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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 WatchOS 3 is faster, more intuitive and fitness-friendly
The Apple Watch might only be a little over one year old, but that isn't stopping Apple from introducing the wearable's third major release in a year. WatchOS 3 tackles some of the biggest gripes of early adopters, most notably performance: It keeps favorite apps in memory and updates them in the background. You won't stare awkwardly at your wrist while software loads, in other words.
The Apple Watch, one year on
One year ago Apple finally decided to get into the smartwatch game. Nobody was surprised that it happened, but the reaction it inspired has caught a few off guard. Some were shocked that it failed to explode on the scene with the same ferocity as the iPhone or iPad. Others have been amazed at how it has stubbornly clung to life, like the Apple TV did for years. The Apple Watch has been somewhat divisive, even around the Engadget compound. Some of our editors ordered theirs on day one, others became converts later. Many still wear and like their Apple watch, while others are wondering how much they can get for it on eBay. Let's see how seven Engadget editors feel about the Cupertino's first stab at wearable now.
Apple mandates that new Watch apps 'must' work without an iPhone
Apple's laying the law down: Watch apps must operate without an iPhone nearby. In a blog post, the company mandates that anything submitted for App Store approval from this June 1st forward has to be a native app running watchOS 2. This should be a boon for anyone using the wearable during a run or workout where carrying a phone would be a hindrance. And ultimately, it'll result in higher quality applications that make full use of the device and what it's capable of rather than just being shoehorned to run on that OLED screen.
Siri reveals Apple's WWDC event will begin June 13th
When it comes to announcing plans for an event, the folks in Cupertino typically send out invites and info via email. That's not the case this year, though, as Apple is relying on its virtual assistant to inform the masses about its annual WWDC soirée. Thanks to Siri, we know the developer conference is scheduled for June 13th through the 17th in San Francisco, the event where we'll hear details on new versions of OS X, iOS and WatchOS.
Apple's latest iOS, Watch and TV betas pack big features
Apple's pre-release software isn't usually buzz-worthy outside of major revamps, but there's definitely a reason to take notice today. The company's iOS 9.3, tvOS 9.2 and WatchOS 2.2 betas all introduce some hefty upgrades that are likely to get some use. Of the bunch, iOS 9.3 is the centerpiece. There's a new Night Shift mode that changes to warmer color tones to cut back on blue light and help you sleep, akin to third-party apps like F.lux. You'll also see your Apple Watch goals in the Health app, tighter Apple Music integration with CarPlay, a Classroom app for guided lessons and Notes secured by Touch ID. There's even a multi-user feature on iPads, although you shouldn't get too excited -- it's currently meant for students, not the family tablet back home.
Apple makes its Swift programming language open source
Earlier this year, Apple said it would be making its programming language Swift open source. And now the company's making good on that promise to developers, specifically those who want to make apps for OS X, iOS and watchOS. Swift, which Apple describes as powerful and easy to use, will be open source under the Apache License, giving devs access to a full set of tools to create anything from 3D games to social networking apps.More importantly, Swift was built to play nice with Objective-C, allowing developers to create projects that blend existing code with Apple's new programming language. If you're interested in playing around with it, Apple's Swift.org site has more information -- although it appears to be down right now.
Apple's first major Watch update arrives September 16th
The iPhone 6s might be what most people are waiting for (or that iPad Pro), but that doesn't mean Apple Watch owners aren't getting any attention. As expected, Cupertino just confirmed the first (significant) software update for the wearable will arrive next week -- September 16th.
