Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is about to simplify the purchase of goods and services. iOS 8 has a useful feature that allows iPhone cameras to scan credit cards.
New feature simplifies shopping
This new feature was first noted by 9to5Mac. At a glance, the feature is similar to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iTunes gift card feature. When the feature comes across the appropriate forms, Safari will recognize that a credit card is needed and the keypad that pops up will offer the option to scan the card. The same option pop up also works for the CVV and expiration fields, however, it requires a separate scan. Unfortunately, this feature was not integrated into other applications.
Other key iOS 8 features
This new feature isn’t the only feature Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) didn’t have time to highlight during the iOS 8 unveiling at this year’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference. The new iOS also now permits separate focus and exposure for the camera. In the past, it was difficult to perfect photos in terms of both exposure and focus. In many case, one or the other would have to be sacrificed. The iOS 8 update allows for more customization. Another useful camera feature upgrade focuses on the timer, where users can now set a time from 3 to 10 seconds. The phone flashes a light each second which makes it easy for the camera to take a burst of photos. The Safari browser has become even more flexible. Users can enhance their browser with DuckDuckGo, a new search feature that protects privacy. It works with all three major search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo). The App Store was also significantly upgraded by the addition of Siri. Users will see personalized suggestions based on what users listened to on iTunes Radio as well as what songs Siri was asked to identify. Last but not least, iPad users can now take panoramic photos with their tablet computer. This feature will give new life to photos taken on the iPad.
