Apple Releases Updated Version of Shortcuts App With iPad Pro Support

[MacRumors]

Apple today updated its dedicated Shortcuts app for iOS 12 devices to version 2.1.1, introducing support for the new iPad Pro models that are set to be released tomorrow.

Apple's 11 and 12.9-inch 2018 iPad Pro models are the latest Apple devices that will work with the Shortcuts app, which is designed to let you create multi-step shortcuts and automations using first and third-party apps that can then be activated with Siri commands.

With Shortcuts, for example, you can create an automation to do something like turn on the thermostat at home using the Nest app, text your roommate that you're on the way with Messages, and open up the Maps app with directions home all with a single "I'm going home" Siri command spoken when leaving work.

Shortcuts are deeply customizable, with Apple's Shortcuts app providing a gallery of Shortcut suggestions along with the tools to create your own.

In addition to support for the new iPad Pro models, the 2.1.1 update introduces a long list of bug fixes, as outlined in Apple's Shortcuts support document.
[*]Fixed an issue where some actions (including Send Email, Dictate Text, Run Home Scene, and Vibrate Device) may not work when invoked from Siri
[*]Fixed an issue where the Set Flashlight action caused an error message to appear
[*]Fixed an issue where the Call action wasn't able to dial phone numbers with special characters (such as * or #)
[*]Fixed an issue where entered decimal numbers may not be recognized properly in locales that use a comma as the decimal separator
[*]Fixed an issue where the selected photo album in the Save to Photo Album action may be reset to "All Photos"
[*]Fixed an issue where the Toggle Alarm action wouldn't disable alarms until the "Enable" switch was turned on and back off
[*]Fixed an issue where the Speak Text action spoke using lower-quality voices
Shortcuts can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Apple Releases Updated Version of Shortcuts App With iPad Pro Support

 

[Christoffee]

So shortcuts is not built into iOS, while the shortcuts functionality is likely deeply integrated.

Will other apps follow?

(Or do I misunderstand the pseudo uninstalling of iOS default apps?)

 

[Xenomorph]

Fixed an issue where the Call action wasn't able to dial phone numbers with special characters (such as * or #)

I just updated the app and tested this. It didn't work as expected. I was trying to bring up Field Test (*3001#12345#*), and it does one of two things:

* just tries to dial it like a regular number.
* just says "An unknown error occured in Call"

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

So shortcuts is not built into iOS, while the shortcuts functionality is likely deeply integrated.

Will other apps follow?

(Or do I misunderstand the pseudo uninstalling of iOS default apps?)

There's a possibility it can't currently be included in the default install for legal reasons. Apple purchased the app from another company (or bought that company rather). In the past there have been other instances where they couldn't include their own app as a default install due to legal reasons and I'd venture to guess this may be one of those times.

Additionally, it means they can easily push updates for the app as they've done a number of times now, rather than having to release a new iOS version for all devices to update it.
[doublepost=1541533955][/doublepost]

I just updated the app and tested this. It didn't work as expected. I was trying to bring up Field Test (*3001#12345#*), and it does one of two things:

* just tries to dial it like a regular number.
* just says "An unknown error occured in Call"

That's not really a phone number with special characters but rather a service number. I'd generally consider something like 1-800-COLLECT then pressing 1 then #5 to be "a phone number with special characters".

Certainly worth reporting to Apple via their feedback or developer option if this is something you'd actually use.

 

[GIZBUG]

Wonder what percentage of users actually know what this is, or even use it. Majority of people I run into have no idea what this is, or even how to use it. Apple sure hasn't marketed it very well. I'd guess 20% of IOS 12 users actually use "Siri Shortcuts." Anyways, continue on Apple, priorities, priorities! At least it isn't another Emoji update....

 

[rikscha]

I was looking forward to it and yet couldn’t figure out what to programme.
All the ideas I came up with are not possible to programme.

Can someone tell me about a good useful shortcut that actually solves a problem.
For example, i wanted to create a shortcut that will play my daily podcast playlist on my HomePod. Not possible to programme..
show me my steps on my Apple Watch, didn’t work either. Produces a hidden notification on my iPhone.

 

[Wide opeN]

I say "Hey Siri, Drive Home"

I have the shortcut then setup to launch Waze, and play the playlist I've selected. It's definitely pretty amazing and as the name "Shortcuts" implies... Saves me a few steps and button presses.

I'm really impressed, and am always looking to come up with more!!!

 

[CoreForce]

Is it just me or others face the same issue that many things are simply broken in Shortcuts, many of them which worked fine in previous Workflow?
Like start a workflow for entering numbers on the watch, just as an example. Also the Home ETA seems it works when home only but was never successful for me when traveling (beside the internationalization issue it has).

 

[Bill Av]

I was looking forward to it and yet couldn’t figure out what to programme.
All the ideas I came up with are not possible to programme.

Can someone tell me about a good useful shortcut that actually solves a problem.
For example, i wanted to create a shortcut that will play my daily podcast playlist on my HomePod. Not possible to programme..
show me my steps on my Apple Watch, didn’t work either. Produces a hidden notification on my iPhone.

I don't know if it's possible to do this with Shortcuts, but I'd love to be able to shut down my phone with Siri.

 

[TonyC28]

I’m liking the potential of Shortcuts so far. I only use one at this time, but it’s kinda cool.

Question for the MacRumors writers: the articles about Shortcuts keep using the Nest app as an example. Does the Nest app support Shortcuts? I can’t seem to find any way of getting a Shortcut to link with my Nest app.
[doublepost=1541558622][/doublepost]

I was looking forward to it and yet couldn’t figure out what to programme.
All the ideas I came up with are not possible to programme.

