A lot has been already written about the Apple Event and the product announcements. Here is a quick roundup of the announcements reliant to app development:
ResearchKit and CareKit
ResearchKit, the open-source software framework aimed at the developer community to create iPhone apps was introduced in March 2015. These iPhone apps gather data from volunteers and help in medical studies – about asthma, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s and more. Some of the apps in this space include:
mPower: an app which helps researchers diagnose and better understand Parkinson’s disease
Autism & Beyond: discovering a better way to diagnose autism
EpiWatch: finding a way to predict seizures with Apple Watch
At yesterday’s event, Apple announced the launch of CareKit- a new software framework designed to help developers enable people to actively manage their own medical conditions. iPhone apps using CareKit make it easier for individuals to keep track of care plans and monitor symptoms and medication; providing insights that help people better understand their own health. Some of the apps which are in the pipeline are:
Post surgical care app: Using the Care Card module of CareKit, the app will let you easily keep track of your post surgical needs — like monitoring pain levels, temperature, range of mobility, and medication
Diabetes care app: the One Drop app can track your pain, hunger, and dizziness against measurements such as your glucose levels
Glow, Inc will incorporate CareKit modules into its pregnancy app, Glow Nurture, to guide women through a healthier pregnancy.
tvOS 9.2
With the latest update, Apple TV 4 gains Siri Remote dictation, app folders, iCloud Photo Library, Bluetooth keyboard support.
Here’s 9to5 Mac’s quick overview of tvOS9.2
watchOS 2.2
With the latest update, Apple Watch gains enhanced Maps app and multi-watch pairing support.
Aside from the above, Apple released iOS 9.3 with features like Night Shift, password protection for Notes and new 3D short cuts. Apple also released OS X 10.11.4 an update for El Capitan, with support for Live Photos in Messages & AirDrop, and individually encrypted items in Notes.
All in all a no-surprises but a solid event for consumers and developers alike. The initiatives on ResearchKit and CareKit will particularly impact meaningful app innovations in the health sector.
