Apple Releases iPadOS 18.1 Beta 1

Apple recently released the first beta of iPadOS 18.1, introducing a set of new features as part of Apple Intelligence umbrella. These AI-powered features are designed to improve user experience and productivity across apps and services. While these features are currently limited in scope, they are expected to be rolled out and expanded over the next year. The beta is available for iPads equipped with M-series chips, such as the latest iPad Air and iPad Pro models. The video below shows off the new features introduced in iPadOS 18.1 Beta 1.

Key features introduced in the iPadOS 18.1 beta include:

• Improved writing tools for proofreading, rewriting, and tone adjustments
• Improved Siri capabilities with better context understanding and Typing to Siri
• New focus modes, including “Reduce interruptions” mode that intelligently manages notifications
• Summary features in Safari and Mail apps
• Automatic transcription of recorded audio in the Notes app

Apple Intelligence Features

The new AI-powered features in iPadOS 18.1 aim to improve the user experience across multiple aspects of the operating system. These features require iPads with M-series chips and will gradually roll out over the next year. Users can sign up for access through Settings, but there’s currently a waiting list for approval, indicating that these innovative features are in high demand.

Writing tools

The iPadOS 18.1 beta introduces several writing tools designed to increase productivity and streamline the writing process. These tools include options adjustment AND rewriting text, allowing users to easily refine their writing. Additionally, users can adjust the tone of their writing to be friendly, professional, or concise, depending on their needs. The summary feature helps users extract key points from their text, although this functionality is limited in the current beta version.

Siri Improvements

Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, has received significant improvements in this beta version. The new user interface enables better contextual understandingwhich allows Siri to more effectively handle speech stumbles and provide more accurate answers. Users can also ask questions about product knowledge, although this feature is still limited. Introduction Type to Siri The feature is another noteworthy addition, allowing users to interact with Siri via text as an alternative to voice commands.

Summary Features

The iPadOS 18.1 beta brings summary features to both Safari and Mail. In Safari, when viewing an article in Read mode, users can now access a summary of the content, making it easier to quickly understand the main points. Similarly, Mail can now extract key points from emails, helping users quickly understand the most important information without having to read the entire message.

Focus modes

iPadOS 18.1 adds a new “Reduce Interruptions” mode to the existing focus modes. This mode uses AI to intelligently manage notifications, deciding which ones to mute and which ones to allow based on user preferences and context. Existing focus modes have also been improved with intelligent interruption and mute options, further enhancing users’ ability to focus on their tasks without unnecessary distractions.

Transcriptions of recorded audio

The Notes app in the iPadOS 18.1 beta now includes an automatic transcription feature for recorded audio. This feature converts recorded audio to text, making it easier for users to review and organize notes without having to manually transcribe the content. This feature is expected to be especially useful for students, professionals, and anyone who frequently uses audio recordings for note-taking purposes.

While many of the AI-powered features in the iPadOS 18.1 beta are still in development and may have limited capabilities, they represent a significant step forward in Apple’s efforts to integrate AI into its mobile operating system. As these features evolve and improve with future updates, users can expect a more intuitive, powerful, and personalized experience when using their iPads.

Source and Image Credit: Slate Pad

Filed under: Apple, Apple iPad, Top News

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