Tag: WWDC 2022

Categories
Mobile Syrup

What did you think of WWDC and Summer Game Fest?

This past week, WWDC and Summer Game Fest went down, offering viewers a look at various new Apple products/OS updates and, of course, video games. However, both events felt pretty stale compared to years past to many observers, including myself.

WWDC 2022’s keynote gave us a look at Apple’s iOS 16, the new M2 chip, a redesigned MacBook Air and quirky features like ‘Continuity Camera,’ which allows you to use an iPhone as a webcam on a Mac. For me, the most exciting reveal was iOS 16’s highly customizable lock screen. Beyond that, none of the other announcements caught my eye, though this could be because I’m primarily an Android device user. Overall, I enjoyed Google’s I/O 2022 presentation more.

Meanwhile, Summer Game Fest offered a few notable game reveals, but for the most part, it was a pretty low-key event — especially compared to last year. Some of my highlights include Cuphead: The Delicious Course and Callisto Protocol, but these weren’t new game reveals, just extended looks at both titles. Further, the event ended with The Last of Us Remake, an announcement that leaked ahead of Summer Game Fest.

Last year’s Summer Game Fest included titles like Salt and Sacrifice, Vampire: The Masquerade, Solar Ash, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands and Elden Ring (which I was hyped about). You could also argue that last week’s excellent PlayStation State of Play left Summer Game Fest with a lot to live up to.

With all of this in mind, for this week’s community question, we want to know: how did you feel about WWDC and Summer Game Fest?

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Here’s how you can get iOS 16 on your iPhone today

Apple’s latest WWDC 2022-announced iOS 16’s public release is still a few months out, but if you can’t contain your excitement for the new operating system (OS), getting your hands on the developer beta isn’t too troublesome — all you need is a supported iPhone and an Apple Developer Account.

It’s worth noting that getting an Apple Developer Account comes with a $118.99/year subscription cost, so only proceed if you’re fine with spending that kind of money. Also worth noting is the first iOS 16 developer beta is called a developer beta for a reason. The OS is sure to have some unstable elements, as it’s something that Apple is still actively polishing. It would be prudent to install the beta operating system on a spare iPhone, if you have one. If not, make sure your backup all of your device’s data in case things go haywire.

If you already have a developer account, scroll down to the ‘Download section,’ but if you don’t, continue reading.

The simplest way to get your hands on an Apple Developer Account is through the Apple Developer app. Download the app from the App Store and head to the in-app ‘Account’ section. The app will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID, after which, you can click on the ‘Enroll Now’ button.

You’ll then have to agree to Apple’s Developer Account agreement, and inform Apple if you are an individual, organization, nonprofit, educational institution or the government. Choose whatever fits according to your description and continue. You will now be brought to the payment screen where you are told about the subscription’s annually recurring cost, how to cancel it, what is included with the membership and more.

Download

Once you’ve got your hands on a developer account, the rest of the download procedure is simple.

Head to developer.apple.com on your iPhone, tap on the menu on the left and tap on ‘Discover.’ You will be brought to a new operating system page, and you need to tap on ‘iOS.’

Tap on ‘Download’ on the top right and log in with your Apple Developer Account credentials. Tap on ‘Download’ again after signing in and you’ll see the iOS beta software profile has begun downloading.

Once the download is complete, head to your iPhone’s Settings and tap on ‘Profile Downloaded’ under your Apple ID banner, tap on ‘Install’ and enter your device’s passcode. Provide your consent and tap on ‘Install’ again. Upon the completion of installation, restart your device.

Then, update your iPhone like you normally would. Head to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install and you’re good to go. The update is about 5GB, so it might take a while for it to complete, after which your device will automatically restart and install the new operating system, allowing you to try out all the fun new stuff in iOS 16 like customizable lock screens, updated Messages, the new iCloud Shared Photo Library and more.

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple’s new M2 MacBook Air, iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and more [SyrupCast 261]

On this week’s SyrupCast, Patrick O’Rourke and Brad Bennett offer their early reactions to Apple’s WWDC 2022 keynote, including the new m2 MacBook Air, iOS 16, iPadOS 16, CarPlay and more.

