By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
San Francisco, CA: Apple pulled the covers off the latest version of their mobile operating system that powers iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices. iOS 8 continues the new look and feel that was introduced with last year's iOS 7. This year the focus seems to be on refinements such as the ability to quickly respond to emails, alerts and notifcations with a simple swipe. Conveniences seem to be built into the Mail programs on iOS Devices, there are refinements to the search function called spotlight.
A new Quicktype feature is predicive and intelligent, used to learning commonly used words and contexts. iOS 8 also features Continuity for improved interoperability with desktop Macs. A Tap to Talk feature places voice recognition at the center of the messaging and communication experience with an accurate way dictate messages instead of typing.
“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,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “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.”
In iOS 8, the Photos app and iCloud Photo Library give you access to all of your photos and videos anytime, anywhere. Your photos are easy to find and are organized consistently across your enabled devices. The Photos app can automatically straighten horizons and with smart editing tools, you can quickly adjust light and color or access individual tools for deeper fine-tuning. With iCloud Photo Library, every adjustment and effect is automatically updated across your devices.
iOS 8 also introduces Health and Healthkit, which can monitor a variety of health statistics, interface with medical care providers and integrate with various trackers and devices. Another feature shown off was Family Sharing, which is secure way to communicate, share and even keep trcak of family members through their devices. Family Sharing also enables up to 6 family members to share apps they have purchased (provided they used the same credit card). iOS 8 also improves photo editing and sharing features.
Apple’s QuickType keyboard is a long awaited featrue that intelligently takes context into account, such as who the recipient is and in which app you’re typing. QuickType suggests favourite phrases, so you can write entire sentences with just a few taps. What the keyboard learns is encrypted on your device and never sent to the cloud.
iOS 8 also introduces Family Sharing, making it easier than ever to communicate and share purchases, photos and calendars within the same household. Family members can browse and download each other’s iTunes, iBooks or App Store purchases.