ago.” Rejoice.
A Messaging Makeover
A creative new take on the Messages app is making its debut in iOS 10. Sometimes an emoji just isn’t enough to get your point across. Coming soon, you can say what you want to HOW you want to. You can make your messages slam on your friend’s screen or even send them a handwritten ‘hello.’ This new feature is DEFINITELY something I’ll use and I can’t wait to give it a spin.
The new Messages update will be available on both iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Maps That Really Cut to the Chase
Search along your route. No way!
It’s about time! Maps can finally show you what you need to know at a glance and give you much more if you need it. I can’t wait to get this outstanding improvement to the Maps app. In my opinion, the current Maps app is quite dangerous to operate while driving. The new improvements coming with iOS 10 will show and speak directions and display arrival times, but there’s more. Need gas or food? Maps will now show places ON YOUR ROUTE and save you time and frustration when you’re trying to stay on track. Pretty cool.
There will also be an option to display the overview of your route while Maps is navigating... something that Maps has lacked for quite some time.
Maps can also make dinner reservations and give you proactive recommendations for a better navigating experience.
Want to silence the audio directions? A simple tap, and DONE.
Odds and Ends
Not to be overlooked:
1. Raise to wake: pick up your phone and it automatically displays the lock screen and notifications.
2. Rich notifications: view photos and videos and respond to messages directly within the notification.
3. Multilingual typing: no more changing between keyboards if you want to switch to another language
As a long-term Apple user, I love the new changes coming to the already successful technology. The technology that we know and love is becoming easier to use and there is much more of a personalized touch in the user experience. People will be able to connect with others on a more imaginative level and developers can use the enhanced software to showcase their creativity. iOS 9 brought several opportunities for developers, but iOS 10 is pushing even further.
All of the new updates will be released this fall, but if you’d like to test it earlier, you can participate in the Apple Beta Program.
These updates were presented at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) by Apple CEO, Tim Cook.
