Amidst the slew of previews and announcements that came out of WWDC 2020, iPadOS 14 was clearly one of them. Much like iOS 14, the update is expected to bring with it several new features and redesigns for the iPad.
One of the many features being introduced with iPadOS 14 is the ability to copy and convert handwritten text into typed text. This enables professionals and designers to quickly duplicate notes made on the fly into a more organised and structured document.
On that note, iPadOS 14 will also bring Scribble to the iPad, allowing users to write with the Apple Pencil in any text field and automatically be converted to the earlier mentioned typed text format. Even more impressive is that data detectors on the iPad will enable handwritten text like phone numbers to be called, dates and addresses to be added directly to the Calendar. All through a tap of the Apple Pencil.
Just like iOS 14, iPadOS 14 will also feature a compact design of its FaceTime and phone call notifications. That same compact design will also carry forward with Siri interactions and the Search functions on the iPad. Allowing users to both quickly and seamlessly access these functions without ever having to exit the app they’re using at that precise moment.
Compact designs notwithstanding, iPadOS 14 will also introduce a redesigned sidebar across the board for the majority of Apple apps. This includes Photos, Files, Notes, Calendar, and Apple Music, to name a few. Messages on iPadOS 14 will also allow users to pin conversations to the top of their list, making it easier to keep up with your most active threads.
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iPadOS 14 will also introduce more enhanced privacy features, providing users with greater transparency and control over all the apps they use. To that end, Apple says that App Store product pages will soon list summaries of developers’ privacy practices in an easy-to-understand format, a little later this year. Further, users will also be given the choice of sharing their approximate location with app developers, instead of their precise location.
Lastly, Apple is clearly driving Augmented Reality (AR) with iPadOS 14 and is introducing a new Depth API with ARKit 4. Specifically, the API will allow users to perform even more complex actions, such as taking more accurate body measurements or even trying out different paint colours in a room before ultimately deciding on the colour you want.
As of today, iPadOS 14 is only available to Apple Developer Program members. A public beta version of the OS will only be available next months, while the OS update will officially be available later in the year.
(Source: Apple)
