Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will kick off on June 13 at 10.30PM IST with a two-hour comprehensive keynote address by product team members under the main leadership of Apple CEO, Tim Cook.
It is expected that Apple will unveil the upcoming new versions of OS X, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
According to rumors, Apple will integrate Siri for the upcoming OS X with enhancements to iOS. Developers will be able to access an API for Apple's assistant and is expected to be available on the Mac.
Apple will also add advanced Continuity features, which enables you to unlock your Mac with your iPhone including integration of Apple Pay on the Mac. If rumors are to be believed, Apple will most likely rebrand OS X as macOS to bring in line with watchOS and tvOS.
Apple's WWDC 2016: What to expect
With sales of Apple's flagship iPhone slowing, the spotlight is on the company's hunt for its next big thing. Apple's annual software developers conference, will be its next big opportunity to show the world what's coming next.Talking about Apple watch updates, there will be the addition of new updates but we don't have credible information about the proposed features. You can also expect updates for tvOS, which will likely provide support for streaming directly via non-Apple devices. Moreover, Apple will also add new features for Apple Music, which is a big necessity.
If you are an Apple developer, you will be able to access the internals of Apple Watch hardware deeply, which enables you to watch the developments of the upcoming versions. Moreover, the new tvOS version facilitates developers to build versatile apps for a wide range of applications.
Earlier, there were rumors about the possible release of MacBook Pro at the WEDC 2016 but it is unlikely since Apple will only focus on software. However, there can be some possible announcements regarding the upcoming devices in September but it is highly unlikely that Apple will break the ice soon.
But AI is emerging as a major new tech battleground, one where Apple may have some ground to make up. Siri made a big splash when it debuted five years ago. But as other tech giants jockey to build intelligent "chat bots" and voice-controlled home systems capable of more challenging artificial-intelligence feats, Siri at times no longer seems cutting edge.
Making Siri smarter
On Monday, Apple is expected to demonstrate an upgrade to Siri's smarts. The main question is whether it will be enough to keep up with rivals like Amazon, Google, Facebook and others who are racing to create digital services that consumers will find indispensable for shopping, chatting, controlling other appliances and simply getting through their daily lives.
" Google Now has kind of eaten their lunch," said Chris Monberg, co-founder of Boomtrain, a startup that makes artificial intelligence software used by online retailers. Monberg argues that Google's proactive digital assistant provides more useful reminders, recommendations and tips on local weather or traffic, largely because it reads his email and other data from his Android phone and crunches it with sophisticated algorithms on Google's powerful servers.
Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Here's what to expect
The much-awaited iPhone 7 will be released in September 2016 along with the new iPad and iOS 10. Like the past two years, the iPhone 7 will maintain the tradition and launch in two display variants.Amazon's Echo home speaker likewise has its fans; it recognizes informal voice commands and can order flowers, pizza or a ride to the airport. Facebook, Google and Microsoft are also working to incorporate intelligent "bots" into the voice- and text-messaging services that people use to chat with their friends.
In some respects, Siri remains plenty competitive, at least so long as you stick with Apple's other services. If an iPhone owner uses Google's Gmail, for instance, Apple's software may not scan those emails for useful information. But Jan Dawson, a tech analyst at Jackdaw Research, notes that Siri can volunteer helpful reminders from the Apple calendar, offer suggestions based on a user's location, or search for images stored in Apple's photo app.
Getting to know you
Apple, however, has been largely unwilling to pry too deeply into your personal information. And some experts say that puts it at a disadvantage compared to Google, which has compiled vast quantities of data -- about both individual users and consumer trends - from its search engine, Gmail, maps and other well-liked online services. (Many of those Google services remain popular on the iPhone , despite Apple's best efforts to replace them.)
With AI, "systems get much better the more they know about the user," said Alan Black, an expert in voice-enabled technology at Carnegie Mellon University.
Apple collects plenty of data from its users, but hasn't "focused on connecting all the dots," said Raj Singh, co-founder of Tempo AI, an artificial intelligence startup acquired by Salesforce.com last year.
Google, of course, makes money from advertising that's keyed to individual interests. Apple, which makes most of its money from iPhones, says its software respects customer privacy by working with an individual's data on the iPhone or iPad, while anonymizing information that's uploaded to its servers.
"We don't mine your email, your photos, or your contacts in the cloud to learn things about you," Apple VP Craig Federighi said at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference last year. "We honestly just don't want to know."
Siri, reserve my table
Apple declined comment on plans for Siri. Last fall, however, Apple acquired a startup that makes AI software specifically for mobile devices, and another that helps computers carry on extensive voice conversations. And tech news sites have reported Apple may loosen its restrictions on Siri's ability to work directly with other companies' software. That could enable Siri to book a restaurant reservation on command, or order a ride from a car service, rather than show a link to an app like Open Table or Uber and requiring the user to do the rest.
