Apple announces iOS 15 at its Worldwide Developers Conference: FaceTime gets huge upgrade that includes 3D audio, a grid view that takes on Zoom and SharePlay feature
- Apple announced its new iOS 15 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference
- FaceTime received the largest update since being rolled out in 2010
- iOS15 includes 3D audio, portrait mode that blurs backgrounds and a grid view
- Users can watch movies and listen to the same music as others in FaceTime
- This is possible through SharePlay that users just a send a link to connect
Apple gave users the first look at its new iOS 15 at the tech giant’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Monday.
The new operating system is packed with FaceTime improvements including 3D audio, portrait mode that blurs backgrounds and a grid view for video conferences that competes with Zoom.
FaceTime will also supported on Windows and Android devices through a browser, providing the first time this service has been made available on different platforms.
Users can also watch and listen to the same movies and music with friends through the new SharePlay.
The new operating system is packed with FaceTime improvements that includes 3D audio, portrait mode that blurs backgrounds and a grid view (pictured) that lets users speak to multiple people at once
‘For many of us, our iPhones have become indispensable,’ SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi said during Apple’s livestreamed WWDC.
‘Our new release is iOS 15. It’s packed with features that make the iOS experience adapt to and complement the way you use iPhone, whether it’s staying connected with those who matter to you most.
‘Finding the space to focus without distraction, using intelligence to discover the information you need, or exploring the world around you.’
Apple’s WWDC is an annual event that showcases some of the firm’s latest and greatest hardware and software.
The service will be available in Portrait Mode, which blurs your background similar to how the feature works with photos that makes the individual more prominent in the scene.
SharePlay is also a new update that allows users to enjoy the same movie or music using just their iPhone or iPad. The feature is compatible with Apple TV and Apple Music, along with content from Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Twitch, TikTok and more
It is typically hosted in front of a large audience, but Apple had hold the event online for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But that has not stopped Apple from unveiling its upcoming operating system.
iOS 15 is revamping FaceTime, which was introduced in 2010, with new features that aim to better connect users.
iOS 15 also releases a new feature to FaceTime that puts it in the race against the popular video conferencing platform Zoom. Pictured is SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi during the online event
FaceTime gets largest upgrade with Apple’s new iOS 15
Apple’s iOS 15 brings the largest update to FaceTime.
It includes 3D audio, which is like surround sound but multiplied.
Portrait mode is coming that blurs the background so the user stands out.
SharePlay will let users watch movies, listen to music or search the web together via FaceTime.
The update also adds features that pits FaceTime against Zoom.
Users can now send video conference links with a schedule and access number.
Chat boxes are also organized as grids for better viewing.
The service will be available in Portrait Mode, which blurs your background similar to how the feature works with photos that makes the individual more prominent in the scene.
SharePlay is also a new update that allows users to enjoy the same movie or music using just their iPhone or iPad.
The feature is compatible with Apple TV and Apple Music, along with content from Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Twitch, TikTok and more.
iOS 15 also releases a new feature to FaceTime that puts it in the race against the popular video conferencing platform Zoom.
Call boxes will be organized in a grid format for easier viewing and the host of a specific meeting can share a link to a chat room prior to the call.
Apple’s upcoming iOS 15 also includes an iMessage redesign that transforms message photos into galleries and includes a focus mode that hides apps that typically distract users.
Notifications will also look a little different following the download of iOS 15 – they will have photos and larger icons.
This is part of Apple’s new Focus feature that lets users decide how notifications appear on their iPhone or iPad.
This includes timing when certain notifications will pop up, such as snoozing them while you are working or allowing them when you go for your daily walk.
The camera is also benefitting from the new operating system and will feature Live Text that is capable of identifying and scanning text in photos.
Notifications will also look a little different following the download of iOS 15 – they will have photos and larger icons. This is part of Apple’s new Focus feature that lets users decide how notifications appear on their iPhone or iPad
This will let users turn handwritten notes into emails, along with copy the text and search for it online.
Apple says the feature is enabled using ‘deep neural networks’ and ‘on-device intelligence.’
The tech giant has not yet announced when iOS 15 will be available for its devices, but it is expected to hit web browsers later this fall.
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