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Apple lock-in is feeling stronger than ever
WWDC 2023 showed us what it’s like to be in the Apple family
Last week at WWDC 2023, Apple’s Craig Federighi had a positively joyous moment on stage with his triple-neck electric guitar, leaning into the notion that Apple is indeed the more fun tech giant, compared to Google. The event was equally electrifying for Apple as well, with the launch of its sci-fi-esque Vision Pro headset, which had its own “one more thing” moment.
WWDC proves that Apple has replaced Google as the fun tech giant
Can we get back the Google that made us laugh?
As Android enthusiasts, many of us have become accustomed to watching Apple announcements that bring in new products and features that look awfully similar to things Google did first—not to say Android hasn’t borrowed a few things too. But in recent years, there seems to be another thing Apple has borrowed from Google—is willingness to have fun.
Dark Sky API gets reborn as Apple WeatherKit, with plans to support Android
You're as beautiful as the day I lost you
Two years ago, we were treated to a bitter farewell: Dark Sky, a popular weather app, was acquired by Apple, with the consequence being that we'd have to say goodbye to the Android version of the app. While the iOS version still lives on (its DNA also got integrated into the regular Weather app), it's also due to be sunsetted by the end of the year. At WWDC 2022 this week, we're finally getting learning what else Apple has been doing with Dark Sky's resources this whole time, and the good news is that the forecast sure looks like it includes support for Android once again: meet WeatherKit.
Apple pulls an Android with iOS 16's new lock screen customization
You can tweak the clock style, font colors, and much more
Apple's WWDC 2022 keynote happened today, and while you might not expect that to be a huge deal for Android, there's been a lot that's managed to catch our eye, both in terms of things we wish Android would get, and those that feel inspired by it. We're definitely thinking about the latter as we learn about the slew of improvements coming to iOS 16, including lock screen customization — something that should feel very familiar to Android fans.
With better search on iOS, Apple keeps beating Google at its own game
Hey Google, what about universal search on Android?
I'm a little angry. No, scratch that, I'm very angry. Whenever Apple introduces improvements to Spotlight on iPhones and iPads, I have vivid PPSSD (post-personal-search stress disorder) and remember the glorious years when we had a decent on-device search solution on Android. Then it was gone and Google, the search company to end all search companies, pretended nothing happened, that it was never there, and whoever really wanted a central search solution on their phone?
Apple is going to let you stay on older versions of iOS longer
Not ready to upgrade to iOS 15 yet? Not a problem!
One of Apple's biggest strengths has always been the long-term software support offered for its family of devices. Case in point: the iPhone 6s that was released back all the way back in 2015 will still get the latest version of iOS later this year. But more than just bringing so many users access to the latest software, Apple's decided to start offering a meaningful choice, and all devices receiving iOS 15 will soon have the option to stay on iOS 14 without skipping important security patches.
Siri voice commands come to third-party smart home gadgets later this year
The WWDC showed off an Ecobee thermostat responding to Siri commands
Apple's WWDC 2021 keynote is nearly two hours long, because Apple has a lot in common with Zack Snyder. Nestled in the presentation on HomeKit was an interesting nugget of information: Siri will be available on third-party devices later this year. That's a little less exciting than it sounds. It's not as if you'll be able to install a Siri app on Windows or Android: Apple's only extending this functionality to devices that are compatible with its HomeKit smart home technology. During the keynote, Apple demonstrated a Siri voice command working with an Ecobee thermostat (which indeed, includes its own microphone for voice commands).Third-party smart home appliance manufacturers will be able to integrate Siri commands into their HomeKit functionality later this year, assuming they have the hardware to support it. But you may need a HomePod or HomePod Mini in order to use it: the presenter said that commands go to your HomePod over your home's network without going to a third-party server. Based on the demo, it looks like it should be possible to add Siri voice command functionality via a software update, so those who want it won't necessarily have to buy all-new smart home gadgets.
Revamped iOS 15 Weather app shows off a whole lot of Dark Sky
Just in case you needed another reason to be pissed off
It's been a little over a year since Apple bought up user-favorite weather app Dark Sky, shuttering its entries for Android and Wear OS. Today we're seeing the fruits of that acquisition in a revamped Weather app for the iPhone, which will debut with iOS 15. It's pretty blatantly incorporating a lot of the visual flair from Dark Sky into Apple's official app.
Apple's iOS 15 Wallet app will get you through TSA checkpoints with digital IDs
That much closer to replacing your real wallet
Apple Wallet started out with support for credit cards, but it's been expanding to support things like airline tickets and transit passes. In iOS 15, Apple is aiming to finally make your wallet obsolete. You'll be able to store your credit cards, keys, and even your ID all in the Wallet app. Apple says the ID scanning feature is even going to be supported by the TSA.
Your AirPods are about to get a lot smarter
Siri notification alerts, conversation boost, and new spatial audio support on TVOS and M1 Macs
Apple's signature headphone series isn't getting any new hardware announced today, but that doesn't mean that there's nothing to talk about. With the advent of iOS 15 and iPad OS 15, AirPods are getting handy new features that more fully integrate them with Apple's ecosystem, and new onboard features that make them work better all on their own.
8 features I'd love to see Apple announce at WWDC 2021
Something to match Android, something to surpass Android
Apple's yearly developer conference, WWDC a.k.a. dub-dub, starts next Monday. For those who aren't familiar with it, it's like I/O but for the Apple ecosystem, and it's where the company announces new software versions and capabilities for its entire product line-up. Over the past couple of years, I've been keeping an eye on the main keynote and news coming out of WWDC for a variety of reasons: I've been a Mac user for 13 years, I've had several iPods and iPads, and I really enjoy being up-to-date with the entire mobile and technology landscape — not just Google. This year, I'm thinking about the conference beforehand and wondering which features I'd love to see from Apple.