Apple's iOS 10 is set to make your device much smarter

Apple is calling it its biggest release ever. No doubt, the anticipation for Apple's iOS 10 is palpable. At the annual WWDC 2016 conference, Apple unveiled the new features and improvements that are coming to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices with iOS 10. The developer preview for iOS 10 has already been released, but the final version will be available to download later this year. Let’s look at some features that iOS 10 will add to your Apple devices.

• The iOS 10 focuses on enhancing the user experience, and keeping that thing in mind, the redesigned the lock screen with rich notifications, expanded 3D Touch and quick interactions with apps. There is a fun new feature called ‘raise to wake’ that wakes up the screen when you raise your iPhone 6s / 6s Plus and you can check the notifications without pressing a button. The notifications are interactive with 3D Touch. You can also respond to messages right from the lock screen while staying within the conversation. The feature also works with third-party apps.

• With the new OS, Apple is bringing several major improvements in Siri, which is also a huge part of the user experience. Apple has opened up Siri to developers, so expect more new exciting features to be added to Siri. You can now ask Siri to send a WeChat message to your contact. Siri can also handle ride booking with services like Uber. It can also do a photo search within apps such as IM, ShutterFly, and Pinterest.

• Siri has also become more sharing. The Siri intelligence will now be applied to QuickType keyboard by using deep learning techniques. Siri will offer intelligent suggestions, help you respond with the current location, contact information such as phone number or email address. Also, in the conversation, if you are talking about the place, event, and time, Siri can intelligently prefill the schedule. Siri can also add calendar availability, do multilingual typing, look up for restaurants and more.

• The photos in your phone will not use deep learning and facial recognition tech to identify and classify objects and scenes. It can also tag photos based on the location, and all of this is done locally on the device. It will also keep your photos and videos sorted based on the location, trip, and activities. Want to make a photo collage video? The new iOS takes that into account too. You can turn your photos into highlight reels by adding the effects and audio track and then apply based on your mood.

• Apple is trying to revive its Maps feature, similar to Google Maps, with iOS 10. Apple Maps has also been redesigned with easy to access controls and details on locations. Apple Maps can also proactively suggest you about the amount of time you will take to reach work, look up the event and find location, and more. You also do a selective search based on filters such as coffee shops, fast food, bakeries, desserts, restaurants, and groceries. Quick controls are also added to let you check for petrol pumps along the route.

• Apple Music, no doubt, was an instant hit with users, and now Apple has also some interesting and much-needed improvements. You now get better clarity and simplicity along with the new and redesigned user interface. The first tab has a library with tabs such as playlists, artists, albums, songs and downloaded music. There is also a recently added section. What’s more, the app also shows lyrics for you to read it and groove along. The next tab is ‘for you’ where you can discover new music. Also, with beats 1 radio, you can see what’s playing live, upcoming shows and also see featured shows as well.

• Apple News will give users access to over 2,000 publications. The stories are now broken into categories, making it easier to follow. The new app also gets subscription services from magazines such as National Geographic, newspaper from The Wall Street Journal, and more. Apple is also bringing breaking news notifications which will now be delivered right to your lock screen.

• Your Apple device can now double up as your universal remote, with its HomeKit feature that supports home automation products. The accessories supported by HomeKit include – garage doors, thermostats, locks, sensors, fans, window shades, lights, outlets, and security. With the new update, it now supports air conditioners, doorbells, humidifiers, air purifiers and cameras. Products made by every major home accessory makers are now supported. Apple has also added a new Home app, right on your home screen. It shows personalized wallpaper and all your accessories. There are new modes such as night, morning and more. You can customize them to do certain tasks at specific times. For instance, tapping one button will turn off all the lights, TV, and close window shades, while keeping on the AC or fan. Also, just say ‘good morning’ to Siri, and it will automatically turn on the lights, open the window shades and more.

• One of the biggest improvements now comes to iMessage app with rich link preview and videos within the transcript. There is also intelligent emoji suggestion, so you can tap to replace the text with emojis. iMessages also gets support for end-to-end encryption to keep your conversations, bubble effect and invisible ink where the recipient can slide over the bubble to read it. The app also supports handwritten messages, digital touch that records the video of whatever you draw and sends it. There is also app drawer support for third-party apps within the messages with sticker support, GIFs and more.

Remember these changes and have fun exploring the iOS 10 update, which will be available from iPhone 5 to iPhone 6s Plus, iPad Pro all variants, iPad Air and iPad mini all generations,and the iPod touch 5th and 6th generation.