Apple Unveils 3 Productivity-Boosting Features

Kicking off the weeklong Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple showed off major upgrades to its mobile and desktop operating systems, and introduced a new programming language called Swift.

Apple demonstrated the new Mac OS X 10.10, dubbed Yosemite and the new iOS 8 for mobile platforms. These are still in Beta and will be released this fall. Until then, familiarize yourself with all the ways you can boost your productivity:

1. Continuity Makes it Easier to Keep Working on the Go

Apple introduced Continuity, a suite of services designed to let you share documents between iOS and OS X. Using the Handoff tool, you’ll be able to start a document or email on your Mac and then move to your iPad to complete it on the train. Basically, you can share your work across all your devices--from whichever device you decide to work that day.

Your Mac and mobile device running iOS 8 have proximity sensors that will recognize when they’re near each other, enabling new features so you can literally handoff from one device to the next.

"You've seen how our operating systems, devices and services all work together in harmony," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in his keynote. "Together, they provide an integrated and continuous experience across all of our products."

With the new AirDrop, you’ll be able to share files between mobile devices and Macs, not just from mobile to mobile or Mac to Mac. Also, your Mac now doubles as a speakerphone, with the ability to send and receive phone calls as well as SMS messages.

2. Store and Share Any Documents Easily with Cloud Syncing

Apple announced a new cloud-based storage system very similar to Dropbox and other popular services that lets you store any files you want—not just photos. You get 5 GB of free space; more than Dropbox offers but less than Google Drive’s 15 GB. If you think it’s worth paying to have all your files backed up in the same place, upgrading to the 20 GB is just $.99 cents a month.

Apple says everything you store in the cloud will be accessible through Finder and will sync across your Mac and iOS apps, and…yes…even Windows!

3. QuickType and (Improved) Siri Can Slash Typing Time

Apple is entering the predictive text world with QuickType for iOS 8. It’s been a long time coming and will help two-finger typers and texters get those emails and messages out quicker.

The new keyboard adds a new row which will display predictive word suggestions based on the context of your message and the person you’re communicating with. Apple will also let you install third-party keyboards across your iOS devices which may help speed up your typing.

If you prefer Siri over typing, she’s getting more useful too. Now, you’ll be able to summon her without ever touching your phone. Just say “Hey Siri” and the virtual assistant will appear on your phone, similar to how Android users say “Ok, Google.” Siri can also name that tune – using music recognition service Shazam to identify songs, and take commands in 22 more languages.

BONUS: SWIFT

There’s always an applause at Apple events, but developers had real reason to celebrate at this conference: Apple announced a new programming language. Swift is said to make coding easier for iOS and OS X developers, meaning the apps Apple approves will be even more powerful.  Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, said Swift is fast, modern and allows for a level of innovation never before seen on iOS.

Apple incorporates something called Interactive Playgrounds that interpret code in real time.

Developers are very excited but we’ll all benefit from what developers can do with Swift. The SDK for iOS 8 has thousands of new APIs, including HomeKit, which will have a big impact on devices we already use. With HomeKit, you’ll be able to control your existing smart gadgets such as lights, connected thermostats, door locks, garage door openers and more from one app paired securely to your iOS device.

Apple will begin accepting app submissions coded in Swift this fall when OS X Yosemite and iOS 8 are released.

 

Image source: Apple press kit.