We had a rough idea that this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) would kick off in June because, well.. it nearly always does. But with the Cupertino company having last week finally put any ambiguity to rest by officially announcing the WWDC 2014 event, we’re now firmly fixated on what will be uncovered from June 2nd. Adding to the melting pot of information we already have regarding iOS 8 and OS X 10.10, more intriguing tidbits have emerged with regards to what Apple might have in store for this summer and beyond.
According to a report over at 9to5Mac, the forthcoming version of iOS – which we’ll naturally assume to carry the moniker of iOS 8 – is currently being referred to under the codename Okemo. From what we’ve learned of Okemo so far, the Healthbook app will be one of the central pieces to the jigsaw, but while this feature – which may also integrate with the unconfirmed ‘iWatch’ device – will see Apple finally latch onto the lucrative health and wellbeing market, there’s still a great deal more to look forward to besides.
For example, the 9to5Mac report also suggests that Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) support will be added to the next iPhone, and as such, the updated software will be duly configured to facilitate the new technology. VoLTE would certainly improve call quality and efficiency thanks to the robust and technologically advanced nature of the LTE networks, although given that T-Mobile is the only carrier with a fully-operational VoLTE system in place, it will be interesting to see how Apple plays it.
iOS 8 is also said be affording iTunes Radio a proper identity with its own standalone app, a move that should help to promote and support a streaming service that hasn’t really gotten off its feet since rolling out with iOS 7. Maps, which has suffered since manifesting with iOS 6 in a disastrous launch that signaled the demise of then-SVP of iOS software Scott Forstall, is also in line for improvement, bringing a standard of functionality comparable to the systems offered by the likes of Nokia and Google.
OS X Design Concept with flat iOS 7-like UI
OS X, meanwhile, will focus on design changes, and given the flatter, cleaner look of iOS nowadays, we’re expecting the desktop software to follow in very much the same vein.
We’ll learn more from June 2nd, when Apple’s head honchos take to the stage at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, and with the possibility of new hardware also lurking, we’re greatly looking forward to learning of what’s in store.
What are you hoping that Apple will reveal on June 2nd? Do share your thoughts below!
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