Paul Stenhouse: Tech - Apple unveil raft of new features and products

FaceTime on your TV  Instead of gathering around a phone, or a laptop to connect with family or friends, why not gather around the biggest screen in your house - the TV. The new feature allows you to use your iPhone as a camera, connected to your Apple TV. Plus, it'll have the 'centre stage' capability so if you move around it will automatically reframe you. Would have been amazing for the pandemic lockdown, but will still be future going forward.   Your iPhone as a smart display  Apple is calling it StandBy. When your phone is charging (usually beside your bed) your phone will turn into a smart display showing you the time in a large font (like an old clock radio), what time your alarm is set for and other things like the weather forecast. Obviously, Siri is right there too - which now doesn't need the "hey". Plus - wait for it- you can now have more than one timer at the same time. Huge.   Interactive widgets  On your iPhone and iPad you'll be able to interact directly with the widgets. Today they take you to their associated app. On Mac, you'll b able to add these interactive widgets to your desktop, allowing you to quickly see and do things you'd usually need to open an application to do. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.