WWDC 2015: All About the OS Updates

As one might expect, the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) dedicates a fair share of time to operating system updates, with most flavors of Apple device getting software tweaks and improvements.

WWDC 2015Well, we say "most" flavors of Apple device-- the Apple TV was notably absent from WWDC, a curious occurrence considering how busy the rumour mill was with speculation involving the STB getting a major update or two.

The iPhone and iPad get iOS 9, a platform upgrade more focused on the "foundations" than the exterior, which remains more or less identical to the previous version. As such, it features boosted privacy features including 2-factor authentication, Siri updates, a Flipboard-style app dubbed News and dedicated "Battery" section in the settings app.

Meanwhile the most interesting iPad update is, unfortunately, exclusive to the iPad Air 2-- "Split View," the ability to run two apps simultaneously in split screen.

In news of Apple's various "Kits," Healthkit gets more effective health tracking (including reproductive health), HomeKit now features support for security systems, window shades, lights and thermostats, while CarPlay includes support for more screens and aspect ratios. Apple also adds new APIs and SDKs in the shape of "GameplayKit" and "ReplayKit."

Also seen at WWDC is "Move"-- an iOS and Android app designed specifically for customers wanting to, well, move from an Android to an iDevice. The app securely transfers "contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, web bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars, wallpaper, and DRM-free songs and books," and even installs any free apps in use. When all is done it then suggests one can recycle the Android device for free at any Apple Store. Ouch!

Another update hits the Mac OS X in the shape of "El Capitan"-- a not-so-major (technically version 10.11) set of tweaks complete with "smoother and more simple" system management, "Metal" games performance optimisation, new trackpad gestures updates to the built-in Mail and Safari apps.

The Watch also gets an OS update, as watchOS reaches version 2. Now developers can build native Watch apps, Siri improvements, a new Nightstand mode (displays time and alarm clock features while the Watch is charging), third party watch face widgets via "Complications" and, of course, a selection of new watch faces.

The above mentioned OS updates and apps should start reaching Apple device users in the coming months.

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