Apple tvOS adds picture-in-picture mode, multi-user support for Apple Arcade

Aside from adding support to HomeKit, Apple's tvOS platform adds a few small but useful features. Like iOS 14, it's getting picture-in-picture mode across the entire Apple TV experience, with AirPlay videos able to show up in picture-in-picture mode. Multiuser support is coming to the platform, but it seems only to be available for continuing gameplay on Apple Arcade games at the moment.

tvOS is also getting support for Microsoft's Elite 2 and Adaptive Xbox One controller, better audio sharing with AirPod earbuds, as well as up to 4K video streaming from your iOS devices' Photos app.

Source: The Verge

These HomeKit improvements are coming with iOS 14

HomeKit is getting an update with iOS 14, which we're expecting to arrive later in the year. Let's do a quick rundown under the cut on what Apple announced at WWDC 2020 about changing when it comes to your smart home setup:

Click to read more ...

watchOS 7 will remind you to wash your hands properly

Nothing screams sign of the times quite like having a necessary and "handy" new feature coming to watchOS 7. During its WWDC 2020 announcement, Apple revealed that it'll be using machine learning to determine when you are washing your hands. When it detects that you are, it'll then set a 20-second timer that you'll see show up as you wash your hands. If you stop before the 20 seconds are over, it'll remind you to continue. You'll also see and feel when you've completed your handwashing. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging on, this feature is a much-needed one.

But that isn't all that's coming to watchOS 7. It's also finally getting sleep-tracking features as well as a new Wind Down mode to help you get to bed on time. It can even help power down your device for you and set your Apple Watch to dim, so it doesn't disturb your sleep. When you wake up, you'll see a visualization of your night's sleep, which includes the times when you're awake or asleep and your weekly sleep trends.

Click to read more ...

Google Assistant tests broadcast feature for specific rooms

Right now, when you use Google Assistant's Broadcast feature, it's an all-or-nothing affair. It will broadcast your message to all Google Assistant-supported speakers your account is linked to. But Google seems to be testing a way that it'll just broadcast to a specified room.

9to5Google reports that this seems to be an A/B test of the feature. Users will need to say something like, "Hey Google, broadcast a message to living room, the food is ready." And then Google will broadcast this message to the speakers located in the living room. It'll be handy for things like calling your kids down for dinner. But since it's being tested, the feature isn't available widely yet. Here's to hoping Google rolls this one out soon.