Apple WWDC 2018: Don’t miss any of the highlights, this is a must-read

After much anticipation, the annual Apple WWDC (Apple Worldwide Developers Conference) opened in the early morning of June 5. After a year of fluctuations in iOS 11, people have changed their mentality from expecting iOS 12 to provide all kinds of cool features to "fewer bugs". As for macOS, people are obviously more looking forward to the update of Mac hardware. If there is one thing that is most popular, it must be an iPhone SE2.

So in the face of people's expectations, what kind of answer did Apple give at this WWDC?

iOS 12: The key words are Siri evolution and anti-addiction

Solve some old problems first

[[231664]]

Before the release of iOS 12, Apple Vice President Craig Federighi said that the overall satisfaction rate of iOS 11 reached 95%. Well, it is really a data that makes the world full of tolerance and love.

This time, Apple has also begun to address the historical bug that caused devices to become stuck after the release of the new iOS or new iPhone. Therefore, iOS 12 and iOS 11 support the same devices, down to iPhone 5s and iPad mini 2, and iOS 12 will be faster and more sensitive on these devices, even twice as fast. Specifically, the camera launch is 70% faster and the keyboard is 50% faster.

[[231665]]

After the much-talked-about speed reduction incident, iOS 12 will also automatically adjust device performance as needed to improve the battery life of the phone.

After solving two historical problems, iOS 12 gets down to business.

AR is fun

The main topic at the beginning is the AR function.

After leaving Apple on a rainy summer night in Cupertino in 1985, Jobs spent $10 million to acquire George Lucas' computer animation department and established Pixar Animation Studios, which was later acquired by Disney.

Because of Steve Jobs, Apple and Pixar have a revolutionary friendship, and the latest result of their friendship is the joint launch of a new AR format, which will make AR technology perform even better in the future.

This new AR format is called USDZ. As a newborn born with a golden apple in its mouth, USDZ has been supported by the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (including Photoshop CC, InDesign CC, Illustrator CC, Dreamweaver CC, Premiere Pro CC) from the beginning.

This means that creators have very good tools to create optimized AR content for Apple from the start.

Apple Vice President Craig Federighi said that if the number of iPhones is taken into account, this will be the largest AR platform.

At the same time, the development kit ARKit for developers has been upgraded to the second generation, which mainly improves capabilities such as facial tracking, rendering capabilities, 3D detection and shared experience.

NetEase Games and CCP Games have jointly developed a mobile game based on the EVE Online universe, and added AR-related gameplay based on ARKit 2.0 technology. The game is currently under development and is expected to be launched in 2019, so it may be seen at WWDC next year.

[[231666]]

In order to demonstrate the new AR capabilities and effects, Apple invited Lego's creative director to participate. This is a real Lego building based on which up to four people can play with Apple's AR application, and can simulate various virtual images and buildings in the real environment.

[[231667]]

This app can be described as an extremely advanced pretend game (after all, it requires 4 new iOS devices and a large Lego building block), or a silly version of The Sims.

Album tribute to Google

Previously, if we were to talk about the pride of Android users, besides the spirit of openness, it would be the Google Photos app. After all, compared to the photo album function of iOS, Google Photos is still much smarter.

However, in iOS 12, Apple has begun to strengthen the album function: iOS 12's album will greatly improve search performance. The system will not only make search suggestions, but also help you organize photos by theme, such as cats, dogs, flowers and plants. I just don't know if Apple's artificial intelligence will support tags like "Happy Fat House, Sister Ju Debuts" in the future.

iOS 12 will also automatically remind you to share appropriate photos with your friends - the photo sharing process is end-to-end encrypted and very secure. Yes, it is very secure, but not absolutely secure.

Siri is getting smarter

[[231668]]

As a shortcoming of iOS, Siri's satisfaction is a mystery just like Siri's answers. To solve the mystery, Apple once again learned from Google and Microsoft and added some new features that seem useful to Siri: Shortcuts, which can automatically help you order coffee, set schedules, and even remind you where you forgot your keys, provided that the keys are electronic.

In addition to the Shortcuts provided by Apple, users can also create their own Shortcuts on Siri as quick commands.

Seeing this, friends who are more familiar with Apple probably understand that this improvement of Siri is likely derived from its acquisition of the efficiency tool Workflow, which can be called a Workflow awakened by Siri.

This Shortcuts also supports HomePod and Apple Watch, so in theory HomePod can also perform smart home control, rather than just being a big stupid speaker.

Four unpopular apps have been updated: News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and iBooks

The next update is for several less popular iOS built-in apps: News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and iBooks. After iOS can delete (hide) built-in apps, some of them must be the first choice for hiding.

[[231669]]

In order to make the old tree sprout new buds, Apple has made some functional updates:

• News has a new sidebar on iPad for easier browsing and to highlight curated content;
• The stock market interface has been restructured to allow users to see the stock market trends throughout the day, and the News app has been connected to facilitate reading financial news.
• Voice Memos now supports iCloud;
• iBooks has been renamed Apple Books.

