All the Photo-Related Updates in iOS 10 and macOS Sierra
June 14, 2016
If you use Apple devices for work or pleasure, big changes are afoot. Apple is rolling out new operating systems for its mobile devices (iOS 10) and for its desktop and laptop computers (macOS Sierra).
Here’s what you need to know.
A New Photos Experience in iOS 10
Apple is giving its mobile Photos app face and object recognition plus a map view. Armed with this information, it will be able to automatically compile photo and video slideshows dubbed “Memories”–taking a page from Google Photos, which has had a similar capability. The big difference between Apple’s approach and Google’s is that Google is doing the object and facial recognition in the cloud (where your data resides) and Apple is performing it locally on your device, so none of your personal information has to leave your device.
Users can make some modest customizations to Memories, including changing the duration and text summaries as well as applying a few stock themes.
Apple’s “Live Photos” feature–the GIF-like animated stills introduced in iOS 9–are also getting some few features, including image stabilization, the ability to add filters to them and perform basic edits. Third party camera apps will also gain the ability to record Live Photos.
Finally, Apple is adding a brilliance adjustment slider to the editing tools in Photos.
RAW Photo Support
According to Apple’s developer documentation, iOS 10 will support RAW images, which means that camera apps will be able to snap images in a RAW format–specifically the DNG format.
Siri Will Grow More Powerful
Apple is now allowing third party apps to integrate with Siri, which means the virtual assistant will be able to answer (or, ahem, attempt to answer) search queries directed at other apps. The most relevant example: you’ll be able to search for images and videos in apps. However, Apple isn’t throwing the doors to Siri wide open: only six classes of apps will be permitted to integrate with Siri and only “Photo Search” apps are making the initial cut.
Siri is also being integrated into macOS Sierra, so you’ll be able to search documents by voice as well as send Messages, create calendar invites and more.
Better Communication Between Apple Devices
Apple will now support copying images, video, and text from your iPhone to a nearby Mac — or vice versa. Details on this function were sparse but presumably it works similar to AirDrop but with fewer intermediate steps.
iCloud users will also now have a dedicated folder on the macOS desktop to access stored contents.
Better Memory Management on the Desktop & A New File System
macOS Sierra will remind you to delete used app installers and clears out duplicate downloads, caches, logs, etc. It will also delete items that have been in the trash for 30 days.
Apple is also developing a new file system that, it says, are built for the demands of the modern era. Developers will have access to it and while the details are a bit technical, it looks like speed and security are the two overriding goals of the new system. The system, called the Apple File System (APFS), is due next year.
Less Bloatware on Your Mobile Devices
iOS 10 will let you delete so-called “native apps” from your iPhone or iPad. The full list of deletable apps is here and includes things like iCloud Drive, Music, Voice Memos, Podcasts, Reminders, Calendar, Weather and more. Deleting apps means more room on your device for the digital stuff you actually want.
When It’s Coming & What’s Compatible
Related Articles
Adobe Max Roundup: Exciting New Features
October 19, 2023
Adobe Max, the company’s annual creativity conference, has just ended, leaving the latest innovations and features across Creative Cloud. You can revisit many of the keynotes and presentations on the Adobe site, but we’ve put together a quick overview of some of the most exciting photo and video news. Lightroom Most of the new features are available for all Lightroom...
More »
Nikkor Z Releases New Lenses & Tether Tools Updates Software
June 30, 2023
Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Good news for Nikon Z shooters! Nikon has added two new lenses to its Z-series line: the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 and the Z 180-800mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. While the latter is best left to wildlife and sports photographers, we think that the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 model looks like a solid lightweight alternative to its more established...
More »
More Mobile Apps? Yes, Please.
May 31, 2023
Most of us have dozens and dozens of apps on our mobile devices. Some are opened every day; others may be specialized and used less frequently. Of course, there’s always a handful that lay dormant until we decide to clean up our screens. But, let’s face it, technology changes rapidly and as do our needs, so there’s always room for...
More »
