Hands-On With Digital Touch, Bubble Effects, Apps and More in iOS 10's Messages

[macduke]

I've been an Apple user for 20 years, and I now have finally lost hope. I've put my iPhone for sale, and have no intention of buying a new one any time soon. This is without a doubt the ugliest piece of software Apple has ever made. What a shame.. I could write a thesis but I won't bother, that's how disappointed I am.

I never thought Apple, the epitome of elegance and advanced technology, would end up like this. Glitter photos and emoji obsession.. how far you have fallen Apple. This is a sombre week indeed.

Faerwell. Enjoy sending love hearts and disco messages to each other, a new breed of customer clearly populates the Apple fanbase now, my time has passed.

K. Don't let the screen door hit your ass on the way out!

--

Seriously though, I don't get why so many people give a crap that Apple added new features they in no way, shape, or form HAVE to use. Literally the only difference, if you use it as before, is that there's a freaking arrow where the camera icon used to be! Let's lose our mindsss!!1!

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

iOS reminds me of unicorns, rainbows, and fairy dust.

 

[C DM]

iOS reminds me of unicorns, rainbows, and fairy dust.

Because one app has some completely optional features where emojis/stickers can be added?

 

[niun]

XCode or Numbers or Final Cut

I don't remember any of these being bundled software forced on the user if they want the latest OS.
Oh by the by, plento of pro users also complain about XCode and FCP.

Anyhoot, it's pretty divisive. Some see this as a non-issue. Others see it as a pretty unsettling shift by Apple that's been germinating for some time.

 

[wolfaaron]

These are decent features but they're not really a good introduction to iOS 10.

 

[oliversl]

It is faster and more effective to call the person or send audio instead of all those special effects. my 2 cents

 

[C DM]

It is faster and more effective to call the person or send audio instead of all those special effects. my 2 cents

And you can still do all of that just as before if you want.

 

[Burger Thing]

So the conference is over and we are discussing Bubbles and Firework effects in Messages. Ok. I would have preferred to have threads about new functionality in Photos as a viable Aperture replacement, threads about Final Cut Pro XI maybe even rewritten in Swift, maybe even threads about the one or the other Mac Upgrade.

But who am I kidding. The current team in Cupertino is absolutely incapable to deliver serious goods anymore.

Laughing at some naive diehards here (or blinded newcomers) who are rationalizing Apples moves.

 

[CarlJ]

So the conference is over and we are discussing Bubbles and Firework effects in Messages. ...

But who am I kidding. The current team in Cupertino is absolutely incapable to deliver serious goods anymore.

So, starting with your first sentence, there's nearly 50 sessions scheduled for tomorrow - how do you get "conference is over" from that? Second, the conference is for developers, not users - and the things you are unhappy about not being mentioned, are largely application software changes (plus hardware, and there were lots of hints dropped before the conference that hardware was not on the table because they had too much else going on). They announced a lot of changes that are making developers quite happy. I don't know if you've been following the conference (presumably not, given that you think it's over), but I've watched quite a few sessions, and they've got a lot of good stuff going on, for developers. It's clear they've been quite busy, doing good work.

(And you've got some pretty good self-proving logic worked out that anyone who doesn't share your opinion is obviously naive or clueless - I guess your answers must be the only possible right ones.)

As far as discussing stickers to death, folks are doing their best rabid dog impressions on this topic because... well, I can't quite explain that. Seems like some people are deeply offended by the idea that stickers will be available in Messages. It makes about as much sense to me as getting deeply offended that your car includes an AM radio tuner - if you don't like it, maybe just don't use it.

If you want to see updates to Apple's application software, wait for the Fall (or possibly the Spring), to be either pleased or saddened. Getting upset about that now is showing a lack of understanding of what WWDC is.

 

[Burger Thing]

So, starting with your first sentence, there's nearly 50 sessions scheduled for tomorrow - how do you get "conference is over" from that? Second, the conference is for developers, not users - and the things you are unhappy about not being mentioned, are largely application software changes (plus hardware, and there were lots of hints dropped before the conference that hardware was not on the table because they had too much else going on). They announced a lot of changes that are making developers quite happy. I don't know if you've been following the conference (presumably not, given that you think it's over), but I've watched quite a few sessions, and they've got a lot of good stuff going on, for developers. It's clear they've been quite busy, doing good work.

