Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s next-gen mobile operating system iOS 8 is widely expected to be announced at the Worldwide Developer Conference, which begins on June 2. The iOS 8 is likely to have several new features such as an improved Maps app with public transit routing feature, a health & fitness tracking app codenamed Healthbook. But latest reports suggests that there will be a lot more new things.
iOS 8 to bring split-screen multitasking feature on iPads
One major (or should we say the only) advantage Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Surface tablet has over the iPad is that it has a “snap” multitasking feature. Snap allows Surface tablet users to run multiple apps simultaneously on the screen. The iPad is still a “unitasking” device as the apps are usable only individually in the full-screen mode. But the iOS 8 will reportedly introduce the split-screen multitasking option for iPads. Users will be able to interact with two apps at once. Enterprise and business users prefer this feature because they usually have to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
The iOS 8 will also make it easy for apps to interact with each other. That means users will be able to share content from one app to another easily. For example, you may simply drag content such as music, videos or text from one app to another. However, the split-screen multitasking option will work only in the landscape mode, and is designed for the 9.7-inch iPad. So, it may not work on the iPad Mini.
iOS 8 to improve music quality
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s big OS update will focus on enhancing the music experience on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. According to Mac Otakara, the tech giant is planning to add high-definition audio playback in the iOS 8. Other reports suggest that Apple has joined hands with Shazam to develop a song identification feature, possibly as part of Siri, in the iOS 8.
The current iOS 7 doesn’t have the capability to play 24-bit track with a sample rate above 48kHz. Latest reports point to this capability in the iOS 8. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is also expected to launch high-quality iTunes music downloads to take full advantage of the new capabilities. The tech giant is also rumored to debut new, improved ear buds at the WWDC.
iOS 8 unlikely to support older versions
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has discontinued the iPhone 4 in almost every countries, including Brazil and India. The move suggests that the iOS 8 is unlikely to support the iPhone 4 generation, reports Gottabemobile. The latest OS may also not support the iPad 2, which runs on an older processor. It’s nothing new for Apple. The company has a tradition to discontinue old products and stop updates for them.
However, the iPhone 4S and the third-generation iPad are likely to get iOS 8 support. The 4S may receive a toned-down iOS 8, just like the iOS 7 for iPhone 4. The iPad Mini is also likely to get support of a watered down iOS 8 as it uses an older processor.
Moreover, we can expect an improved Siri that will be able to unlock third-party app support. With iOS 8, the voice assistant is expected to get more accurate and responsive.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares declined 0.26% to $592.19 in pre-market trading Wednesday.
