WWDC: Apple takes aim at Zoom with FaceTime, rolls out new privacy updates
Apple is making FaceTime available to more than just users of its devices as part of a suite of software enhancements coming this fall
Apple Inc.'s upcoming software upgrade will aim to make FaceTime an even stronger competitor in the videoconferencing world and continue the company's battle for privacy against third-party advertisers who track user data.
The company began its annual WWDC developer event on Monday with a virtual keynote previewing upcoming software upgrades to its various device operating systems, which are expected to debut this fall. After a year in which video calls became even more essential, the Apple AAPL, +0.01% is adding new features and taking steps to make its FaceTime app more universal.
To start, the company is introducing FaceTime Link, so that meeting organizers can pass along the link to a scheduled FaceTime call, even for web-based users who don't have Macs or other Apple devices. . These upgrades bring FaceTime to Zoom Video Communications Inc. ZM, +1.98% and Microsoft Corp's MSFT, +1.20% make it more competitive against platforms such as Teams, which have gained rapid adoption during the pandemic among people operating remotely, catching up with friends. Engage in business meetings, and other virtual gatherings.
Apple's new software is also enhancing the audio settings on FaceTime, so that users can choose to block noisy background sounds or alternatively opt for a wider sound profile that better captures everything going on around them. Can you
The company will make it so that people making FaceTime calls can simultaneously view content in a synchronous manner. The feature, called SharePlay, will work with Apple-native apps like Apple TV+, but also with third-parties that choose to participate by taking advantage of an application programming interface (API). The Walt Disney Company's DIS, -0.11% Disney+ and AT&T Inc.'s T, -0.65% HBO Max are among the early partners.
iPhone
The FaceTime upgrade will work on Apple operating systems, including iOS, which powers the iPhone. Other enhancements focus on sharing and socializing. Within the Photos app, Apple plans to make it easier for people to view shared photos from trips and events inside their libraries. Apple will also organize playlists shared by friends inside the Apple Music app.
Apple already allows iPad users to take handwritten notes and then convert those articles to text after the fact, and the company is going to apply similar technology to the Photos app. Users will be able to scan new and existing photos for background text, such as notes on a whiteboard or restaurant phone numbers on the side of a building. They'll then get the ability to copy and paste that text or follow a link to call the phone numbers listed.
The Wallet app will become home to a wide range of digital cards, including hotel keycards and state licenses. Hyatt Hotels Corp. H, +0.30% will begin rolling out a new room-key function within Apple's Wallet app this fall, and Apple is working with some participating states to allow users to create an encrypted version. To scan your licenses in the digital wallet. The company hopes to eventually be compatible with Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
Apple also wants people to consider opening their homes with their iPhones and partnering with lock makers like Sledge.
The Maps app is getting a few augmented-reality upgrades, including an upgrade that lets people know when to exit a subway stop, scan their surroundings with their phone, and an overlay of guided directions. Will allow them what to travel next.
Apple is also taking aim at the overload of notifications that many people experience, by introducing a new section that provides a summary of app notifications that people may have missed. The company is rolling out a new "Focus" mode that lets people control how they receive notifications when they're in the middle of work or dinner.
Privacy
Apple continued its quest to introduce privacy features that circumvent ad-tracking technology in its various operating system updates.
Users will soon have the option to essentially block pixel tracking, a technique used by email marketers to identify whether people have opened emails. Those who disable pixel tracking in Apple's Mail app, which is available across devices, will also be able to hide their IP address from marketers. The ability to block IP tracking will also be available in Safari.
Additionally, a new privacy report will show how often apps are using access permissions granted by users.
iPad
Apple also upgraded its iPad operating system, with new features the company said are meant to boost user productivity.
The company will begin allowing users to attach widgets to their iPad home screens with the new iPad OS 15 software update. Apple is also introducing and making new keyboard shortcuts so that people can easily note down important information while browsing through other apps, such as the Safari web browser.
iPad users will get to experience an enhanced version of Safari that includes a grouping function for tabs and the option to add extensions to services like Grammarly or PayPal Holdings Inc.'s PYPL, -0.93% Honey. These will sync with services on Mac and iPhone.
Mac
The COVID-19 crisis sparked a growing interest in dual-screen setups, and soon Mac users may be able to create a temporary solution with the devices they have at home.
Apple's new macOS Monterey operating system will allow people to use their Mac husband or trackpad to control their iPad or other Mac device. A Universal Control function will let users drag and drop content from one device to another, so people can take iPad sketches and add them to videos being created on their Macs, in an example provided by the company.
Mac users will have to make their way to personal computers, along with other features of the iPhone and iPad operating systems, to engage with the redesigned Safari and view shared content via SharePlay.
Apple Watch
Upgrades to the watchOS operating system are more modest this year and include a Contacts app and a new Home app that will let people with connected security cameras see who's at the door from their wrist.
Apple stock fell 0.2% in afternoon trading, as did the SPDR Technology Select Sector exchange-traded fund XLK, up -0.02%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) slipped 0.4% to -0.36%.