Apple has introduced its next operating systems for iPhones, iPads, smartwatches and personal computers, as well as a strong line-up of new technology and privacy features at its five-day Worldwide Developers Conference that began on Monday.
Here are the top 10 takeaways from the first day of the event that is taking place online.
iOS 15 to enhance iPhone experience
Apple announced its newest iPhone operating system, the iOS 15 platform, with several innovative features for an enhanced smartphone experience. The updates aim to make video calls more natural and add new tools that give quick access to information.
Voices in FaceTime, which lets Apple users make video calls to one another, will sound as if they are coming from where the person is positioned on the screen while new microphone modes will strip out background noise.
“For many customers, iPhone has become indispensable ... this year, we have created even more ways it can enhance our daily lives,” said Craig Federighi, senior vice president of software engineering.
The iOS 15 platform "helps users stay connected ... gives them new tools to reduce distraction and uses intelligence to enhance the experience”.
The beta or test version of iOS 15 is currently available to app developers. Another test version will be released next month for iPhone users who want to try it out and help Apple to identify any bugs before the platform is made available to everyone.
New features added to digital keys
Apple introduced digital car keys to let users unlock and start their cars using their iPhones last year. Through new ultra-wideband technology, users can now unlock and start their vehicle without having to remove their iPhone from their pockets or bags. New keys have also been added that will unlock homes, offices and even hotel rooms through keys stored in the Apple wallet.
To ensure user privacy and security, the keys in the wallet are encrypted and stored in Secure Element, the same hardware technology used to protect Apple Pay.
Support for the developer community
To support the community of more than 23 million developers, Apple has introduced new tools to build apps on the iPad and submit them directly to the App Store. Codes will be reflected in the live preview while building apps and users can run their apps in full-screen mode to test them.
Apple has also added new augmented reality technology to make it easier to build immersive content into apps or on the web.
“We are thrilled to provide our developer community with powerful new tools and technology to help create even more compelling and higher-quality apps, while engaging with their users in all new ways through the App Store,” said Susan Prescott, vice president of worldwide developer relations.
Linking up different Apple devices
Apple has added new "continuity" features to ensure a seamless experience when working across different Apple devices.
Enhanced controls will let users work with a single mouse and keyboard and move between Macs and iPads with no extra set-up required. Users can even drag and drop content between devices. They can play and share movies, games, pictures and presentations from their iPhone or iPad straight to their desktop computer.
Adding more to health
The new operating system gives users the ability to share their encrypted health data with a physician. New tools in the iOS 15 platform can be used to identify, measure and understand changes in a person’s health data, the company said.
“This past year has emphasised the importance of health and we are enabling our users to take a more active role in their well-being. We have added powerful features that give users the most comprehensive set of insights to better understand their health trends over time,” said chief operating officer Jeff Williams.
The Health app adds trend analysis for 20 types of data ranging from the heart's resting rate to sleep to cardio fitness, allowing users to easily see how a given activity is progressing.
Tools to hone focus of users
To reduce distractions, Apple has introduced a new feature called Focus that filters notifications based on what a user is doing.
Users can create custom Focus settings or select a suggested one based on their context, such as when they attend a meditation class or finish office tasks. They can also create pages on the home screen to display only apps that are relevant and reduce distractions.
Apple Watch to track sleeping respiratory rate
Apple has unveiled its latest smartwatch operating system, the watchOS 8 platform, which adds new features essential for users to stay healthy, active and connected.
Besides helping users to monitor sleep time, heart rate and blood-oxygen levels, the platform also allows them to track their sleeping respiratory rate, which is the number of breaths a minute. Apple Watch will use the built-in accelerometer to measure this and the information can be viewed in the iPhone Health app, along with trends over time.
Privacy takes precedence
Apple showcased new privacy protections in its latest operating systems for iPhones, iPads, smartwatches and personal computers to improve user control and management of data.
“Privacy has been central to our work at Apple from the very beginning,” said Mr Federighi.
“This year’s updates include innovative features that give users deeper insights and more granular control than ever before.”
