If you tuned into Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference for major game changing software updates, then the new features might be a tad bit disappointing. With that being said, the features introduced for the new iOS updates are a class act. Here are all the updates announced at the WWDC 2018 Conference!
1. Screen Time
Similar to Google and Android phones, Apple is working at increasing the balance between gadgets and life. The new Screen Time feature details about how much time is spent on the screen and individual devices. The new feature breaks down how much time is spent on individual apps, including games and texting apps! Screen Time will provide you with a weekly summary of how you use your phone. Furthermore, you can set time limits on each individual and once the time is up, a time’s up” message will display when the counter runs out. Apple is also introducing a parental control feature, giving parents the ability to reduce their kid’s screen time.
2. Memoji: Custom Emojis
The new Animoji features were first introduced to the Apple X. Starting with the iOS, Animoji will be able to detect your expression when you stick your tongue out at the camera. Apple terms the new emoji update feature as Memoji. With the new updates, users will not only be able to personalize the emoticons, they will also be able to change the face colour and customise as per requirement. The new updates are a cross between Bitmoji and Nintendo’s Mil characters.
3. Group Facetime
Taking Apple’s coveted Facetime feature a notch higher, iOS 12 has introduced an update called group Facetime sessions. According to the new update, almost 32 people will be able to Facetime at the same time. When multiple people are on a call, their video windows will get larger when they’re speaking and shrink when they’re not. For conversations where your face feels a little boring, you’ll be able to use Animoji and Memoji characters during calls.
4. Improved Augmented Reality Experience
The new iOS software promises improved augmented reality experiences. The Apple team is introducing a new file format called USDZ, a feature similar to the software being used by Adobe, Autodesk, and Sketchfab.
5. Measure APP
The Measure APP is Apple’s coolest new feature. As the name suggests, the app lets you accurately measure surfaces around you. Place the frame around the object needed measuring and the app accurately gives you the measurements you are after.
6. Pictures
The Photos App in iOS 12 will automatically offer search suggestions. With the “For You” tab, the new update offers suggestions based on earlier filters used. Furthermore, friends with pictures from similar events and places will be prompted to share their images as well.
7. Shortcuts App
The new Shortcuts App comes as a blessing in disguise for i Phone users. The app lets you string together multiple actions which can be prompted by a customised Siri request.
8. iBooks Become Apple Books
Apple is rebranding its ebook app from iBooks to Apple Books. Along with the name change comes a refreshed design that focuses on discoverability. A new Book Store tab “makes it easy to explore new titles and browse the top charts, curated collections, and special offers,” according to Apple.
The new features promise an improvement in the performance as opposed to improving the apps already available. The new iOS software is expected to roll out in November this year!
PayU India, owned by Prosus, has received final approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an online payment aggregator, a year after getting in-principle approval in April 2024. This authorization allows PayU to onboard new merchants and offer digital payment solutions, joining other major players like Razorpay, CCAvenue, and BillDesk.
The RBI’s nod comes as PayU prepares for its planned IPO in the second half of 2025, following a delay from its original 2024 timeline due to market conditions. The company, which serves over 450,000 merchants, reported $319 million in revenue from its core payments and credit business in the first half of FY25.
PayU stated that the approval will help it build a resilient, compliant, and innovation-driven institution, supporting merchants of all sizes and advancing the Digital India vision. The company has also strengthened its risk management and expanded its presence in real-time payments through a strategic stake in Mindgate Solutions.
Google has refreshed its iconic ‘G’ logo for the first time in nearly 10 years, replacing the familiar solid blocks of red, yellow, green, and blue with a smooth, vibrant gradient that blends these colors seamlessly. This subtle update gives the logo a softer, more fluid, and modern appearance, aligning with Google’s evolving digital identity and current design trends.
The new gradient transitions smoothly from red to yellow, yellow to green, and green to blue, making the logo more visually appealing and adaptable across various devices, especially on mobile platforms. This redesign also reflects Google’s growing emphasis on artificial intelligence, echoing the gradient style used in the branding of Google Gemini, the company’s AI-generative assistant.
The updated ‘G’ logo has started rolling out on iOS through the Google Search app and on some Android devices, particularly Pixel phones running the Google app beta version 16.18. However, most other platforms, including the web and non-Pixel Android devices, still display the classic solid-color logo. A wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks.
So far, Google’s main wordmark and other product logos like Chrome, Maps, and Gmail remain unchanged. Given the shift toward gradient designs and AI-inspired visuals, similar updates to other Google icons may follow in the future.
In summary, this first major update to the ‘G’ logo since 2015 signals a subtle but meaningful shift in Google’s branding strategy, blending tradition with innovation as the company deepens its focus on AI and modern design aesthetics.
Indian online travel platform ixigo has suspended all flight and hotel bookings to Turkey, China, and Azerbaijan in response to these countries expressing support for Pakistan after India’s military strikes-dubbed ‘Operation Sindoor’-against terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The move, announced by CEO Aloke Bajpai on X, was described as an act of solidarity with India during heightened diplomatic tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
ixigo’s decision aligns with similar actions by other Indian travel companies, including EaseMyTrip and Cox & Kings, which have also restricted travel services to Turkey, China, and Azerbaijan. The suspensions come amid widespread calls for boycotts after these countries condemned India’s military response and backed Pakistan.
The travel industry’s collective response underscores how geopolitical developments are influencing business decisions, with Indian companies emphasizing national interests and unity in the face of international criticism
