With iOS 8.3 Siri learns new languages and emojis become more diverse
On Monday Apple Inc. rolled out iOS 8.3 beta to developers. Along with the usual bug fixes, the update includes support for more diverse emojis and new languages for Siri.
The iOS emoji set now includes same-sex families and users have the option to change the skin tone of the traditionally white emoji characters. The update adds six skin tone colors to choose from.
It is not Apple’s first effort to broaden the diversity of iOS emojis; iOS 6 introduced emojis for same-sex couples for the first time.
Along with more diverse emojis, Siri in the iOS 8.3 beta supports a range of new languages, including Russian, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Swedish, Thai, Turkish and English for India.
iOS 8.3 is scheduled for release later this year and reports indicate a public beta will be released in mid-March.
This is the first time Apple will offer a public beta of its mobile operating system. Previously it offered a public beta of its OS X Yosemite through which one million users got to experience it and offer input on the Mac operating system prior to its general public release.
Following the iOS 8 release, which was quickly dubbed “Apple’s buggiest release ever”, it is likely the company is keen to avoid a repeat performance and iron out issues before the general public release of iOS 8.3.
Also on the cards is iOS 8.2, due for release in March, which will add support for the upcoming Apple Watch, iOS 8.4 with the new music streaming service for the summer and iOS 9 for the fall.
photo credit: 267:365:2014 via photopin (license)
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