Apple’s App Accelerator, chatbots for group chats and more: mobile buzz of the week

The lines between digital, mobile, technology and apps are blurring in today’s world. We at Robosoft are keen followers of developments in this arena. Here’s a quick summary of what’s buzzing:

Apple’s first App Accelerator opens in Bengaluru

Apple’s first App Accelerator, which was announced back in May 2016, is now up and running in Bengaluru for app developers. As part of the program, developers would get a chance to learn about the latest advances in Apple platforms directly from Apple experts. India, which has a solid community of thousands of developers, is likely to benefit immensely from this program. To take advantage of the program developers need to sign up and Apple experts would provide briefings and one-on-one app reviews for developers every week.

It’s also worth noting that Apple has chosen India as the first country to try out this new program.

Snapchat ‘Stories’ are now searchable

Source: SnapchatSnapchat has added a new feature to its mobile app that lets users search across over 1 million curated public Stories. This means users can use the search feature to find “Snaps” related to different events and topics such as local basketball games, Fashion Week shows or the scene at their favorite bar. Both photos and videos would be searchable. The company has also revealed that the new feature uses machine learning to search and show the results. The new feature is however rolling out in few select cities in the US with plans to expand to other locales from there.

Facebook might launch chatbot for group chats

At its F8 conference, slated to be held two weeks from now, Facebook is planning to launch a new type of chatbot that operates inside group chats on Messenger. These group bots can keep users informed about real-time events such as football scores. It is also being said that the company would open up this feature to third-party developers, a perfect time to think of different possibilities for your brand.

Apple releases updates to iOS, MacOS, tvOS & watchOS

Last week Apple rolled out major update to all its software’s including iOS, MacOS, WatchOS and tvOS. The updated iOS 10.3 includes cool features like ‘Find My AirPods’, similar to ‘Find My iPhone’ feature and so on. MacOS was also updated but the most notable feature was the introduction of Nightshift. watchOS 3.2 now gives you an option to turn on Theater Mode and some other enhancements. tvOS 10.2 doesn’t bring much to the table other than some minor improvements like scrolling improvements and support for Apple’s Device Enrolment Program.

Banner Image source: Apple India