Advertisement

Popular new app turns iPhones into virtual tape measures

Apple's Craig Federighi speaks about the new Measuring app in June.

Apple's Craig Federighi speaks about the new Measuring app in June. Photo: Getty

Apple fans are going crazy for the new ‘Measure’ app included in the latest update to the iPhone operating system.

The feature in iOS 12, released in Australia on Tuesday, allows users to measure anything – coffee tables, TV screens and even cats and dogs – with the phone’s camera.

Several users took to social media saying the app was “magic”, “revolutionary” and that “rulers were so last century”.

And plenty amused themselves by posting the measurements of their pets.

https://twitter.com/alyssabereznak/status/1041761968431017985

https://twitter.com/Harsh_Sharma13/status/1041765913245175808

While there has been similar apps in the App Store for a while, the ‘Measure’ app was designed by Apple specifically for iOS 12.

It is supposed to work better with an iPhone 8, iPhone X and newer models being released on Friday, as those cameras are better optimised for what is known as ‘augmented reality’ – technology that overlays a computer-generated image over a view of the real world.

Other augmented reality features include ARKit 2, which makes it possible for developers to create more immersive experiences for users.

How to use the app

Open the Measure app on iPhone.

Point the camera at the object you want to measure.

A plus button will appear on the screen, along with a circle that has a dot in the middle. Point the dot at the starting point you want to measure, then press the plus button.

A bookshelf being measured using Apple’s Measure app. Photo: The New Daily

The app works just like a ruler or tape measure. Photo: The New daily

There are four buttons on the screen in the app. The top-left button allows users to undo a measurement, while the top-right clear button allows measurements to be reset.

The bottom-right photo button allows you to take a picture of the measurement, and the plus button adds points of measurement.

But be warned: When The New Daily used the app on an iPhone 8, it glitched several times – and even temporarily disabled the camera. This may or may not have been an isolated problem.

Screen Time

The new iOS 12 update comes with several new features and a redesign of some of the most commonly used apps.

The update also promises to boost speed, allowing older models including the iPhone 5s and 6, to perform faster.

As The New Daily has previously reported, new features such as Screen Time monitors the amount of time a user spends on a specific app, a category of apps and individual websites, plus the number of notifications received and total hands-on time.

apple iphone ios 12

The screen time report may come as a shock to some heavy users. Photo: Apple

Users can then access daily and weekly reports to help them monitor their digital habits.

They can also set time limits on apps, to display an alert when the limit is reached.

Parents can monitor their child’s usage from their own device, making changes to access accordingly, such as setting a time period when the device can’t be used.

Control notifications

Just as Screen Time gives users more insight into how they use their devices, Instant Tuning gives them new ways to reduce interruptions throughout the day.

Manage notifications in real time from the lock screen, send notifications from a specific app to the notification centre or turn them off altogether.

Siri also makes intelligent suggestions about alerts based on how users interact with them. While message threads and notification topics are grouped together, so it’s easier to see what’s important at a glance.

Memojis  and FaceTime

Memojis will allow users to create a personal digital self to add to messages and videos. Along with new Animoji options, messaging services will become more personal and creative.

Apple iphone emojis

iPhone users will be able to add custom emojis to their faces during phone calls. Photo: Apple

With new group options available in FaceTime, Apple users can set up video calls between various iOS users and even add Animoji animal stickers for a personal touch.

FaceTime will have an update released in March, allowing up to 32 people at once to be part of the group call. The tile of the person speaking gets larger automatically, making it easier to never lose track of the conversation.

Topics: Apple
Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.