Apple makes its platforms more accessible with Voice Control

For all the shiny new tech we get to see, sometimes the more interesting announcements are those that are more functional and serves more as equalizers. So, during Apple's keynote at its Worldwide Developer Conference, one of the new features we were excited about was an accessibility feature to help those with motor impairments use different Apple products. The company introduced Voice Control, which lets you control macOS, iOS, and iPadOS using voice commands. It's said to work "with virtually any app" and will let you tap, swipe, and scroll with your voice. At the same time, Apple promises that the feature "ensures personal data is kept private." Voice Control will reportedly come out this fall.

Source: Gizmodo

iPadOS brings more functionality to Apple's tablet

When Apple users shelled out money for the Apple iPad Pro, they expected more functionality out of the giant, premium slate. But Apple wasn't quite ready to deliver on that front. This time, though, Apple is addressing some of the features its users have been asking for years. Instead of relying heavily on iOS, Apple hopes the new iPadOS is the middle ground between the mobile operating system for the iPhone and macOS for its traditional desktop/laptop OS. With the launch of iOS 13, we’re going to see the iPad have less similar features to the iPhone and perhaps turn the tablet into something that can really work as a laptop replacement.

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Apple announces iOS 12 with a focus on managing screen time

Apple revealed all the software updates and zero hardware today at their World Wide Developer’s Conference WWDC.

While the company played up expected new features to excite and delight users like new mEmoji, AR functionality as well as even better camera and photos functionality, the key reveals were about managing screen time.

Following in the stead of Google who announced features last month to help track and manage smartphone use and screen time, iOS 12 will  similarly generate activity reports for time spent on apps, websites or social media. Ideal for parents managing their young ones’ iPad or gaming time, these metrics also serve to give a realistic picture of our online and smartphone addictions.

Also improved are the Do Not Disturb function on iOS devices that help people stay in the moment and focus on work and class as well as family time like dinner or a date. Notifications, which have become the bane of almost all smartphone users, can now be managed on a granular level and will be tied to time as well as to location constraints.

iOS 12 comes this fall but will be available as a public beta for intrepid users. Developers can get their hands on the latest build starting today.

Breaking: Microsoft confirms intent to purchase GitHub for $7.5 billion in stock

Chris Wanstrath (left), Github CEO and co-founder; Nat Friedman, Microsoft corporate vice president, Developer Services; Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO; and Amy Hood, Microsoft Chief Financial Officer.

GitHub will retain its developer-first ethos. Operate independently and remain an open platform. -Microsoft

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Further to the earlier report that Microsoft is purchasing code repository and developer community hangout GitHub, we now have confirmation from Redmond that Microsoft intends to purchases GitHub for $7.5 billion in Microsoft stock.

Microsoft says that the "two companies will empower developers to achieve more at every stage of the development lifecycle, accelerate enterprise use of GitHub, and bring Microsoft’s developer tools and services to new audiences."

"The era of the intelligent cloud and intelligent edge is upon us. Computing is becoming embedded in the world, with every part of our daily life and work and every aspect of our society and economy being transformed by digital technology.Developers are the builders of this new era, writing the world’s code. And GitHub is their home," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated in a blog post. 

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