(And you've got some pretty good self-proving logic worked out that anyone who doesn't share your opinion is obviously naive or clueless - I guess your answers must be the only possible right ones.)

As far as discussing stickers to death, folks are doing their best rabid dog impressions on this topic because... well, I can't quite explain that. Seems like some people are deeply offended by the idea that stickers will be available in Messages. It makes about as much sense to me as getting deeply offended that your car includes an AM radio tuner - if you don't like it, maybe just don't use it.

If you want to see updates to Apple's application software, wait for the Fall (or possibly the Spring), to be either pleased or saddened. Getting upset about that now is showing a lack of understanding of what WWDC is.

My bad. I meant the Keynote is over.

But I am glad that you are happy and feel satisfied with the stuff Apple has presented. I for once, would have thought, a developers conference sets a perfect stages to showcase, what professional software Apple has created with their own Swift language. Have they actually done anything with it? Or dare me, showing where Photos or Final Cut is heading.

And no, I am not offended that Apple is offering stickers in messages. I am offended that Apple is offering not much beyond that.

 

[Simon R.]

Because one app has some completely optional features where emojis/stickers can be added?

It's all about the implementation. Apple hardware and software have always been about elegant design. They clearly crossed the line into non-elegant territory with the way they are implementing this. You get a string of elements that look like 80's clipart, effects and what not that - when presented - are totally ridden of clear lines and thoughtful visual design. This is the first time I have seen Apple doing anything like this within the last 10 years. They crossed a line in an attempt to suck up to an Asian market that obviously has quite different standards and views on design.

 

[TerrellAmerica]

As someone who works with teenagers, I can say that while you may think these features are dumb, apple knows exactly what they're doing... They're not going after traditional "power users" here but instead the huge market of snapchat-using iPhone owners who will eat these features up.

[doublepost=1466161457][/doublepost]Well teenagers aren't the only ones buying these phones and Apple needs to watch want they do because not everyone wants these childish features, Im an iPhone user and I don't want this garbage and I hope theres away to turn it off. Apple mades Android look more attractive every WWDC
[doublepost=1466161551][/doublepost]

Where I live whatsapp is omnipresent. Without a android version iMessage isn't going anywhere.

[doublepost=1466161732][/doublepost]iMessage is doing just find without Android, its been lots places without Android

 

[geta]

So, same like FaceTime, clearly none of this is pointless given that plenty of people use FaceTime (and iMessage).

Yes. A small niche where they only handle 200,000 messages a second (but then you probably do more than that with the server running in your coat closet at home, right?). Apple has a billion active devices out in the world. I think a lot of folks don't really get that Apple IS one of the big players in the market.

(Fun fact: FaceTime would have long since become an open, cross-platform, standard if not for a patent troll or two.)

Technically you’re right, but Android having 1.2 billion users world wide, so more then half of the users around the world can’t use iMessage, thats why it can’t compete against other messages apps like WhatsApp-Skype-Facebook messenger-SnapChat-Line and so that are multi platform, same like BBM used to be for BlackBerry users.

Before you jump, i know BBM having iOS and Android version for a while, but look where they are in the messaging world of today…

PS- how did you know about my nano server farm in my shoe closet? did one of my nano bugs got drunk and spall the word..?

 

[C DM]

It's all about the implementation. Apple hardware and software have always been about elegant design. They clearly crossed the line into non-elegant territory with the way they are implementing this. You get a string of elements that look like 80's clipart, effects and what not that - when presented - are totally ridden of clear lines and thoughtful visual design. This is the first time I have seen Apple doing anything like this within the last 10 years. They crossed a line in an attempt to suck up to an Asian market that obviously has quite different standards and views on design.

It's really more about unrealistic expectations of people recalling partially imaginative recollections of the "good old days" than much of anything else.
[doublepost=1466174440][/doublepost]

Technically you’re right, but Android having 1.2 billion users world wide, so more then half of the users around the world can’t use iMessage, thats why it can’t compete against other messages apps like WhatsApp-Skype-Facebook messenger-SnapChat-Line and so that are multi platform, same like BBM used to be for BlackBerry users.

Before you jump, i know BBM having iOS and Android version for a while, but look where they are in the messaging world of today…

PS- how did you know about my nano server farm in my shoe closet? did one of my nano bugs got drunk and spall the word..?

The thing is that it's not about competing in the sense of taking over or becoming bigger, it's about Apple providing more up-to-date useful/interesting options to people who use and will use their devices.

