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Apple's differential privacy algorithm will require you to opt-in
The brief mention of differential privacy at WWDC earlier this month seemed to be in line with Apple's image. When senior VP of software engineering Craig Federighi talked about the ways in which the company would continue to prioritize user privacy, he indicated that the use of the privacy technique would improve Apple's predictive services while keeping user identities safe. According to a Recode report, the company has now said that its differential private algorithm will come with an opt-in feature.
Apple will deactivate Flash by default on Safari 10
You know that Maya Angelou quote that says "Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option?" If Flash were a person following that tenet, then it now has to drop Safari from its dwindling list of priorities. In a post on the WebKit blog, Apple engineer Ricky Mondello has revealed that the company is deactivating Adobe Flash by default on Safari 10. That's the version of the browser shipping with macOS Sierra this fall.
iOS 10 can livestream your games
You won't have to use an Android phone if you want to livestream your mobile gaming sessions. Apple has revealed that iOS 10 will include ReplayKit Live, a feature that livestreams apps in addition to previous recording support. As you might expect, you can also include your own audio or video remarks. You'll have to wait for both iOS 10 and supporting apps, of course (Mobcrush is one of the first to make plans), but it could be a big deal for iOS gamers who've wanted to share a hot new title while they're playing it. ReplayKit Live should be useful in more productive apps, too -- it could help teachers demonstrate concepts through educational apps, or open the window to live technical help.
Watch Apple's WWDC 2016 keynote in 15 minutes
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){} try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){}In typical Apple fashion, yesterday's WWDC keynote kicked off the annual developer's conference with a two-hour slate of software-focused announcements. While you may want to go back and relive all of the news, you probably don't have that amount of free time to dedicate to the task. Fret not, friends: we've condensed the chatter about all four of Apple's OSes down to a 15-minute affair, easily digested over your coffee break. There's talk of watchOS improvements, what's new for Apple TV, a massive overhaul of iOS and the move from OS X to macOS. For more detailed info on what went down, consult all of our WWDC 2016 coverage right here.
What happened at WWDC 2016?
Need a quick recap on all the news from WWDC 2016? Our own Dana Wollman and Chris Velazco were on the scene and are ready to run through all the news about macOS, iOS, watchOS, tvOS and any other platforms Apple may have introduced. Most of these changes won't hit your devices until the fall, but this way it will only take a few minutes to get familiar with all the new features immediately.
Apple's new file system revolves around encryption
One of Apple's quietest announcements at WWDC might also be its most important. The company has introduced a brand new file system, simply called Apple File System (APFS) that makes security its centerpiece. It offers a unified encryption method for virtually every device Apple makes, ranging from the Apple Watch to the Mac. That includes multikey encryption, which makes it tough to crack even if you have physical access to the storage. In short, the FBI won't be happy: Encryption is now a core part of the operating system, not just something bolted on after the fact.
Apple and Microsoft address Orlando, avoid gay community
Early Sunday morning, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., became the home of the deadliest mass shooting in US history. The following morning Apple CEO Tim Cook and Microsoft's Phil Spencer took the stage at separate, preplanned press conferences to offer support from "the Apple community" and "the gaming community," respectively, before launching into their regularly scheduled hyperbolic outpourings of consumer enthusiasm. In doing so, they not only undermined the tragedy, they ignored the community it most affected.
The After Math: Apple WWDC 2016
Apple pulled out all the stops at WWDC 2016 on Monday, announcing major updates to its iOS, macOS (formerly, OSX), watchOS and tvOS platforms. Not only that, the company announced a number of milestone achievements, including hitting 2 million apps in the App Store. It also boasts the ability to offer more than 1,300 programming channels through AppleTV (depending on your cable provider, of course). Come see what Apple's got in store for you, by the numbers. Get all the latest news from WWDC 2016 here!
Apple's Swift Playgrounds is an app that teaches kids how to code
Apple introduced an iPad app that teaches kids how to code in its Swift programming language. It's called Swift Playgrounds, and in it, you're tasked with guiding a character called Byte in collecting gems. To do so, you essentially give the character directions using Swift code. A demo at the company's WWDC keynote showed an app with bright colors and big photos designed to make coding child's play.
Apple's iOS 10 will transcribe voicemails and show calls made in apps
Not many of us send voice messages anymore, and most folks sure hate checking them. Apple is trying to adapt to that with voicemail transcription, a beta feature on iOS 10 revealed at its WWDC keynote today. Instead of listening to Aunt Edna drone on for 10 minutes, you can get the gist by scanning a transcript of her message in text form. Alternatively, you can still listen to the message visual voicemail-style, call her back or delete the message.
Apple beefs up Messages with a slew of new features
Apple announced at its WWDC keynote today that it is drastically changing the way its Messages app operates. Don't worry -- that's a good thing. Users will now be able to add a bunch more context to their conversations beyond colorful language.
