Apple is reportedly preparing a Google Now competitor that will automatically provide timely information
Apple’s Spotlight feature is poised to take a big step forward. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is preparing a Google Now competitor named Proactive that will take advantage of Siri, Contacts, Calendar, Passbook, and even third-party apps.
Described as an “evolution” of the pictured Spotlight, the feature is designed to automatically provide a user timely information depending on device use patterns and other data. That’s much like the fantastic Google Now found on Android devices.
It could possibly be included in iOS 9 and introduced at WWDC early next month in San Francisco.
Proactive’s road, according to the site, began after Apple purchased the personal assistant app Cue in late 2013.
The new feature will take the place of Spotlight in iOS 9 and can be accessed by swiping to the left or down on the home screen. Here’s more from the report:
Within the new Proactive screen, users will have a dedicated Search Bar at the top to access the established features of Spotlight: users will still be able to search for names, launch apps, and find audio tracks. Sources indicate that Proactive will include a greater emphasis on displaying news stories as search results, and will more reliably display news results when you search for information, including news on current topics and famous people.
It will also link to other system information like the Calendar, Contacts, and Maps. Apple will also create a limited API that will allow Siri to access content from third-party apps. Privacy concerns will limit the capabilities given to developers.
Some of the other reported additions in iOS 9 include a new system font – San Francisco – and possible support for spilt-screen multitasking on the iPad.
There will also be a specific focus on making iOS more stable.
