14 DAY TRIAL // The week kicked off great for programmers coding software for the upcoming Apple Watch, as Apple has seeded a new beta of iOS 8.2 and the associated Xcode build that supports WatchKit development.
iOS 8.2 Beta 5 brings some new things to the table, some of which surfaced only recently, thanks to some chatty developers with access to the official release notes.
Wi-Fi Calling
Apple plans to flip on a switch called Wi-Fi Calling that allows users to call their contacts on Wi-Fi using their number, avoiding cellular fees. Beta testers of iOS 8.2 can now activate Wi-Fi Calling functionality for T-Mobile by going to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling, and toggling the Wi-Fi Calling switch to ON.
According to a developer with access to the seed notes, Apple says that “If the carrier does not have the user’s registered emergency address, you will be asked to add it before the feature is activated.” Wi-Fi Calling will be a U.S.-only feature at first, we hear.
WatchKit improvements
According to the same source, Apple now supports settings bundles for WatchKit extensions running in iOS Simulator. The controls you specify in your settings bundle are now displayed in the Apple Watch app. Registrants are directed to the Settings section in Apple’s Watch Programming Guide to learn how to create a settings bundle for a WatchKit extension.
Watch app makers can further use different font weights now, and they can now run animated images in reverse.
Finally, “schemes for Watch Glances and Notifications are created automatically when creating a WatchKit app,” according to the release notes for Xcode 6.2 beta 5.
Other areas and components
The mile-long release notes also mention several other areas of the operating system where Apple has made changes, or expects to make changes following the discovery of new issues.
These areas include App Extentions, Calendar, CloudKit, Fonts, the File System, HealthKit, iCloud, Notification Center, the Photos app, and others. Currently accessible only to registered Apple developers, iOS 8.2 should hit the wires in April.