iPhone Home Screen Widgets Coming... Apple Watch to Feature Built-in Sleep Tracking

Apple WWDC 2020 Unveils iOS 14 and watchOS 7
Customizable Widget Layouts and App Library Added
Incoming Call Screen Changed to Full-Screen Popup
Apple Watch Now Includes Built-in Sleep Tracking and Handwashing Detection Features

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Apple unveiled a large number of new software, including the new mobile operating system iOS 14, at WWDC 2020. In iOS 14, widgets can be set on the home screen, and an App Library that automatically organizes apps is added. The incoming call screen has also been changed to a pop-up window, greatly improving the user experience. WatchOS 7 for Apple Watch introduces sleep tracking and a feature that reminds users to wash their hands properly.

On the 22nd (local time), Apple held its annual developer conference WWDC 2020 online. Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, said, “iOS 14 transforms key elements of the iPhone experience, starting with the largest update ever to the home screen,” adding, “With beautifully redesigned home screen widgets, an App Library that automatically organizes all your apps, and App Clips that let you quickly and easily access parts of apps, the iPhone becomes more powerful and easier to use.”

iPhone also gets 'Widgets' on the Home Screen

The most noticeable features in iOS 14 are widgets and the App Library. Even on the iPhone, which previously only allowed icon arrangement, users can now place customizable widgets like on Android. Various sizes of widgets can be pinned anywhere on the iPhone home screen. Creating a Smart Stack displays appropriate widgets based on time, location, and other factors. The new 'App Library' feature at the end of the home screen pages automatically categorizes and organizes all apps stored on the iPhone, helping users find them quickly.

The incoming call and FaceTime windows have also changed to a pop-up format. Previously, calls would take over the entire screen, interrupting users when playing games or watching videos, but now users can continue using other apps while handling FaceTime calls. The 'Picture in Picture' feature is supported when watching videos, enabling multitasking by watching videos while using other apps.

A new 'App Clips' feature allows users to quickly use necessary functions related to specific products or services, such as buying coffee or paying parking fees, without downloading the full app. It can be accessed by scanning NFC, QR codes, or App Clip codes. Additionally, the iMessage app now includes a feature to pin conversations at the top and a 'mention' feature that allows replying by referencing specific message content.

The developer version of iOS 14 will be available for download from the Apple developer website starting on the 23rd. The beta program will be offered to iOS users starting in July. Apple will provide free iOS software updates from this fall for iPhone 6S and later models.

Apple Watch offers built-in sleep tracking... 'Handwashing' detection feature added

WatchOS 7 introduces a sleep tracking feature. This function, which previously required paid apps, is now provided by default. The accelerometer detects breathing during sleep to measure when the user wakes up and how many hours they have slept. Weekly sleep trend charts can also be viewed. Additionally, it guides users to charge their watch if the battery is low one hour before bedtime, based on individual charging habits.

A new 'automatic handwashing detection' feature encourages users to wash their hands for 20 seconds. Using motion sensors and microphones built into the Apple Watch, it detects handwashing movements and sounds, prompting users to wash longer if they wash briefly. It also reminds users to wash their hands when they arrive home. The iPhone Health app displays information about handwashing frequency and duration.

Apple Watch users can now share 'watch faces.' Watch faces can be shared via messages or email and downloaded from the App Store or websites. Developers can add desired elements to watch faces. For example, the app 'Glow Baby' can display statistics on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and nap times for new parents on the watch face. Additionally, the existing noise app has been improved to help protect hearing health by informing users how loudly they listen through headphones or earphones. Furthermore, a bicycle route guidance feature has been added to the Apple Maps app.

The developer beta version of WatchOS 7 will also be available from the 23rd on the Apple developer site. WatchOS 7 can be updated for free starting this fall on Apple Watch Series 3 or later models paired with iPhone 6S or later models running iOS 14.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.