As always, you can watch the podcast below, on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Direct download link

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Here’s why iPadOS 16’s ‘Stage Manager’ only works on M1-powered iPads

iPadOS 16’s ‘Stage Manager’ is arguably one of the tablet operating system’s most exciting additions in years, but strangely, the feature only works with iPads powered by Apple’s M1 chip, including the iPad Pro (2020) and the iPad Air (2021).

According to a report from Digital Trends, the M1’s ample power is required for the feature to operate smoothly. The feature relies on iPadOS 16’s fast memory swap feature, allowing apps to convert storage into RAM for additional horsepower.

Stange Manager is a new, more customizable version of multi-tasking for the iPad that allows users to create overlapping windows of different sizes on a single view. You can drag and drop these windows and resize them, creating a desktop-like experience on the tablet. The feature supports up to eight apps running at once and can use up a total of 16GB of RAM, writes Digital Trends.

Stage Manager is also coming to Apple’s macOS Ventura, allowing windows to be better sorted on your Mac’s desktop.

For more on iPadOS 16, follow this link.

For all of the Apple news from WWDC 2022, follow this link.

Source: Digital Trends

Categories
Mobile Syrup

These 4 features won’t be in iOS 16’s first public release

Last year when Apple announced iOS 15, many were disappointed to learn that several of the pivotal features that the Cupertino, California-based company showed off at WWDC 2021 wouldn’t be available at launch, including SharePlay, Wallet IDs, 3D maps and more.

This time around, the situation look similar with iOS 16.

Apple announced iOS 16 at WWDC 2022, with a tentative public release scheduled for fall. Similar to last year, there are a few features that won’t make the update’s first public release.

Check them out below:

Live Activities

‘Live Activities’ is Apple’s new widget-like UI that will be visible on the lock screen and allows you to glance or keep an eye on an ongoing activity, such as tracking the score of a sports game, music controls, and other third-party app controls. Live Activities won’t be available at launch.

Freeform

Freeform is Apple’s new collaborative shared canvas platform that lets multiple users join a whiteboard screen and brainstorm ideas. Freeform will support Apple Pencil and multiple types of documents, including PDF, images and web links, though it wouldn’t be available when Apple launches iOS 16 to the public.

Freeform will also be available on iPadOS and macOS Ventura, just not at launch.

Game Center

With iOS 16, Game Center is getting a redesigned dashboard that will show what your friends are up to as well as their accomplishments. With iOS 16, Game Center is also getting SharePlay support that will allow you to play games with your friends on FaceTime, alongside ‘Contacts Integration,’ which will show you your friends’ Game Center profiles, what they are playing and their accomplishments in you ‘Contact’ screen.

SharePlay support and ‘Contacts Integration,’ won’t be available with iOS 16’s first public release.

Matter Support

With iOS 16, the Home App is getting Matter, “a new smart home connectivity standard that will enable compatible accessories to work together seamlessly, across platforms,” reads Apple’s iOS 16 preview. With support for Matter, you’ll be able to pick out from more compatible smart home accessories and control them with the Home app and Siri. Matter accessories require an Apple TV or HomePod running as a home hub.

Support for Matter in the Home App won’t be available in the first iOS 16 public release set for later this summer.

Image credit: Apple

Source: Apple Via: 9to5Mac

Categories
Mobile Syrup

iOS 16 enables the transfer of eSIMS over Bluetooth

In addition to Notes being updated, another iOS 16 feature that went under the radar is the ability to transfer an eSIM between iPhones via Bluetooth.

As reported by MacRumours, the feature works when you’re trying to transfer an eSIM and its associated number from an iPhone running iOS 16 to a different iPhone, which also needs to be running iOS 16. The feature works over Bluetooth, and comes up when you go to the “Set up eSIM” setting.

Further, MacRumours states that the feature will be available in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, although Canada isn’t explicitly mentioned. Additionally, the transfer process will only work if the carrier you are on supports the transfer of eSIMs over Bluetooth.

