Alongside the first developer beta iOS 11.2, Apple also released the first beta of tvOS 11.2. The biggest change here includes support for automatically switching the output of the video based on the content. Developers also can take advantage of this with the introduction of AVDisplayManager.
Apple announced today that iOS 11.2 introduces SiriKit for HomePod, allowing developers to extend the wireless speaker's natural voice interaction through custom features.
As we reported, Apple's Calculator app on iOS 11 suffers from a lag when typing too quickly.
With first betas of iOS 11.2, tvOS 11.2 and watchOS 4.2 now available to Apple's registered developers, the company on Monday updated the HomePod firmware ahead of the scheduled December launch of its Siri-powered wireless speaker accessory.
Aside from new betas of iOS 11.2 and watchOS 4.2, Apple today also issued the first beta of the upcoming tvOS 11.2 software update for the fourth-generation Apple TV and newer.
Although the upcoming iOS 11.1 software update is still in testing, Apple on Monday issued the all-new iOS 11.2, tvOS 11.2 and watchOS 4.2 betas to its registered developers and members of the paid Apple Developer Program.
A major redesign of Skype's desktop app, previewed in mid-August, is rolling out today.
According to Microsoft, Skype for Mac includes themes with customizable colors, the ability to organize your chats by time, unread or status, pin people or groups, standard/compact view, cloud-based media sharing (up to 300 MB per file) and cross-device functionality.
From the Skype blog:
With the new Skype, you can get more done on your PC. We know that changing devices interrupts your flow—no one wants to switch from their computer to their phone just to have a better conversation experience. Now you can send and receive Skype messages in real-time, answer calls directly from your PC and share your screen to present your latest ideas to colleagues.
Other features in this release include reactions for messages and video calls, @mentions, status updates (with mood messages), chat bots and more.
Desktop Skype now includes a bell icon that you can click to reveal an all-new notification panel (this is where you'll also see reactions to your messages, @mentions in group conversations or if someone quoted you). With a new chat media gallery, all your shared content like media, links and files is available in one central place, and you can even sort items by type.
Lastly, Microsoft announced that Skype add-ins are now available now to Skype Insiders.
“It’s now easier than ever to complete everyday tasks in Skype. From sending a Giphy, scheduling an event or sending money to pulling up the latest in the news—our add-ins help you get more done within Skype,” notes the firm.
The Windows maker revamped its mobile Skype apps for iPhone and iPad in June 2017 which, among other enhancements, brought a Snapchat-like Highlights feature that allows users to share auto-vanishing photos and videos that can be decorated with emoji and text.
Highlights is not part of today's update to the desktop app.
Skype for Mac can be downloaded from skype.com/download.
Apple recently invited a few YouTubers to spend some limited hands-on time with iPhone X at an event in New York, an interesting change in PR strategy from iPhone launches in the past.
Aside from a video showing the Face ID setup process on an iPhone X, another seemingly Apple-sanctioned clip popped up on YouTube last weekend documenting device unboxing.
It would seem that Apple gave select YouTubers permission to post early impression videos of iPhone X ahead of its scheduled launch this coming Friday, November 3.
Journalists Steven Levy, who was one of the first pre-release reviewers of the original iPhone ten years ago, has had Apple's upcoming iPhone X in his possession since last Tuesday.
Pre-orders for iPhone X are now in the record books! If you did not manage to reserve one in the first 5-10 minutes, shipping times were delayed by 3 weeks. In 15 minutes after opening, times slipped all the way to 5 or 6 weeks out, giving a December 15ish delivery date.
For the lucky few who managed to get a pre-order delivery of November 3 or those looking to campout on launch day, prepare your wallpaper arsenal for the shiny new OLED display. Download our four iDownloadBlog wallpaper packs.