4 Killer Features of iOS 8: New Health App, iCloud Photo Library, Messages App and Quick Type
Apple revealed its iOS 8 last week during the Worldwide Developers Conference. The introduction of the iOS 8 has been considered as the biggest launch for Apple since its release of the App Store. The new mobile operating system offers new features both for the users and developers. The iOS 8 marks a new chapter for Apple not just because of the innovative applications but also because the company has been working on transforming its interface friendlier to developers. So what are users in for in the new iOS 8?
Compared to the previous versions of the iOS, the 8th installment of interface focuses on a more intuitive user experience. For instance, the iCloud Photo Library gives users the chance to have more fun with their videos and photos without sacrificing convenient access. The iCloud Photo Library along with the Photo App gives users constant access to their videos and photos. It will be easier to organize files throughout enabled devices.
The new message feature, on other hand, lets people share photos, videos and even voice messages in just a simple swipe. The Messaging app gives users the chance to engage in more immersive conversations. Communicating with people comes as easy in a single swipe. People can add or remove people from group messages. It is also possible to switch to a "do not disturb" mode to avoid unnecessary message. Location data can be set for an hour, a day or extended period of time.
The Wall Street Journal quotes Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering: "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."
"We're also giving developers amazing new tools to make managing your health and your home from your devices an integrated, simple and secure experience." He added.
There is also the new Health App that will challenge Samsung's health initiative. The application gives users an insight about their overall fitness and health data. The Health app allows people to choose the data the device gathers. Sources can range from fitness devices and health programs. It presents a one stop shop for a person's fitness needs. The Health app can pull information from several sources and compile the metrics in a more organizated presentation.
Lastly, there is there is the QuickType Keyboard. It s a predictive typing program which TIME reported may be well out of Google's books. Despite the claimed "innovative" features of the iOS, many analysts believe that components are very close to what Android has been offering all these years. According to Jared Newman from TIME: "Although Apple introduced each feature as if it was brand new, some of iOS 8′s biggest additions have been available in some form on Google's Android platform for years."