Apple introduces NameDrop, a new way to share contact information when two devices are brought together
There are updates to keyboard and dictation, bringing improvements to autocorrect via a new “transformer” language model and sentence-level correction.
iOS 17 also introduces a new “Journal” app. The app sources new memories using people, places, activity, music, and photos that users can add to daily journal entries. Users can set reminders to remember to write a daily entry. Journal comes to iPhone later this year.
A new mode called “Standby” provides a view for displaying the time, widgets, and other information when the iPhone is horizontal.
Users can now simply say “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri,” and Siri will understand follow-up commands that do not include the trigger word.
Messages is also receiving an update, starting with search filters. You can type a contact name and find everything from this specific contact for instance. In unread conversations, there’s a new arrow that lets you catch up to the latest unread message.
But the most important new feature in Messages is that Apple will automatically create transcriptions for voice messages. There’s also a new way to check in with your friends when you go back home.
Announced today during WWDC, Apple revealed that users will soon be able to leave video voicemails via FaceTime. This long awaited feature makes the user experience more seamless if you try to FaceTime a friend and they don’t pick up, yet you still want to leave a message. Apple is also adding a feature that will do live transcription while contacts are leaving you voicemails. Similar to existing features on Google devices, the live transcription of the voicemail will appear on your home screen, and if you decide you want to pick up in the middle of the voicemail, you can.
Autocorrect:
Keyboard now leverages “transformer language model” to improve predictions
Keyboard can learn what you really mean by “ducking” … ffff
Predictions personalized by your words and usage
Dictation upgrade
AirDrop:
NameDrop is a new way to share phone number and email sharing between nearby iPhones
Sharing media is also redesigned, and long media transfers can continue over the internet
SharePlay API adding AirDrop integration
On a cosmetic level, users can create “posters” for their contacts, which gives each individual their own custom screen that appears when you have an incoming call from them. Like the lock screen customization options currently available on iOS, you can choose an image, font and font color to represent each of your friends and family. This contact poster also appears as part of that person’s contact card on your phone, and will also appear when receiving live transcriptions of voicemails on your home screen.
