WWDC 2020

Apple announced iOS 14 with home screen widgets and the new Siri

In the empty hall of the WWDC 2020 conference, which this year takes place exclusively in an online format, Apple launched the new iOS 14 mobile operating system. This year's main innovation was widgets.
The widget icons are already available in various sizes on iOS, but in the new version of the operating system, they can be added to the main screen, located next to the application icons. They occupy at least 4 places for icons. Of course, many owners of Android-based devices can ironically observe this “innovation”, since the function on the platform has been around for a long time, but now fans of Apple devices are on the streets.
A new “widget gallery” has appeared, in which you can easily add new ones and customize existing widgets. From it, the user can select the desired widget and add it to the home screen. A mini view of the application is shown directly on the widget icon. In addition, the so-called automatic “smart stack” of widgets for applications suitable for a specific time of day has appeared.
Apple also introduced the Application Library, which automatically organizes applications into new groups and lists. Thanks to this, application icons can now be hidden on the home screen. Something like the Android app bar, but with some additional smart features for bundling apps. For example, you can put all Apple Arcade games in one place.



IOS 14 features system-wide support for the picture-in-picture function. As in macOS, open windows can be configured to the desired size or minimized, for example, without turning off the video running, but listening to it in the background and working in other applications.
Siri digital assistant has undergone a major update. Now, a small circle with Siri appears above the usual interface and can open widgets if, for example, you ask about the weather.
Siri itself became 20 times faster. In addition, it can now send audio messages in addition to regular text messages. 12 languages ​​have been added to which the text will be automatically translated (optional) during correspondence. Voice input is supported.
Apple launched a new iOS-based application for translating foreign languages, similar to Google Translator. It can be used during correspondence with foreign friends and colleagues. In the beginning, there will be support for 11 languages: English, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Portuguese and, yes, Russian as well.
Siri itself became 20 times faster. In addition, it can now send audio messages in addition to regular text messages. 12 languages ​​have been added to which the text will be automatically translated (optional) during correspondence. Voice input is supported.



Apple launched a new iOS-based application for translating foreign languages, similar to Google Translator. It can be used during correspondence with foreign friends and colleagues. In the beginning, there will be support for 11 languages: English, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Portuguese and, yes, Russian as well.
The most important correspondence in the “Messages” can now be corrected. In fact, as in Telegram. Group messages can now be silenced. New memoji added.
In “Maps”, enhanced details, added navigation features and more. Added resources and recommendation guides. At the same time, the guide routes will be composed by no one - Apple will select brands that are reliable. Unfortunately, so far, it will only be available in some cities and probably only in the USA.



In CarPlay, which is part of the iOS ecosystem, it will be possible to track the charge of an electric vehicle, look for the closest way to charge stations, parking lots and fast food outlets. With the advent of iOS 14, the iPhone smartphone can be used as a key to a car using the special NFC function. The BMW 5 Series models in 2021 will be the first cars to receive support for this feature. The same feature should appear on iOS 13 with future updates. You can even share the car's NFC key through iMessage.



The new App Clip feature in iOS 14 will allow you to access apps instantly via NFC or a QR code. You can read a small beacon, which will automatically point the way to the application. The App Clip uses Apple Pay and Sigh in With Apple, so login and login are quick again. The function works with specially developed Apple App Clip codes.
The launch of iOS 14 will take place this fall. Under the Apple Developer program, the new operating system will be available for download today. The company plans to launch a public beta version in July. To install it, you need an iPhone no older than the 6S model.

AVnews