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 Watch: Gradual shift to independence
Just a few weeks ahead of the WWDC (June13), Apple has announced that all the new apps for Apple Watch must be native apps built with the watchOS 2 SDK or later. With this announcement it appears that Apple is gradually preparing the developers to look at Apple Watch as a standalone device. It means in future the Apple Watch will be an independent device capable of doing even more.
Google launches Google Play Awards
Google to launch its first ever Google Play Awards to highlight some of the best apps on the platform. Chosen by experts at Google, the program will showcase 5 nominees across 10 award categories including Best Game, Best App and Most Innovative. The winners will be announced at the Google I/O conference in May.
WWDC dates announced via Siri
Last week Apple issued a press release announcing the dates for the WWDC. But, prior to the official press release, it was Siri that was used to reveal the dates for the event, which will be held from June 13 through June 17. Fascinatingly, the conference would kick start at the historic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, which has a larger seating capacity than Apple’s usual conference site Moscone West. Does this mean we are going to witness some exciting announcements? Probably. We can’t wait for the event to get started.
Quora introduces advertising
Quora has introduced advertising on its Q&A forum with a limited number of advertisers that include Lever, Uber, Wealthfront and Sunrun. With users consuming more and more online content on social platforms, advertisers can target their customers better. Quora’s step to maintain a high bar for advertisers is a win-win situation for both the users and advertisers to consume and deliver relevant ads.
iBooks & iTunes Movies forced to close in China
China, the second-largest market for Apple after the United States, has forced Apple to shut down its iBooks Store and iTunes Movies the last week just after six months of operation. Apple Music however is still available in the country. The State Administration of Press, Publicaton, Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) took the decision to minimize the impact Apple has on the country’s information infrastructure.