Experts say the quality of Apple's software and online services is increasingly critical to maintaining its popularity with consumers.
Services like Siri, Apple Music and Apple Pay add significant value to the iPhone and other Apple devices, Dawson said. "They're important to keeping the Apple ecosystem attractive."
we are few hours away from Apple's World Wide developers Conference (WWDC 2016) where we expect a gamut of announcements which has nothing to do with gadgets but will focus on the software developer community and on platforms like OS X, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS .
A lot is expected from Apple at this year's conference, after the Cupertino based giant did not make that much of an impact with last year's announcements of OS X 10.11 (EL Capitan), Apple music, WatchOS 2 for the Apple watch, iOS 9 for the iPad and iPhone along with a sling of other notable announcements like the debut of the news App and apps like HomeKit and CarPlay receiving updates.
The story hopefully will be a little different with expectations running high as usual before an Apple conference.
1. Will Siri get smarter?
Apple has to go beyond its current capabilities to make Siri win the race in the virtual assistant game while the likes of Google Now, Allo, Duo instant messaging apps, Amazon's Echo making big inroads with their AI setup. The rumor monger mill is vibrant with the news that the Apple might open up Siri to third party app developers so that the developer community can integrate Siri with their own apps and not be limited to a select group of Apple's partners. If it wants to win the game, it would need a little help from the developer community across.
Apart from third party integration, another highlight could be the introduction of Siri to this year's version of OS X.
2. Apple Music, I need a makeover
It's been a year since the launch of Apple Music and the platform urgently needs a design change to add simplicity to its interface. With 13 million users so far Apple Music might change the colorful look of the user interface to a more flat, simpler black and white background with texts.
Also, according to reports in 9to5Mac, a lot of importance will be laid to album artwork which will give the music service a bold and yet simpler look.
Apart from wholesale design changes, it would be great if Apple integrates song lyrics into the streaming service's interface so that music lovers like me do not have to download third party apps like Musixmatch or search on Google for lyrics.
Moreover, I am hopeful that Apple Music's Connect section is completely taken off and rather have artist's updates on their individual pages because the whole idea of artists connecting to the fan boys has not been a success the way Apple had imagined.
3. Another Year, Another iOS
The biggest changes to iOS 10 will reflect in Siri and Apple Music but do not expect overhaul design changes to Apple's newest version of iOS. But of course, the new iOS will be made available to the public during the autumn event along with the launch of the new iPhone line up.
Also, expect a two pronged iOS 10 where one version will serve the iPhones while the other caters to the iPad's. While the overall structure will remain the same albeit some minor changes to functionality of both the devices.
Moreover, as reported by the Verge, there might be minor design changes to iOS, with the addition of few icons, rounded edges and a colorful outlook to the overall OS.
4. Mac OS or OS X or whatever
The Mac operating system is probably going to be rechristened as Mac OS. Really? Again? Way back in 2012, Apple changed the name from Mac OS X to OS X and now again, going into yet another developer conference, they might change it to Mac OS. Guess, they are trying to bring all their product nomenclature under the same scheme like iOS, tvOS, and watchOS.
But the biggest addition to this year's OS X would be Siri.
5. TvOS and watchOS
Well, not much can be said about the operating systems for both Apple TV and Apple Watch except a few more customized watch faces and a more inherent interfaces for the Apple TV. Overall, expect a few basic changes as both the OS's are just a year old.
6. iMessage coming to Android
iMessage is one of the most popular and secured messaging apps among the iPhone and Mac users but its high time, iMessage is allowed to leave its home and conquer more audience at the Android platform. And, with an advanced Siri, iMessage might end up winning the war against Google's AI powered Allo and Duo apps.
Well, this is just an estimation of what Apple might launch at the developers conference and but for more dope on the same tune to Apple.in tonight at 10:30 PM for the WWDC Special event on your iPhone or Mac's.
How to watch WWDC 2016 Keynote?
Desktop PC
You should navigate to the official Apple Events page specially designed for the WWDC 2016 keynote to watch the live streaming of the keynote. Make sure to visit the site before 20 minutes because Apple will broadcast music and sometimes Tim Cook will arrive early on the stage. You can watch the whole event as if you are watching it live on the stage. However, Apple has revealed that the keynote will be visible only on Safari (if you use Mac) and Microsoft Edge .
Apple TV
If you have access to Apple TV, you will be able to watch the WWDC 2016 keynote directly from your living room. You just need to select "WWDC Live" app from the Apple TV's main dashboard before 20 minutes.
Mobile
You can also watch the WWDC 2016 keynote live on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch running iOS 7 or higher by opening Safari browser. You can also watch the keynote using any other Android or Windows mobile or tablet by navigating directly to the live streaming website.
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