The main innovation of the final version of iOS 14 launched recently is the revised user interface, which brought such features as widgets for the desktop, pop-up notifications, picture-in-picture mode for watching videos on top of other windows and updating standard applications. For many years, Apple has been slow to implement these useful features that were implemented in the Android OS a decade earlier. Unsurprisingly, this was the reason for the emergence of jokes on the Internet, which Google itself has joined.
For example, this morning a Twitter post from @madebygoogle showed the desktop of the recent Google Pixel 4a with a reminder widget labeled “Realize we’ve had widgets 4ever” and “Tell the world about it”. Recall that widgets have been available since the very first version of Android 1.0, released back in 2008. The Internet community does not lag behind, which ironically reminds of the existence of such functions as multi-window, launching video in a window over applications (picture-in-picture) and pop-up notifications about calls back in 2011-2012.
Wait, we're talking about homescreens now? Here's ours #Pixel4a pic.twitter.com/03jwdIdQUk
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) September 18, 2020
iOS 14 improvements
iOS 14 has a redesigned start screen, and for the first time, it offers support for widgets. They have different sizes and show the weather forecast. Widgets can also show latest podcasts, upcoming appointments and more. A new feature called the Apps Library lists all applications installed on a single screen and automatically organized into categories.
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The new update also brings Picture in Picture feature to display FaceTime videos and calls in the corner of the screen. The new OS also improves how Siri interacts with the system. The personal assistant will only display an icon at the bottom. The icon will show that Siri is listening to you and will answer with a notification at the top.
iPadOS 14 improvements
IPadOS 14 brings many of the new features of iOS 14 but comes with features optimized for iPads. One of them is Scribble. It allows users write by hand with Apple Pencil and the content will be automatically converted into typed text. This works in any application and offers support for multiple languages.
Photos got a sidebar to allow users to easily access albums, favorite photos, places, and hidden options. The Archives was redesigned as well, resembling the macOS Finder. Moreover, Music, Shortcuts, Recorder and other popular apps have gained a new sidebar to offer a more unified experience.
watchOS 7 e tvOS 14
The tvOS 14 does not bring a wide set of new features. However, we have PiP mode, support for more than one user and integration of surveillance cameras with Homekit. Moreover, the system finally is able to play 4K videos in the YouTube app on a compatible Apple TV.
watchOS 7, is a major step for the company’s smartwatches. It brings sleep monitoring and handwashing detection feature. The latter starts a 20-second counter as soon as you start cleaning and warns you if you interrupt the process before the recommended time. The new wearables will also recognize more categories of exercises, such as dance and functional training.