New operating systems for iPads and Macs
Apple's latest iPadOS 15 will add previews to its productivity features, enabling tablet multitasking and helping users to be more productive, the company said.
The company will also add a library to the iPad, automatically organising apps into categories such as productivity, games and "recently added".
It also introduced macOS Monterey, the latest version of the desktop operating system, which comes with new ways for users to connect and work seamlessly between connected Apple devices.
With the new OS, the "shortcuts" feature finally arrives on the Mac to help users automate everyday tasks. As with the iPhone and iPad, the feature allow Mac users to quickly accomplish tasks with the apps they use the most.
FaceTime coming to Android and Windows
Apple extended its FaceTime service to users of Google’s Android and Microsoft’s Windows operating systems. The video-calling service was previously available only on Apple devices.
"Now you can send friends and family a link to connect on FaceTime – even if they are using Windows or Android. And it is still end-to-end encrypted, so your call is as private and secure as any other FaceTime call," the company said on its website.
The feature, which will be introduced later year, could help Apple retain customers who are compelled to use other platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The company will allow users to schedule calls and share the web links.
more from Janine di Giovanni
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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UAE
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Canada
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hall of shame
SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
TICKETS
For tickets for the two-day Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) event, entitled Dubai Invasion 2019, on September 27 and 28 go to www.meraticket.com.
Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
More from Neighbourhood Watch
MATCH INFO
FA Cup final
Chelsea 1
Hazard (22' pen)
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
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ANDROID%20VERSION%20NAMES%2C%20IN%20ORDER
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last 16, first leg
Ajax v Real Madrid, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Checks continue
A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.
Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
Pakistan World Cup squad
Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez(subject to fitness), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain
Two additions for England ODIs: Mohammad Amir and Asif Ali
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
MWTC
Tickets start from Dh100 for adults and are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across the UAE. Three-day and travel packages are also available at 20 per cent discount.
SRI LANKS ODI SQUAD
Perera (capt), Mendis, Gunathilaka, de Silva, Nissanka, Shanaka, Bandara, Hasaranga, Udana, Dananjaya, Dickwella, Chameera, Mendis, Fernando, Sandakan, Karunaratne, Fernando, Fernando.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Nations League
League A, Group 4
Spain v England, 10.45pm (UAE)
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
The specs: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Price, base: Dh1.2 million
Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 725hp @ 6,500pm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.3L / 100km (estimate)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
What is an ETF?
An exchange traded fund is a type of investment fund that can be traded quickly and easily, just like stocks and shares. They come with no upfront costs aside from your brokerage's dealing charges and annual fees, which are far lower than on traditional mutual investment funds. Charges are as low as 0.03 per cent on one of the very cheapest (and most popular), Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, with the maximum around 0.75 per cent.
There is no fund manager deciding which stocks and other assets to invest in, instead they passively track their chosen index, country, region or commodity, regardless of whether it goes up or down.
The first ETF was launched as recently as 1993, but the sector boasted $5.78 billion in assets under management at the end of September as inflows hit record highs, according to the latest figures from ETFGI, a leading independent research and consultancy firm.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five largest providers BlackRock’s iShares, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisers, Deutsche Bank X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
While the best-known track major indices such as MSCI World, the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, you can also invest in specific countries or regions, large, medium or small companies, government bonds, gold, crude oil, cocoa, water, carbon, cattle, corn futures, currency shifts or even a stock market crash.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
How England have scored their set-piece goals in Russia
Three Penalties
v Panama, Group Stage (Harry Kane)
v Panama, Group Stage (Kane)
v Colombia, Last 16 (Kane)
Four Corners
v Tunisia, Group Stage (Kane, via John Stones header, from Ashley Young corner)
v Tunisia, Group Stage (Kane, via Harry Maguire header, from Kieran Trippier corner)
v Panama, Group Stage (Stones, header, from Trippier corner)
v Sweden, Quarter-Final (Maguire, header, from Young corner)
One Free-Kick
v Panama, Group Stage (Stones, via Jordan Henderson, Kane header, and Raheem Sterling, from Tripper free-kick)
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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About Krews
Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: January 2019
Number of employees: 10
Sector: Technology/Social media
Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support