In other iOS 16-related news, iPhone 7 and older devices wouldn’t be able to transition to the new OS.

For all of the Apple news from WWDC 2022, follow this link.

Via: MacRumours

Categories
Mobile Syrup

iPhone 7 and older users are frustrated because they won’t get iOS 16

Apple releases a new operating system for iPhones every year, and every year, some of its older devices are left behind, yearning to be able to experience the new features the updated OS has to offer.

This time around, with the introduction of iOS 16, users with devices older than the iPhone 8 (iPhone 6 series, 7 series and first-gen SE) wouldn’t be able to upgrade, remaining stuck with an OS that doesn’t offer a customizable lock screen (el-o-el).

Android and Google smartphones receive three to four years of software updates on average. The iPhone 7 series was released back in September of 2016, so that was about six years ago. Also, considering that the iPhone 7 received the iOS 15 update last year (when the device was five years old), it was already supported longer than an average Google or Android smartphone.

Older iPhone users understand that some of the old chips, like the A10 Fusion chip in the iPhone 7 just can’t handle the advanced features the iOS 16 has to offer, but that thesis goes down the drain when you realize that the 6th and 7th-gen iPad, both of which are powered by the A10 Fusion chip, are getting iPadOS 16.

Further, the frustration aggravates when you realize that the fifth-generation iPad, with the less powerful A9 chip, will run iPadOS 16.

If you’re using an older iPhone and want to upgrade, the iPhone 13 series is a solid buy. On the other hand, leaks and rumours about the upcoming iPhone 14 series are heating up. The upcoming device series is reported to get rid of the notch in favour of a pill-shaped front cut-out and slimmer bezels, so you might just want to wait until September to pick up a new iPhone.

Via: MacRumors

Categories
Mobile Syrup

watchOS 9 features QuickType Keyboard with the Apple Watch Series 7

On the surface, watchOS 9 seems like a relatively low-key update to Apple’s smartwatch operating system, but now that the dust has settled surrounding WWDC 2022’s keynote, more information about the OS is starting to appear.

As first reported by MacRumors, Twitter user Braham Shank uncovered that watchOS 9 features a QuickType keyboard with the Apple Watch Series 7.

This keyboard suggests words as the user types in an effort to predict what you might want to add next to your message. In the context of a smartwatch, this feature could be particularly useful when you’re trying to send a quick message.

QuickType first made its way to the iPhone alongside iOS 8 back in 2014. Other notable watchOS 9 features include expanded sleep monitoring, medication tracking and several new Watch Faces.

The first version of Apple’s developer beta for watchOS 9 is currently available. A public beta will follow in July and then the full version of the update is expected to drop this fall.

For all of the Apple news from WWDC 2022, follow this link.

Image credit: @brahmshank

Source: @brahmshank Via: MacRumors

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Continuity Camera is great, but here’s how it actually works

On day one of WWDC 2022, Apple showed off Continuity Camera, a feature with which macOS Ventura users would be able to prop their iPhone on top of their Mac, and use the smartphone’s camera for video calls. The feature was widely appreciated, though left many confused about how it would work, so on day two, Karen Xing, a Camera Software Team engineer at Apple, explained the feature in detail.

For starters, in addition to your mac running macOS Ventura, you need an iPhone that can run iOS 16, so those still using an iPhone older than the iPhone 8 won’t be able to use Continuity Camera. Additionally, both your Mac and iPhone need to be signed into the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication.

According to Xing, you simply “bring your iPhone close to your Mac, and it works wirelessly so you can quickly join a call. Your iPhone will appear on your Mac as an external camera and microphone.”

You can also use Continuity Camera by plugging in your iPhone to your Mac over a USB.

Xing demonstrated the feature on Zoom, and said that the app will initially launch with the built-in camera on your Mac, and will prompt you to switch to the iPhone camera, along with notes to let users know what all they can do with Continuity Camera, as seen in the screenshot below:

Xing went on the explain that you can prop up your iPhone in either landscape or portrait orientation, with the latter giving you a more zoomed-in field of view. Xing said, “Continuity Camera also lets you do things that were never before possible with a webcam, including several new video effects,” including the new Studio Light effect that illuminates the subject while darkening the background.

