Google I/O is behind us and brought along interesting integration for iOS users, but now WWDC 2015 is right around the corner. This week we’ll discuss some upcoming announcements and expectations including a native Apple Watch SDK and how Apple plans to take on Google Now in iOS 9. There’s also a new bug feature that made some important changes to the heart rate sensor on Apple Watch. The Happy Hour podcast is available for download on iTunes and through our dedicated RSS feed…

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New episodes of Happy Hour are available every Wednesday. As mentioned, you can download this podcast via iTunes or plug in our RSS feed link into your favorite podcasting app. Send an email to listenermail@9to5mac.com (or click here) and your question/comment may be featured in an upcoming episode of Happy Hour.

Note: iTunes (web interface and app) may still be propagating the new episode which could take up to 24 hours. Subscribing to the podcast feed will guarantee the latest episode is downloaded.

Hosts:

  • Zac Hall
  • Benjamin Mayo
  • Seth Weintraub

Here’s what we discussed in this episode:

  • Apple says Watch OS 1.0.1 attempts to record heart rate every ten minutes, but won’t if arm is moving
  • Here comes Apple’s HomeKit, first products start shipping starting w/ Insteon, Lutron, iHome, Elgato and Ecobee
  • GM says 14 models of its Chevy-branded cars will feature CarPlay this year
  • Google introduces Photos app w/ unlimited photo & video syncing on iOS, Android, and the web
  • Google announces Android Pay mobile payment service, launching with Android M this year
  • Google announces Android ‘M’ with a focus on ‘quality end to end,’ developer preview coming soon (Update: dev preview live now)
  • Apple says native watch SDK preview coming at WWDC, calls car the ‘ultimate mobile device’
  • Apple Music WWDC launch roundup: iOS/Android/Mac apps, DJs, social, pricing & availability
  • Apple Pay rewards program coming at WWDC as Target wants to add support
  • Apple’s ‘Proactive’ to take on Google Now with deep iOS 9 search, Augmented Reality Maps, Siri API

If you missed our 16th episode last week, you can subscribe and find every episode or start off from the previous episode here.

Remember: Subscribe on iTunes to catch all of the episodes as they go live and send in your questions/comments to listenermail@9to5mac.com.