Apple iOS 10 uses AI to help you find photos and type faster
Apple is making artificial intelligence a big, big cornerstone of iOS 10. To start, the software uses on-device computer vision to detect both faces and objects in photos. It'll recognize a familiar friend, for instance, and can tell that there's a mountain in the background. While this is handy for tagging your shots, the feature really comes into its own when you let the AI do the hard work. There's a new Memories section in the Photos app that automatically organizes pictures based on events, people and places, complete with related memories (such as similar trips) and smart presentations. Think of it as Google Photos without having to go online.
Apple WatchOS 3's SOS feature alerts emergency services anywhere
Apple's WatchOS 3 software refresh will launch as a free upgrade in the fall, the company announced today at its WWDC keynote. Among the slew of new features is "SOS," which lets users hold down the Apple Watch's button to alert local emergency services without needing to know your current country's version of 911.
Apple Music redesign makes it easier to find the songs you want
Back in early May, rumors circulated that Apple was planning to unveil a big redesign for its music streaming service at WWDC. Those reports were indeed correct. During today's keynote, Senior Vice President Eddy Cue showed off a much-streamlined interface that should make using the service a bit less of a headache. The service, "redesigned from the ground up," features a black-and-white scheme, as rumored, with splashes of color that emphasize the album artwork. Oh, by the way: Apple Music now has 15 million paid subscribers, and Cue said it was the fastest music-streaming service to achieve that feat.
Apple opens Siri up to third-party apps
During its WWDC keynote today, Apple announced that the forthcoming iOS 10 will allow developers to access Siri. This means that third-party apps will be able to add functionality to the voice-based assistant, such as WeChat and Uber. Rather than having to touch your display and open an app, you can simply bark a command and have your phone do the work for you. So, should you want to a hail a ride from Uber, Lyft or Didi, then you'll be able to do so by asking your smartphone to get you somewhere. Apple executive Craig Federighi even mentioned that payments would work in the same way, although we imagine the potential for muggers to demand you hand them money simply by talking.
Apple announces iOS 10, which puts 3D Touch almost everywhere
After pushing Siri hard with iOS 9, Apple aims to improve 3D Touch with iOS 10. Announced at WWDC today, the latest version of Apple's mobile OS will let you use 3D Touch on your lock screen, the Control Center and even in third-party apps like Uber. Additionally, Apple is finally opening up Siri to third-party developers, which should hopefully make it a more useful virtual assistant. As usual, it'll arrive in the fall around the time the new iPhones come out.
Apple will let you delete stock iOS apps
Apple's native apps already ship with its mobile platform, so the company didn't bother to make them available on iTunes. Now, those stock apps are up for download in the App Store. MacRumors has spotted familiar iOS stock applications in the store, including Mail, Stocks, Notes, Maps, Calendar, Contacts and even iTunes. It's still unclear if Cupertino is giving you a way to delete them, but if that happens, then they're on the App Store so you can re-download them later -- you know, in case you change your mind. It's also possible that the tech titan made iOS apps downloadable to allow people to update them outside the platform. Unfortunately, Apple didn't confirm anything at WWDC. We'll let you know as soon as the iPhone-maker makes an announcement, but you can see some screencaps after the break and check out iTunes' Apple section.
Apple Pay is coming to the mobile web
Apple announced at its WWDC keynote today that it will be expanding its popular Apple Pay system to mobile web browsers. That is, you'll be able to pay for stuff through the Safari browser running on a fingerprint-enabled iPhone or the Apple Watch.
Apple details its latest desktop operating system: macOS Sierra
It wouldn't be WWDC without Apple detailing a new version of OS X. Oh wait, scratch that: Cupertino's desktop operating system is now named macOS, as had been rumored in recent weeks. But the name change isn't the only thing being discussed at the developers conference. For starters, Apple is bringing Siri to the Mac, giving users hands-free access to their computer. There's a new feature called Auto Unlock too, which will allow you to unlock your Mac with via an Apple Watch.
Apple TV gets better for cord-cutters and cable TV subscribers
Today at its big WWDC keynote, Apple announced a few updates for the Apple TV platform. New apps arriving include Sling TV (finally), Fox Sports, the French streaming service Molotov and the Minecraft: Story Mode game. Apple is also upgrading the remote application on your iPhone. The app is a lot more like the hardware remote, with touch-based navigation, Siri voice search, plus the ability to use the keyboard for input and game control using the accelerometer. As for the hardware itself, a new feature called "Live Tune in" will let you switch instantly between livestreaming channels like Disney, ESPN and more. There's also a dark theme now, while Automatic App downloads mean that when you install a universal app on your iPhone or iPad, it will be there on your Apple TV too.