This fall we’ll be introducing the 9th major release for LookUp: English Dictionary, with the launch of iOS 16.
I’m excited to share some of the new features we have planned around the release, and what we’ll be working on for the next few months.
Lock Screen Widgets
With Lock Screen widgets are coming to the iPhone with iOS 16. LookUp will be supporting them extensively from day 1.
The idea with Lock Screen widgets is to provide relevant glanceable information to the user.
Combined with Focus modes, Lock Screen widgets are a powerful way to reach LookUp at a glance. One could create a learning Focus where their Lock Screen shows their progress in vocabulary building, or a reading focus, that simply shows quick actions for search and the Collection in which they wish to save words.
Share Words
You’ll soon be able to share words with friends using LookUp. It could simply be a link to the word, or a snapshot of a definition you wish to share.
Notes
An often requested feature for LookUp is the ability to annotate words with text and images. LookUp 9 is going to provide just that.
Notes will offer an opportunity to LookUp users to personalise their searches in a way that helps them better remember the words they LookUp.
Starting with Text and Image notes, I eventually plan to add a broader set of note taking options such as audio, and hand drawn notes.
App Intent Shortcuts
App Intents introduced in iOS 16, offer a broad set of features and customisability to Shortcuts parameters.
LookUp’s already extensive Shortcuts support will benefit heavily from AppIntents framework, and provide even deeper control to existing actions in the Shortcuts app.
Stage Manager Support
One of the most important upgrades coming to iPadOS this year is the introduction to Stage Manager. LookUp 9 is ready to support the latest iPad feature with its extensive multi-window and resizing support.
More Features planned for later this year
After the major update in fall, LookUp’s roadmap includes a couple of major updates scheduled for early next year.
Learn Flash Cards
Flash Cards based learning is coming to LookUp! While interactive quizzes provide a fun learning experience, a lot of LookUp users still want to use the traditional Flash Card based learning that allows them to remember and retain words the way they like.
In an update planned for early next year, LookUp will include Flash Cards support in Learning, along with a redesign to our entire Learning interface, that makes learning even more fun.
Shared Collections
Early next year, LookUp will introduce the ability to create Shared Collections.
With Shared Collections multiple users can collaborate and add words to a single collection, this will enable students who want to learn together with friends to collaborate on a single collection. Making the learning experience even more fun.