 

[theyearof84]

It's really more about unrealistic expectations of people recalling partially imaginative recollections of the "good old days" than much of anything else.

I do believe most people's recollections of cleaner interfaces and above average UX via Apple aren't just half-truths. The expectation was set a fairly long time ago that Apple was an industry leader in this regard. It feels more and more lately like they have let that lapse.

 

[C DM]

I do believe most people's recollections of cleaner interfaces and above average UX via Apple aren't just half-truths. The expectation was set a fairly long time ago that Apple was an industry leader in this regard. It feels more and more lately like they have let that lapse.

Part of that is that the competition has become better in various respects. Part of it is that Apple moved on from a niche hobby tech company into much more of a mainstream one with many more typical users that need to be supported as such. Part of it is really people just not knowing or recalling or ignoring issues that have existed with this or that even in those days.

 

[theyearof84]

Part of that is that the competition has become better in various respects. Part of it is that Apple moved on from a niche hobby tech company into much more of a mainstream one with many more typical users that need to be supported as such. Part of it is really people just not knowing or recalling or ignoring issues that have existed with this or that even in those days.

No rule anywhere that says when you transition from said niche tech company to mainstream one that you can't keep your standards and practices intact, especially the ones that got you to where you are.

 

[C DM]

No rule anywhere that says when you transition from said niche tech company to mainstream one that you can't keep your standards and practices intact, especially the ones that got you to where you are.

No rule, but reality certainly plays a role.

 

[theyearof84]

No rule, but reality certainly plays a role.

If the reality is pandering to tweens and to a lesser extent the Asia subculture, the party is over. It's certainly a pivot to where the money is, but at the expense of the perception that they are a top-flight design institution.

 

[C DM]

If the reality is pandering to tweens and to a lesser extent the Asia subculture, the party is over. It's certainly a pivot to where the money is, but at the expense of the perception that they are a top-flight design institution.

Reality is supporting your customer base that is much larger and much more typical.

 

[theyearof84]

Reality is supporting your customer base that is much larger and much more typical.

Which once again, it doesn't have to be an either/or type choice. They abandoned so many fundamental design choices that established them as the brand they are today. If this is who they want to be, that's great, but it's also disheartening to see a company who clearly at one point put these principles front and center to go through with what they've shown. It's also a tad hypocritical in the fact that, Apple has always been a company who has mandated what the user wants. They've been the ones to usher us along a certain path, both from a design perspective and a user experience perspective. To see them now catering to other trends instead of the other way around is frankly disappointing.

 

[Alexyoe]

So Apple are the richest company in the world. Can they not invent something good for mankind like something that will stop Fukushima nuclear plant from leaking and poisoning the planet? Seriously this would be a little more deep than all of the shallow absolute rubbish like this and Siri that they never stop talking about! Seriously, come on people. Wake up!

They're a business and a Tech company at that. Why would they waste their time when they can make money doing what they're doing. They're a business not a charity.

 

[mazz0]

pretty soon we will be filled w stickers and all movies will be of the same caliber as WarCraft....

(Warcraft even beat Star wars and Furious 7 on China)
[doublepost=1466106028][/doublepost]
try "poop"? maybe that brings it out?

Its called:

• Pile of Poo

• Dog Dirt Emoji

• Smiling Poop Emoji

I tried poop too, but I think Apple have deliberately programmed it not to work for that.

 

[niun]

I tried poop too, but I think Apple have deliberately programmed it not to work for that.

Shame.
Given the full screen animation I'd have liked the chance to see an arse take a dump over the entire chat.
It would be a thing of beauty.

 

[Alexyoe]

Which once again, it doesn't have to be an either/or type choice. They abandoned so many fundamental design choices that established them as the brand they are today. If this is who they want to be, that's great, but it's also disheartening to see a company who clearly at one point put these principles front and center to go through with what they've shown. It's also a tad hypocritical in the fact that, Apple has always been a company who has mandated what the user wants. They've been the ones to usher us along a certain path, both from a design perspective and a user experience perspective. To see them now catering to other trends instead of the other way around is frankly disappointing.

What fundamental design did they change? They are still mandating what users want. You are just not in that majority of users anymore.
[doublepost=1466202552][/doublepost]Everyone says they use whatsapp for everything. Why? iMessage can also send SMS which can be received on every phone. Do some people not have unlimited texting? I thought every plan had that in 2016.