Google tipped to be developing an iOS third-party keyboard with search feature

The search giant Google is supposedly working on a third-party keyboard for iOS users. It will reportedly have things like gesture-based input and a built-in Web search feature. The gesture-based typing is said to follow in the vein of popular keyboard apps like Swype and SwiftKey. The keyboard will also sport a Google logo that when you tap executes a web search and dedicated search buttons for pictures and GIFs, which are believed to be routed through Google Image search. Whether that search happens within the keyboard interface or not is unknown. Apple is particularly strict with products it deems will affect the UI, which in turn could affect the iOS experience. The unnamed keyboard project has said to be in the work for months and is being tested by select Google employees. There isn’t a specific timeline for release though.

Source: Apple Insider

Apple introduces new Night Shift feature in iOS 9.3

Alongside the launch of the new devices, Apple’s also made iOS 9.3 available for download. This minor release brings with it some useful features including the new Night Shift mode. Working similar to what the F.lux tool does, it reduces the amount of blue light it emits based on the time of the day or where you are at the moment. Blue light is said to make it harder for people to sleep so you can schedule that to turn on in the evenings. Apple also adds password protection to its Notes app. You can even unlock it via Touch ID. This’ll be useful if you store sensitive personal information in the app. There are also new 3D Touch shortcuts for Weather, Settings, Compass, Health, Stocks, and Store.

Aside from that, Apple also tweaked its News app to personalize the For You section further with interests, suggestions, and trending topics. Multi-user support shows up when it allows students with iPads to share devices easily. Apple Health gets Apple Watch integration, while CarPlay gets the ability to add song suggestions for music and nearby points of interests if you need to find certain places.

Source: The Verge

Waze planned drives now available for iOS

Waze introduces Planned Drives for iOS, taking the stress out of planning an appointment or important trip, whether it’s today or in the week ahead. Now you’ll always know when to go! Enter the time and date you need to arrive and Waze will recommend the best time to leave. You’ll also receive a reminder closer to your event with an updated departure time based upon real-time road conditions. Just set it and forget it.

Planned Drives also makes it easier to manage your time and schedule more flexible to-do’s (like errands or road trips) to avoid traffic.

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Apple outs seventh beta build of iOS 9.3

Exactly a week after the sixth version of iOS 9.3 made its way to test devices of developers and public beta testers, Apple releases beta builds 13E5233a and 13E5234a. The update brings with it minor changes and bug fixes. When iOS 9.3 is launched sometime in spring, it will bring with it new features like Night Shift to help reduce eye strain, a Touch ID-secured version of Notes, more 3D Touch Quick Actions, as well as other improvements to existing first-party apps and services.

Apple is also set to develop specialized offerings for the education and enterprise sectors. An example is the Classroom app and its supporting ecosystem for the iPad will offer teachers and school administrators granular control over things like per-student device management, remote monitoring, and software distribution.

Source: Apple Insider