Accessing video effects is as simple as pulling down the Control Center and selecting the desired video effect.

All the video effects, including Center Stage (keeps you centred), Portrait (blurs your background) and Studio Light can be used together in combination.

Control Center is also where users would be able to access ‘Desk View,’ another new video effect introduced alongside the Continuity Camera. Desk View enables your iPhone’s ultra-wide-angle camera to display your desk, and you, kind of like an over-head camera setup combined with a regular one. The feature will be highly beneficial for remote teachers, and can also be used by the likes of Twitch streamers to display a handcam, provided that they are gaming on a Mac.

The feature will support a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second (FPS) at a resolution of 1920 x 1440 pixels. The resolution will stay the same in Desk View mode,  though it will be limited to 30 frames per second.

macOS Ventura and iOS 16 developer betas are available to Apple Developer Program members at developer.apple.com starting now, while a wide rollout will take place later this fall.

For all of the Apple news from WWDC 2022, follow this link.

Image credit: Apple

Source: Apple

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Canadian-developed game Lego Star Wars Castaways takes home Apple Design Awards

The Oscars of app design happen once per year during Apple’s WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) event, and in 2022, two Canadian teams were nominated for awards.

There are multiple categories for both games and apps at the show, and the Montreal-based Transit app was nominated in the ‘Interaction’ category.

In the ‘Visuals and Graphics’ category, Apple Arcade-exclusive Lego Star Wars Castaways took home the top award. This game hails from the Gameloft studios in Montreal.

Lego Star Wars Castaways with creative director Jacques Durand

Lego Star Wars Castaways started out with Jacques Durand’s vision to make a Lego game with an environment that looked more like the Lego Movie and less like the popular Lego games from the developer Travellers Tales.

Durand said he was the perfect lead on this project as he’s a self-professed AFOL (adult fan of Lego). He’s been playing with the Danish toys for years and even dipped his toes into the Lego stop motion scene.

However, turning an idea for a Lego Star Wars world game unlike anything that’s been done before into a reality was a big task for his Gameloft studio. In that regard, Durand praised his team in Montreal for being able to adapt and develop engine parts and optimizations to create a world that looks like it’s made entirely out of Lego.

When asked what the main element was that led to his team winning, Durand responded with a simple, “It’s the love of the brick.”

He continued on, explaining that his team is full of passionate Lego fans and developers who all embraced this digital Lego challenge and pushed hard to make sure that the game not only looks good but also feels realistically built of Lego.

Transit and lead designer Sam Vermette

Before the event, I was able to catch up with Sam Vermette, the co-founder and lead designer of Transit, to talk about his app and what being at the Design Awards meant to him and his team.

If you’re unfamiliar with Transit, it’s an app that’s been around for a long time. Since its redesign in 2018, it’s been a fantastic example of easy-to-navigate interfaces that are straightforward enough to be read and understood at a glance.

Vermette told me that the Transit team has been making jokes about being nominated for an App Design Award for years, so the fact that he was actually at the event was a dream come true. However, it didn’t happen by accident. Vermette is a huge mapping nerd and has a background in industrial design. He decided to get into app development when the first iPhone equipped with an App Store was released, and he realized how personal and essential our devices would become.

Since then, he’s stepped back from development to focus more on app design, but those life experiences have still boiled down to helping him create the easy-to-use Transit app that’s still so popular today.

When asked about what makes Transit a top-tier design, Vermette said he’s proud of everything from the local transit colour matching feature to the easy-to-read design. However, Transit’s firm focus on one-handed use and the ability to swipe down to go back is what he thinks helped push transit into the upper echelon of transit apps.

Unfortunately, Transit didn’t win in its category, but Vermette told me he’s been able to talk to the winning team’s designer, who said that Transit was a significant inspiration for Slopes, a ski and snowboard app.

Full list of apps at the awards