Can someone tell me about a good useful shortcut that actually solves a problem.
For example, i wanted to create a shortcut that will play my daily podcast playlist on my HomePod. Not possible to programme..
show me my steps on my Apple Watch, didn’t work either. Produces a hidden notification on my iPhone.

This doesn’t really solve a problem but adds a little convenience....
I have one set for when I leave work. I activate Siri and say “heading home.” My iPhone will check my location and text me wife with a pre-written text to say I’m on my way and the ETA.

 

[cgaw23]

Wonder what percentage of users actually know what this is, or even use it. Majority of people I run into have no idea what this is, or even how to use it. Apple sure hasn't marketed it very well. I'd guess 20% of IOS 12 users actually use "Siri Shortcuts." Anyways, continue on Apple, priorities, priorities! At least it isn't another Emoji update....

I tried got really confused and then gave up and deleted the app.

 

[sik08amg]

I found a lot of use cases with dynamic URLs and building solutions by quickly entering a site or segment number to retrieve reports. This in conjunction with defaults is really neat, and definitely saves time, more so when I have shared the files I’ve created. Another call out is it’s only user friendly as a widget. If you’re not using it in your widgets panel, you’re not getting the full effect. I haven’t read or had the opportunity to really get into the weeds with the JS or some of the more technical features, but with more popular apps making the features available could really make this shine.

 

[thhertz]

Apple today updated its dedicated Shortcuts app for iOS 12 devices to version 2.1.1, introducing support for the new iPad Pro models that are set to be released tomorrow.

Apple's 11 and 12.9-inch 2018 iPad Pro models are the latest Apple devices that will work with the Shortcuts app, which is designed to let you create multi-step shortcuts and automations using first and third-party apps that can then be activated with Siri commands.

With Shortcuts, for example, you can create an automation to do something like turn on the thermostat at home using the Nest app, text your roommate that you're on the way with Messages, and open up the Maps app with directions home all with a single "I'm going home" Siri command spoken when leaving work.

Shortcuts are deeply customizable, with Apple's Shortcuts app providing a gallery of Shortcut suggestions along with the tools to create your own.

In addition to support for the new iPad Pro models, the 2.1.1 update introduces a long list of bug fixes, as outlined in Apple's Shortcuts support document.
[*]Fixed an issue where some actions (including Send Email, Dictate Text, Run Home Scene, and Vibrate Device) may not work when invoked from Siri
[*]Fixed an issue where the Set Flashlight action caused an error message to appear
[*]Fixed an issue where the Call action wasn't able to dial phone numbers with special characters (such as * or #)
[*]Fixed an issue where entered decimal numbers may not be recognized properly in locales that use a comma as the decimal separator
[*]Fixed an issue where the selected photo album in the Save to Photo Album action may be reset to "All Photos"
[*]Fixed an issue where the Toggle Alarm action wouldn't disable alarms until the "Enable" switch was turned on and back off
[*]Fixed an issue where the Speak Text action spoke using lower-quality voices
Shortcuts can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Apple Releases Updated Version of Shortcuts App With iPad Pro Support

 

[The Chosen One]

how or why do these new ipads need to be updated for this app?

Ofc the ipads are better and all but Is there something That requires them to be needed to be updated?

 

[thhertz]

Apple today updated its dedicated Shortcuts app for iOS 12 devices to version 2.1.1, introducing support for the new iPad Pro models that are set to be released tomorrow.

Apple's 11 and 12.9-inch 2018 iPad Pro models are the latest Apple devices that will work with the Shortcuts app, which is designed to let you create multi-step shortcuts and automations using first and third-party apps that can then be activated with Siri commands.

With Shortcuts, for example, you can create an automation to do something like turn on the thermostat at home using the Nest app, text your roommate that you're on the way with Messages, and open up the Maps app with directions home all with a single "I'm going home" Siri command spoken when leaving work.

Shortcuts are deeply customizable, with Apple's Shortcuts app providing a gallery of Shortcut suggestions along with the tools to create your own.

In addition to support for the new iPad Pro models, the 2.1.1 update introduces a long list of bug fixes, as outlined in Apple's Shortcuts support document.
[*]Fixed an issue where some actions (including Send Email, Dictate Text, Run Home Scene, and Vibrate Device) may not work when invoked from Siri
[*]Fixed an issue where the Set Flashlight action caused an error message to appear
[*]Fixed an issue where the Call action wasn't able to dial phone numbers with special characters (such as * or #)
[*]Fixed an issue where entered decimal numbers may not be recognized properly in locales that use a comma as the decimal separator
[*]Fixed an issue where the selected photo album in the Save to Photo Album action may be reset to "All Photos"
[*]Fixed an issue where the Toggle Alarm action wouldn't disable alarms until the "Enable" switch was turned on and back off
[*]Fixed an issue where the Speak Text action spoke using lower-quality voices
Shortcuts can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Apple Releases Updated Version of Shortcuts App With iPad Pro Support

[doublepost=1541600764][/doublepost]Where is the Apple watch version that disappeared with Apple's acquisition?

 

[theman510]

Two things I'd like to see:

- Native Spotify intergration
- Ability to run Shortcuts while my phone is locked

 

[MBSTL71]

I used to love this app - but I lost a lot of functionality when they dropped IFTTT integration. Who does that?!?! Has Apple indicated if or when they intend to bring that back?