iOS 8: 10 New Features Unveiled At WWDC

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Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) unveiled the high-anticipated iOS 8 during the keynote address at its Worldwide Developers Conference yesterday. The next iteration of the mobile operating system, Apple claims, delivers a faster, simpler and more intuitive user experience. The iOS 8 comes with many new features and updated apps. In fact, the Cupertino-based company called it the “biggest release since the launch of the App Store.” Let’s look at the 10 new features in the iOS 8.

1- Interactive notifications

In iOS 8, the app notifications are actionable. That means you’ll be able to take actions on email, text, reminders or Facebook notifications without having to open the respective app. It will allow users to remain focused on the task they are working on.

2- A new Messages app

The new Messages app in iOS 8 brings the ability to connect with your friends and family with just a swipe. The Tap to Talk feature lets you compose a message with audio reply. It also allows you to share photos and videos within Messages app. If you like, you can also share your current location.

3- iOS 8 brings HealthKit

This was a widely expected feature. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) says HealthKit will collect your fitness information from various fitness devices (FuelBand, FitBit) and health apps, and provide a consolidated, clear overview on one easy-to-use dashboard. The new software allows developers to make health & fitness apps that can communicate with each other.

4- Support for third-party keyboards

Just like Android, the iOS 8 will support third-party keyboards. Moreover, the company has introduced predictive typing for its QuickType keyboard. This predictive typing is more personalized and takes context into account like who the recipient is.

5- Family Sharing

Family Sharing allows up to six members of a family to share one another’s iBooks, iTunes and App Store purchases. When you buy a new app, movie or song, everyone will get to share it, each with their own Apple ID. It also allows you to share a family calendar, family photos, and location.

6- Bridging the gap between iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite

Along with the iOS 8, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) also launched OS X Yosemite for Macs. The two operating systems are different, but Apple has made it easier to switch between iOS and Mac devices for those who use both platforms. You can start typing an email on your iPhone and seamlessly continue on your Mac. An iPhone user can answer phone calls on their iPad or Mac, and send messages from any of these devices.

7- Improved Safari and Mail apps

Safari browser in iOS 8 offers a Tab view on iPad. The browser also has a new Sidebar that slides out to show Shared Links, Reading List and bookmarks. The Mail app has gesture support to flag emails or mark them as read. It recognizes a phone number, flight reservation or confirmation in the email.

iOS 8: 10 New Features Unveiled At WWDC

8- iCloud Drive

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is all set to challenge Dropbox and Google Drive. The iOS 8 brings iCloud Drive, which allows users to store, access or edit any type of document. You can make changes in a document through any of your devices, and the updated document will be available on all devices including the Mac OS, iOS, Windows or on iCloud.com.

9- Better Spotlight search

Now Spotlight is more intelligent than ever before. It gives you suggestions from trending news, places nearby, Wikipedia entries, iTunes Store and others. Spotlight can recognize the context and location to improve search results.

10- Photos app

With iOS 8, every photo, every album and every edit will be stored in the iCloud Photo Library. That means photos and latest edits will be consistent and viewable on all your devices. The new app makes it easier to rediscover your favorite photos.

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