News

Siri for Apple Watch is about to get much more useful

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 25, 2017

In addition to highlighting a new Theater Mode in watchOS 3.2, Apple yesterday announced that the upcoming software update will also enable support for Siri in third-party Apple Watch apps. As you probably know by now, the SiriKit framework made its debut in iOS 10.

It's an officially sanctioned way for developers to enrich their apps for messaging, payments, ride-booking, workouts, calling and searching photos with Siri interactions.

With SiriKit support in watchOS 3.2, developers can add spoken commands to Apple Watch apps to let users ask the personal assistant on their wrist to do things like book a ride, send a message, make a payment or accomplish other supported tasks.

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iOS 10.3 brings support for Verizon Wi-Fi Calling on other iCloud-connected devices

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 25, 2017

U.S. wireless carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile have supported Wi-Fi Calling for some time now, with AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile also supporting Wi-Fi Calling on other iCloud-connected devices like iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch and Mac. According to user reports on MacRumors' forums, iOS 10.3 beta 1 supports Integrated Calling on Verizon.

With this handy feature, compatible iCloud-signed devices can make and receive calls using your carrier's account even when your iPhone isn't nearby.

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Apple will soon allow developers to respond publicly to App Store reviews

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 25, 2017

Following yesterday's release of iOS 10.3 and macOS Sierra 10.12.4 betas, Apple announced new features allowing iPhone, iPad and Mac developers to respond publicly to reviews on App Store and Mac App Store while letting customers provide ratings and reviews without leaving their app.

Speaking to The Loop's Jim Dalrymple and Daring Fireball's John Gruber, the Cupertino company provided some noteworthy highlights outlining the upcoming App Store review policy changes.

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WSJ: Japan Display creating flexible LCD panels for 2018 iPhones

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 25, 2017

iPhone display supplier Japan Display has devised new manufacturing processes for mass production of flexible liquid crystal display (LCD) panels. According to a report Wednesday in The Wall Street Journal, Apple is considering using flexible LCD panels in iPhones launching in 2018 and beyond.

This is an interesting development in light of rumors that iPhone 8 will be equipped with a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen. While not as flexible as curved OLED panels, Japan Display's new processes do allow for the creation of bendable LCDs that support designs like Samsung's curved-screen Galaxy Edge series.

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Setapp launches publicly: get unlimited access to 60+ paid Mac apps for a flat monthly fee

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 17, 2017

Developer MacPaw's new Netflix-like subscription service for prime Mac apps has been in invite-only beta since December 2016. Beginning today, Setapp is available to everyone in exchange for a flat monthly fee of $9.99. An alternative to Apple’s Mac App Store, Setapp gives you unlimited access to 61 Mac apps, with more to be added as additional developers join the service. These are fully functional apps that update automatically and contain no In-App Purchases, paid upgrades or ads.

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Apple releases iOS 10.3 beta 1 to developers with Find My AirPods & other new features

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 24, 2017

Apple today seeded the first beta of what would become the third major software update to iOS 10 since its September 2016 release. The release includes a new Find My AirPods feature and other enhancements, like Reduce Motion for websites.

iOS 10.3 beta 1 (build 14E5230e) is available to registered developers who are members of Apple Developer Program. A version of the software aimed at public beta testers registered with Apple Beta Software Program is expected shortly.

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tvOS 10.2 beta 1 seeded to developers

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 24, 2017

The first beta of a future tvOS 10.2 software update is now available to members of the Apple Developer Program and can be deployed through the Software Update mechanism on any fourth-generation Apple TV with an appropriate configuration profile installed. tvOS 10.2 beta (build 14W5222d), a developer-only release, includes new features, bug fixes and improvements in the operating system and the SDK.

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watchOS 3.2 changelog suggests Theater Mode coming to Apple Watch

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 24, 2017

Apple this morning launched first developer betas of iOS 10.3 and macOS Sierra 10.12.4, but the company has yet to officially post a developer-focused preview of watchOS 3.2. However, the official changelog meant to accompany watchOS 3.2 beta 1 is live on Apple's servers, suggesting a rumored Theater Mode that Sonny Dickson said would launch in iOS 10 may be coming to Apple Watch instead. And what's Theater Mode all about?

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Strategy board game Pokémon Duel launches for iPhone and iPad

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 24, 2017

Pokémon Due, a mobile strategy board game from The Pokemon Company, today launched on App Store as a free download with non-compulsory In-App Purchases.

In this iPhone and iPad title, you're tasked with collecting as many Pokémon figures as you can to make the ultimate deck. You can then compete, in real time, in online duels with players from around the world for a chance to enter the top rankings in League Matches.

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