CarPlay is now available

[[231670]]

CarPlay has become more open. Google Maps, which were once ruthlessly abandoned by Apple, and Waze, Google's godson map, as well as Amap, a mysterious force from the East, have become the first third-party navigations supported by CarPlay. From now on, "Sister Zhiling navigates for you" will always be with Lincoln Navigator owners, and the Chinese dream and the American dream will be realized together.

Preventing mobile phone addiction is the key

[[231671]]

Next is the focus of iOS 12: anti-addiction. As mobile phone addiction has become a social issue, Google and Apple have both added "anti-addiction" to their system updates this year:

• The Do Not Disturb function will turn off the visual notifications on your phone. When you think of her or dream about her in the dead of night, incoming emails will not light up the screen to pierce the silence and darkness of the night.
• Deliver Quietly will silently push notifications, without showing them on the lock screen, making no sound, or showing them in red in the upper right corner of the app.
• Grouped Notifications can group notifications of a certain type, so WeChat group chats no longer feel like bombardment.
• Reports can be in the form of weekly reports to tell users which apps they use the most, which apps have the most notifications, what app they open first when they wake up every day, etc.
• App Limits can set a time limit for an app, but it is not mandatory. Users can break the limit and continue playing PUBG.
• Allowances is a new feature for parents to limit their children's use of apps

Emoticons and Chat

[[231672]]

Emoji has become the new world language, and Apple has spared no effort in supporting Emoji. For example, Animoji is the first feature to support Apple's Face ID. Now Animoji can detect the movement of your tongue.

[[231673]]

Animoji has added 4 new emojis (ghost, koala, tiger and Tyrannosaurus Rex). Users can also tailor Animoji for themselves and use it in various scenarios - this is the new Memoji technology.

[[231674]]

In conjunction with Memoji, FaceTime now supports group video calls, with up to 32 people able to meet online. For example, the picture above shows Apple CEO Tim Cook using Memoji and FaceTime to have a group chat. By the way, can you tell that's Cook?

[[231675]]

At this point, the update of iOS 12 is basically complete. This version of the update mainly solves some legacy issues from the past, and then updates many small functional points, and even makes changes to unpopular applications such as News and Stocks. On the one hand, it may be because iOS is becoming more and more perfect, and on the other hand, Apple is seeking stability.

[[231676]]

Of course, the little surprise is several new features about preventing mobile phone addiction. They are both practical and user-friendly. This is probably the first reason why many people choose to upgrade to iOS 12.

watchOS 5: Everything is for you to move

Apple's Apple Watch can be said to be a representative of hard work and perseverance. It was not optimistic at the beginning, but then it was optimized generation after generation and finally became the leader in smart wearable devices. This story is also quite inspiring in the Apple system.

As the Apple Watch grows, its operating system watchOS also grows. This time, watchOS has been upgraded to the fifth generation.

[[231677]]

After failing in its attempts to replace mobile phones or become another mobile phone, the functionality of Apple Watch has been developing in the direction of sports, which is currently going well. Therefore, the update of watchOS 5 is also mainly focused on sports.

[[231678]]

Obtaining badges is an important motivation for many people to use Apple Watch to assist in exercise. watchOS 5 will have a 7-day challenge feature where you can invite your friends to complete the challenge together and win new badges.

After updating the system, Apple Watch can also automatically track your activities, automatically start counting when you start exercising, and automatically end recording when you end. You no longer have to worry about forgetting to record during training, sweating in vain but having no data to post on WeChat Moments.

A little surprise in watchOS 5 is that the Apple Watch becomes a walkie-talkie. The app is called Walkie Talkie.

The Siri Shortcuts mentioned above have also come to Apple Watch and can become a watch face. This watch face also supports third-party applications, showing exercise information, map navigation, heart rate, etc. During the wake-up phase of talking to Siri, watchOS 5 supports raising the wrist to wake up Siri, without having to say silly "Hey, Siri" every time.

Apple Watch has long supported Apple Pay, but in terms of notifications, Apple Watch can obviously do more, such as checking in and rating Didi drivers for payments. The watch is no longer just a notifier, it can also perform some light interactions.

[[231679]]

Along with the watchOS 5 update, there is good news and bad news, actually one news, we can browse the web on Apple Watch.

On the one hand, Apple Watch is doing its best for everyone's health, but on the other hand, it wants to ruthlessly destroy everyone's eyes and cervical spine. In addition, watchOS 5 also supports podcasts.

As the introduction of watchOS 5 was coming to an end, the third mysterious force from the East, Mobike, appeared in the Keynote as a typical application scenario of Apple Watch unlocking Mobike.

After a quick calculation, the Chinese applications that appeared at this WWDC include AutoNavi, Didi and Mobike, all of which are related to travel. It seems that Apple is determined to get everyone to get out and travel.

The last major feature of watchOS 5 is that it can transform Apple Watch into a campus card (Student ID Cards). At six universities including Duke University, students can use Apple Watch to pay for dining, laundry and shopping.

Finally, a little surprise is the new rainbow strap and rainbow dial. This rainbow strap is also the only "hardware" in the entire WWDC 2018.

tvOS: The urine point is a little bit hot

Compared with iOS, watchOS and macOS, the update of tvOS is always the highlight of WWDC. There is still not much time left for TV this year, but fortunately the focus is on the audio-visual experience, which can be regarded as a return to the basics of TV.

