Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) showed off iOS 8 in today’s keynote speech at its Worldwide Developers’ Conference (WWDC) today. Earlier, the company showcased how it is tying the Mac operating system, OS X, closer to iOS by providing continuity. Then management went into further details about the new version of its mobile operating system.
Key features in iOS 8
Among the new features in iOS 8 is Quick Reply, which enables users to respond quickly to messages from their Notification Center or through the lock screen on their iPhone or iPad. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook called this year’s update “a giant release,” saying that it’s “really two stories, not one.” He emphasized that this year’s new features are not only great for end users but also developers as well.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Vice President Craig Federighi also said they’ve enhanced email on iOS 8, making it possible to look at more than one email while also composing a message on an iOS device. He showed that a double tap on the home button makes it possible to go directly to apps that the user has already opened, as well as closed apps and the contacts the user uses the most often.
iOS 8 sports Quick Type, more privacy
iOS 8 also features something Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) calls Quick Type, which allows them to type more quickly than before. The more someone uses their iOS 8 device, the better it gets to know them and understand the way they communicate with specific people. According to Federighi, the feature also offers improved privacy for users.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) also enhanced group messaging, allowing users to name threads within conversations. Users can also decide to leave certain threads and set a “do not disturb” setting on certain threads.
Apple takes aim at WhatsApp
Management said the new messaging features they’ve added to iOS 8 are basically their answer to competing messaging apps like WhatsApp and others which have been rapidly rising in popularity. There’s now an easier way to send video, audio, and photo messages through iMessage.
Federighi also said iOS is turning out to be a major thing for enterprise customers.
