Apple Takes Unprecedented Step Of Revealing iOS 11.3 Early: The Best Features Previewed
Irresistible animoji: the lion
Apple released the latest version of iOS 11, release 11.2.5 just yesterday, elegantly analyzed on Forbes, so today’s announcement has taken many by surprise.
Moreover, although the fact that it was coming had been confirmed, the preview is remarkably detailed as these things go.
All this is fairly unprecedented: to announce an upcoming update way in advance – it won’t reach Apple devices except in beta form until the spring – not to mention revealing features not even hinted at before, is a new thing for Apple.
It’s a sign, I imagine, that Apple wants to make clear that an important feature is on its way. Battery issues have been serious for Apple recently, to put it mildly.
So the feature that’s been trailed is the one where users can monitor battery health, recommend if a battery needs to be serviced or whether their iDevice is using the power management feature designed to prevent unexpected shutdowns. It will also let users turn that off if they wish. It’s worth noting, though, that this will not be in the initial iOS 11. 3 release, it’ll come later (though before iOS 11.4).
Improved health monitoring in iOS 11.3.
There’s also a greater emphasis on health. Well, that’s long been a priority for Tim Cook, so it’s no surprise that more health monitoring would come. It looks interesting: available medical data from multiple providers can be aggregated in one place. It requires the medical institution to be on board and for the user to consent, of course.
There’s much more to come in iOS 11.3, which is available in a beta for developers today and in a public beta to follow (often, though not invariably, in the next day or so).
So much more, in fact, that I’m just going to touch on two other features that appeal to me the most.
First is HomeKit software authentication. This has been mentioned before but one of the reasons that some manufacturers haven’t been compatible with Apple’s Home app is that Cupertino is very strict about hardware elements to ensure the best security. Now, though, the software will include a ‘new way for developers to add HomeKit support to existing accessories while protecting privacy and security’. In other words, the path to HomeKit compatibility will no longer rely on the right chip installed, software will do the security bit. This is brilliant news for those people who invested in a home security camera or other gadget, that until now hasn’t been HomeKit-capable. With the right software, it could be.
In the jungle, the mighty jungle - the Animoji lion.
And second – have you guessed? Yes, Animoji. Those cute, adorable scamps who mimic your every facial expression, ensuring messages are more fun and making Animoji Karaoke ‘a thing’.
Bear and dragon Animoji
Anyway, the good news is there will be four more Animoji to delight users. There’s a dragon with bushy eyebrows, a bear which unsurprisingly looks a little bit like the current panda, a skull complete with jawbone that detaches and, best of all, a lion, all winsome smiles and swishy mane.
See, this is what advanced technology is really all about.
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">Irresistible animoji: the lion
Apple released the latest version of iOS 11, release 11.2.5 just yesterday, elegantly analyzed on Forbes, so today’s announcement has taken many by surprise.
Moreover, although the fact that it was coming had been confirmed, the preview is remarkably detailed as these things go.
All this is fairly unprecedented: to announce an upcoming update way in advance – it won’t reach Apple devices except in beta form until the spring – not to mention revealing features not even hinted at before, is a new thing for Apple.
It’s a sign, I imagine, that Apple wants to make clear that an important feature is on its way. Battery issues have been serious for Apple recently, to put it mildly.
So the feature that’s been trailed is the one where users can monitor battery health, recommend if a battery needs to be serviced or whether their iDevice is using the power management feature designed to prevent unexpected shutdowns. It will also let users turn that off if they wish. It’s worth noting, though, that this will not be in the initial iOS 11. 3 release, it’ll come later (though before iOS 11.4).
Improved health monitoring in iOS 11.3.
There’s also a greater emphasis on health. Well, that’s long been a priority for Tim Cook, so it’s no surprise that more health monitoring would come. It looks interesting: available medical data from multiple providers can be aggregated in one place. It requires the medical institution to be on board and for the user to consent, of course.
There’s much more to come in iOS 11.3, which is available in a beta for developers today and in a public beta to follow (often, though not invariably, in the next day or so).
So much more, in fact, that I’m just going to touch on two other features that appeal to me the most.
First is HomeKit software authentication. This has been mentioned before but one of the reasons that some manufacturers haven’t been compatible with Apple’s Home app is that Cupertino is very strict about hardware elements to ensure the best security. Now, though, the software will include a ‘new way for developers to add HomeKit support to existing accessories while protecting privacy and security’. In other words, the path to HomeKit compatibility will no longer rely on the right chip installed, software will do the security bit. This is brilliant news for those people who invested in a home security camera or other gadget, that until now hasn’t been HomeKit-capable. With the right software, it could be.
In the jungle, the mighty jungle - the Animoji lion.
And second – have you guessed? Yes, Animoji. Those cute, adorable scamps who mimic your every facial expression, ensuring messages are more fun and making Animoji Karaoke ‘a thing’.
Bear and dragon Animoji
Anyway, the good news is there will be four more Animoji to delight users. There’s a dragon with bushy eyebrows, a bear which unsurprisingly looks a little bit like the current panda, a skull complete with jawbone that detaches and, best of all, a lion, all winsome smiles and swishy mane.
See, this is what advanced technology is really all about.
If you enjoyed this story, you might also like these:
Apple HomePod Revealed: Apple Confirms Release Date, Other Details For Its Smart HiFi Speaker
Surprise Move By Nokia Strikes Key Feature From Body Cardio Smart Bathroom Scales
Week In Wearables: Apple Watch NFL Game Reaction, watchOS 5 Concept, Tag's Diamond Smartwatch
Apple Watch Wearers Receive Elevated Heart Rate Warnings At Climax Of NFL Game
Thoughtful And Connected: Nest CEO Talks Latest Products, Design And Where It's Heading
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2018/01/24/apple-takes-unprecedented-step-of-revealing-ios-11-3-early-the-best-features-previewed/