Podcast: gearing up for WWDC, iOS 11.4, interview with Swiss watch manufacturer

AppleInsider

This week on the AppleInsider podcast, Victor and Mike discuss what we'd like to see out of WWDC, the key features from iOS 11.4, and Victor interviews Chaz of LIV Watches, who talks about his experiences making mechanical watches at a time when Swiss watch companies are trying to figure out where they fit following the Apple Watch.

AppleInsider editors Victor Marks and Mike Wuerthele discuss:

• WWDC is coming. Victor and Mike both want updates on Siri and HomeKit. Which HomeKit providers are using the software authentication that was announced last year? Who will be highlighted in a slide during the keynote?
  
• If you can't make it to WWDC, there's always the iOS app, which has all the talks and transcripts, along with sample code.
  
• iOS 11.4 was released. The biggest features are iMessages in the cloud. Mike and Victor talk about the security implications, and talk about AirPlay 2 speaker functionality.
  
• HomePod is gaining the ability to speakl in non-English languages! This is timed perfectly with the launch in Canada, France, and Germany. Expect more of this as more regions come online.
  
• There's a $250 Billion dollar opportunity for this year's iPhone cycle. Mike and Victor touch on this a bit to explain why it's both plausible, and huge.
  
• Chaz, (single moniker, if you please - like Cher, or Bono) founder of LIV Watches, joins us to talk about Swiss watch making, and what's going on with mechanical watchmaking in an Apple Watch / connected watch world.
  

Making mechanical automatic (self-winding) wristwatches in a connected watch world?

The show is available on iTunes and your favorite podcast apps by searching for "AppleInsider." Click here to listen, subscribe, and don't forget to rate our show.

Listen to the embedded SoundCloud feed below:

Show note links:

• Apple has a $250B 'window of opportunity' this 2018 iPhone upgrade cycle
  
  
• All the new features in iOS 11.4: AirPlay 2, Messages in the Cloud, & much more
  
  
• Apple releases iOS 11.4 for iPhone and iPad with AirPlay 2, Messages in iCloud support
  
  
• Apple prepares McEnery Convention Center for WWDC 2018 [u]
  
  
• No Ticket? Apple's new WWDC app brings the conference to your couch
  
  
• Siri on HomePod can now speak to you in French, German, Canadian English
  
  
• Apple HomePod coming to Canada, France & Germany on June 18, gets AirPlay 2 & stereo pairing with iOS 11.4
  
  
• Apple looks like it's about to enter the music publishing business
  
  
• 21st Century Fox CEO ribs Apple's video efforts as insufficient
  
  
• LIV Watches, the site where Chaz' watches are available.
  
  

zGlue's system-on-chip devkit

Follow our hosts on Twitter: @vmarks and @mike_wuerthele.

Feedback and comments are always appreciated. Please contact the AppleInsider podcast at [email protected] and follow us on Twitter @appleinsider, plus Facebook and Instagram.

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AppleInsider is in San Jose all week with the latest news from WWDC 2018. Stay abreast of Apple's announcements by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos from the event.

mavemufc

Was hoping to hear Neil on this one with the build up to WWDC, he’s always enthusiastic for the events, hope he’s back soon!

nhughes

mavemufc said:

Was hoping to hear Neil on this one with the build up to WWDC, he’s always enthusiastic for the events, hope he’s back soon!

I’ll be back whenever Victor invites me! Super excited for the new OSes at WWDC but a little deflated by the apparent lack of new MBP and iPad Pro hardware — I’m itching to upgrade. 

maciekskontakt

Consider my disonaur, but I am not bu8imng Apple watch and I need multiyear reliable and no upgrades needed Swiss watch.. That is what I use and the only repair is nbattery replacement and seal to be able to snorkel or scuba dive. No other fancy features required. I need to check my time to come back to boat - that is it.

christopher126

I think the writing is on the wall and has been for awhile now...Swiss watches (and mechanical watches, generally) have become a niche product. Similar to the way some people are buying vinyl LP's.

I look at wearing mechanical watches, not as fashionable, but rather, a bit 'outdated.' The same way I would look at someone who hung 'lanterns' on their car!

Best

vmarks

maciekskontakt said:

Consider my disonaur, but I am not bu8imng Apple watch and I need multiyear reliable and no upgrades needed Swiss watch.. That is what I use and the only repair is nbattery replacement and seal to be able to snorkel or scuba dive. No other fancy features required. I need to check my time to come back to boat - that is it.

christopher126 said:

I think the writing is on the wall and has been for awhile now...Swiss watches (and mechanical watches, generally) have become a niche product. Similar to the way some people are buying vinyl LP's.

I look at wearing mechanical watches, not as fashionable, but rather, a bit 'outdated.' The same way I would look at someone who hung 'lanterns' on their car!

Best

Having the two of your comments appear back to back does a great job of highlighting why I felt this interview was relevant. One of you requires a years-reliable Swiss quartz watch, the other thinks they should be relegated to the last decade of the 19th century. Thank you both!