Apple has formally announced the new iOS 8 software update at the on-going Worldwide Developer Conference 2014 at Moscone West Center, San Francisco, USA. The new iOS 8 update shown to the developers brings several new features that aims to deliver new experience.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, said, “iOS 8 offers simpler, faster and more intuitive ways to use your device with incredible new features like iCloud Photo Library, a new Messages app, the QuickType keyboard and an entirely new Health app.”
Apple showed off the new features of the iOS 8 software update to the developers and the attendees of the WWDC 2014. The iOS 8 update will be supported on iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, iPod touch (5th gen), iPad 2, iPad with Retina display, iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad mini with Retina display. Apparently, Apple has axed the support for the age-old iPhone 4.
Apple labels the iOS 8 as the biggest release since the launch of the App Store and promises over 4000 APIs (Application Programming Interface) for the developers. Promising amazing new apps, the iOS 8 will bring two significant changes – new programming language – SWIFT and new graphics development platform – Metal. Mostly addressing the developers, the new SWIFT and Metal would be used heavily in the iOS 8 to make the best of the hardware the company offers.
For the end users, iOS 8 promises that Messaging experience will become more immersive. Apple has added Tap to Talk (Push to Talk!) to share voice messages through a simple swipe. Apart from voice messages, the messaging app will also allow users to quickly share videos and location with their contacts. With the new Group Conversation mode, users can invite their friends to create a messaging group. In a way, the new Messages gives a jab to the popular cross platform mobile messaging service – WhatsApp.
Apple has added word prediction to the software keyboard with a new feature dubbed QuickType. Along with that, the iOS 8 will also bring support for the third party keyboards to enjoy the different typing experiences and technologies such as swipe or gestures.
Photos app has been optimized for better images organization capabilities and also mint new image editing tools. Every adjustment made is automatically updated across devices with the help of iCloud Photo Library which is like cloud servers powered common storage for the images.
Apple has also introduced the new iCloud Drive which is basically your own personal cloud server based online storage. On the iCloud Drive, one can save every kind of file that can be later accessed from a Mac or PC. Since it is powered by iCloud, edits made on any platform eventually get reflected on all the other interfaces – iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, web, Mac or PC.
Much rumored Health app is finally a reality with the iOS 8 software update. From medicines to your diet, you can keep a track of your body activities with this app. Meant for patients and health enthusiasts, the app will offer tracking heart rate, calories, sleep cycle and more.
Apple has also updated the Mail app user interface with several new advancements like identifying flights, travel plans, meetings and more quick actions.
Apple plans to release the iOS 8 software update in the Fall (September) and no specific date has been shared as yet. We estimate that the iOS 8 will arrive immediately after the Apple announces the next generation iPhone model.