[[231681]]

On the new tvOS, users can upgrade to 4K HDR (High Dynamic Range) for free to get more vivid and bright colors and realistic details. In addition, the new tvOS also supports Dolby Atmos, providing more surround and immersive sound effects.

The sound effects here are also the most exciting moment of the entire WWDC. I wonder how many HomePods are needed to create such a sound effect.

It should be noted that whether it is 4K HDR or Dolby Atmos, it requires the support of tvOS, Apple TV, TV, speakers and film sources. Otherwise, relying on a system alone will be useless.

In addition, there are updates to the film source channel, login method and other details.

[[231682]]

The last major update feature of tvOS is a brand new screensaver with an astronaut’s perspective. The picture above should be the perspective of the Mediterranean Sea from space. The triangular Sicily is becoming a beautiful legend on tvOS.

[[231683]]

macOS: Will not merge with iOS

In fact, for most people, the biggest suspense about the macOS update is what the new system will be called.

The answer is: macOS Mojave. Mojave’s Chinese translation is Mojave Desert, located in the southwest of California, USA, between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

In the Mojave version of the system, Apple added a night theme that is suitable for use in low-light environments and reshaped the interactive interface of the Mac App Store. Even Cook called the change of the entire system a "huge leap" for Apple.

[[231684]]

Night Mode / Dynamic Desktop

Many users use their computers in a dark environment. Even if the screen brightness is set to the lowest, it is inevitable that they will feel dazzled by the white background theme. In this update, macOS Mojave has added a new dark theme. Unlike the current option to set the menu and program bar to dark, the new system has a global dark theme, which uses black as the main color even in folders and applications.

[[231685]]

In addition, the system can automatically adjust the desktop according to the time of day. When used during the day, the system is in the normal theme; when used at night, the system automatically switches to the dark mode theme. At this time, the developers in the audience burst into cheers, probably because this theme can improve the happiness of programmers who work overtime at night.

[[231686]]

Smart Classification

This feature is very useful for users whose desktops are often messy. Users only need to click on the option of sorting in the top bar of the desktop, and the system will sort the files into "stacks" according to the file type, but it is different from the function of folders. For example, if there are scattered images, videos, and PDF files on my desktop, I can sort them with just a few clicks.

In addition, new files downloaded from the Internet to the desktop will be automatically added to the stack classification, eliminating the need for secondary manual classification.

New Finder Features

Finder has not been updated much in this system, except for the addition of the "Gallery View" function for image viewing. Through the "Gallery View", users can browse the image contents in the Finder folder more conveniently and quickly. At the same time, the function also has a built-in image metadata display window, through which users can learn about the relevant details of the image and quickly edit the image.

screenshot

This time, macOS Mojave has added a "system-level" screenshot function, and users can also simply mark the screenshots after taking them. However, in fact, many social software already have the screenshot + markup related functions, and the experience is also quite good.

This time Apple added this new feature to the new system, we can only say that it is better than nothing, but it is better than nothing.

Security Control

When we open a newly downloaded application on iOS, a pop-up window will pop up, asking whether to allow the program to access user information and phone hardware. This time, Apple has also "moved" the relevant security control policies from iOS to macOS. When users open a certain website or program, the system will pop up a "Do you want to allow access?" pop-up window to obtain user approval. This may also be in response to the increasingly stringent privacy policy recently.

[[231689]]

Several iOS programs running on macOS

Many players have thought about moving iOS applications to macOS. This time, Apple has added four iOS applications, News, Stocks, Home, and Voice Memos, to the new version of macOS. Users can read news, control home devices, etc. through these applications on the desktop system.

Although only these four iOS programs can run on macOS, it is still a good start. Does that mean that macOS and iOS will be unified in the future? At the scene, Apple also typed a big "No" to express its denial. Apple believes that iOS has good features that can be ported to macOS, but macOS also has expandable advantages such as keyboard and mouse, which iOS cannot match in many aspects.

By the way, when Apple said these things, didn’t it consider the feelings of the iPad?

New Mac App Store layout

Once upon a time, many netizens complained that the App Store on macOS was outdated and had simple content, and the experience was far inferior to the iOS version of the App Store. In this system update, Apple reshaped the macOS version of the App Store, such as redesigning the application interface and reorganizing the application categories. The new categories include discovery, creation, work, games, development, classification, and updates, and the overall feeling is more like the iOS version.

[[231691]]

Yes, this WWDC only had software. No new electronic devices were released, no new iPad Pro, no iPhone SE2, no new MacBook with eighth-generation Core processors. The only thing that had anything to do with "hardware" was a new rainbow watch strap.

Today, the Apple ecosystem has become increasingly complete, and Apple's product managers probably can't think of any groundbreaking features to wow everyone, and some are just improvements at the detail level. As spectators and users, we can only accept this reality.

By the way, you might consider buying the Lego bricks and AR application that four people can play with together and try them out. Don’t say there is nothing new while ignoring the new things.