Apple has taken to its WWDC 2014 to unveil new software, as expected, including the new iOS 8 set roll out this fall.
The new iOS 8 is packed with exciting new features and enhancements, so much that Apple touted it as the biggest iOs release ever. The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system definitely sports some neat changes over its predecessor, so here are the top 10 improvements we're most excited about.
1. Interactive Notifications
With iOS 8, Apple will allow iOS users to interact with applications in a more useful way, be it from the home screen or the lock screen. Uses will be able to more easily control music playback without having to go to the home screen. Once on the home screen, however, users will also be able to see their notifications and favorite people simply by swiping down from the top. The enhanced double-tap feature in iOS 7 also supported this, but iOS 8 now makes it far easier to find contacts, send messages or call favorite people without leaving the app currently in use. It makes it easier and more convenient, and it will surely be welcomed by iOS users.
2. QuickType
The new iOS 8 also shakes things up in the keyboard department by introducing personalized text for the first time. Called QuickType, this new feature will learn from users' habits to predict what one would want to say next. Moreover, iOS 8 will also enable users to enjoy gesture typing through third-party apps such as Swipe, SwiftKey, and others.
3. Spotlight Search
This Mac-influenced addition will go beyond just the things in your device and instead expand its horizons when it comes to search. This means that Spotlight will search from a more contextually-aware navigation bar and will even go through Internet sources, mail, Wikipedia entries, maps, and more. It's sort of what Google Now has been offering for quite some time, just that it's new for iOS users.
4. Messages
Apple has added some very welcome enhancements to its Messages app with iOS 8, most notably when it comes to Group messaging. Users will be able to name threads, as well as set up a "Do Not Disturb" mode to silence a group conversation without having to leave it altogether. Moreover, users will also be able to see all attachments in a conversation with a simple tap, which is much more convenient than having to scroll through a huge conversation to find a photo or a video.
5. Continuity
Continuity arrives to build a stronger bridge between Mac and iOS operating systems, allowing users to answer calls, read messages, and set up instant hotspots across devices on the same wireless network. The new Handoff feature, meanwhile, will allow users to seamlessly send documents between iPhones, iPads, or Macs provided that they are near each other.
6. Tap to Talk
The new Tap to Talk feature borrows some relevant cues from the popular WhatsApp messaging service, allowing users to record voice messages when holding the mic button. To send it or add it into a conversation, all users have to do is slide it up after they finished recording it. The same action will also work for sharing videos and photos, again making things more convenient.
7. Healthh & HealthKit
Th HealthKit feature basically consists of a dedicated app for monitoring health and fitness data, allowing users to see all of their metrics in one place. The new Health app, as well as HealthKit, will also work with third-party apps. Nike has already announced plans to integrate its Nike Plus service with HealthKit, and Apple is also looking to collaborate with healthcare institutions so data stored in the new apps can come in handy at a check-up.
8. Family Sharing
This feature will come particularly in handy for larger families and those with kids, as it brings some neat goodies to the table. As the name itself suggests, the feature will allow users to share their music, movies, books, and apps they've purchased, without having to share their passwords or IDs as well. Family sharing will also allow users to share photo streams, reminders, calendars, and others such with up to six family members on one device. More control is also coming parents' way, as they will now be able to limit the content their kids are allowed to purchase. More specifically, parents will be able to set things up so that kids need permission before making a purchase. The parent will receive a notification on their phone whenever kids attempt to make a purchase, and they can either authorize or deny it. Lastly, family sharing also allows users to see all purchases made by members of the family, as long as they're tied to the same credit card.
9. iCloud Drive
With the new iCloud Drive, Apple is now becoming more competitive against the likes of Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and others such. This cloud storage solution will allow users to work across apps and documents and have their edits appear on the original file as well, which will make it easier to handle content across devices. With iOS 8, users will be able to access iCloud Drive from the finder on an app.
10. Photos
Lastly, Apple also added some neat changes to photos, which will most likely be welcomed by users. First of all, all photos and videos will be available on all devices, courtesy of the aforementioned iCloud Drive. Second, iOS 8 will also bring some new photo controls, allowing users to adjust images in an easier manner. Once users mark an image as "favorite," it will also appear on their other iOS and Mac devices with no other input from their part.
Apple's latest iOS 8 has plenty of more interesting features and enhancements to offer, and it is definitely a big step forward compared to its predecessor. The new OS version will launch in the fall, but you can learn more about it in the meantime from Apple's website at this link.
