ELECTRONICS giant Apple may be preparing to turn the iPad into a universal ‘home remote’ that could control everything from TVs to kitchen appliances and lighting.
According to reports, the project is set to be unveiled alongside ‘an entirely new’ version of Apple’s iPhone and iPad software at its Worldwide Developer Conference in San Francisco on Friday. An Apple patent published in November last year hinted at a system that automatically turned on lights when a user comes home. It is believed the firm is already working with home automation firms to ensure other gadgets work with the app. Meanwhile, Apple is also rumoured to unveil the latest versions of both its iPhone and Mac software at the event. Allegedly the iPad will have a new split screen mode so users can run two apps at once, which will be a major change to the way it handles multiple applications. The move may be a result of Microsoft’s recent advert, which sites the iPad’s lack of split screen functionality. Currently, users can swap between apps but can only see one on screen at a time. Apple is also expected to unveil a major new app for the iPhone and iPad aimed at collecting health data at the conference - as well as possibly unveiling Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine as its latest employees if the much rumoured acquisition of Beats goes ahead. Called Healthbook, the new app is expected to be unveiled in June at Apple’s annual developer conference. It offers everything from food and sleep tracking to blood sugar level analysis - and can even tell how much water you’ve drunk. The app is set to work with Apple’s iWatch, which is believed to be set to be announced later in the year – although it could be unveiled at the same event next year. Meanwhile, a German phone firm, Deutsche Telekom, has apparently spilled the beans on the launch date of Apple’s new iPhone 6. According to a report it has begun telling customers that the new device will be launched on September 19. The operator told call centre representatives to let customers know the date in a bid to stop them swapping operators, it has been claimed by apfelpage.de. The new handset is believed to have a larger 4.7inch screen, with a second version boasting a 5.5inch screen. However, according to an Apple insider, the date could be little more than an informed guess.
