This week, Apple announced iOS 8, its latest operating system for the iPhone and iPad, during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. The new software is a follow-up to last year’s iOS 7 and will bring about major changes to the way you use your iPhone. Before it rolls out this fall, here are a few features we can’t wait to use.
Design
-Reply to text messages and emails directly from the notification center, without leaving the screen you’re on.
-Double-click the home button to see not only recently-opened apps, but also people you recently contacted in a separate menu.
-Swipe right to mark an email as unread, or left to delete, flag, or move it to a folder.
Photos & Camera
-The Photo app will have more editing features so you can adjust things like contrast, brightness, shadows and exposure, in addition to more built-in filters and others from third-party apps.
-Create time-lapse videos with a new recording mode.
-iCloud Photo Library will save and sync your original high-resolution photos and videos to help save you space on your device (and give you more room for all of your selfies).
Messaging
-Record and send sound and video clips quickly, Snapchat-style.
-You can add or remove people from group message threads and mute notifications for them, as well. Or, just leave the conversation yourself altogether.
-Share your location with friends so they never have to ask, “Where are you?”
Keyboard
-QuickType predicts your next word based on the way you text.
-It will also adjust its suggestions based on who you’re talking to–like your friends or your boss–so you can never blame autocorrect again.
Family Sharing
-Share iTunes, iBooks and App Store purchases with up to six people in your family.
-Users can also share and contribute to family photo albums and calendars.
-Use Find My iPhone to track not just your lost devices, but your loved ones’ as well.
Health App
-Access all of your health and fitness data in one place for an overview of your current health.
-If you have any life-threatening illnesses or allergies, create an emergency card accessible from the lock screen.
Handsoff
-Handsoff will let you “pick up where you left off” and allow you to seamlessly switch from your iPhone to your iMac or iPad to start and complete projects.
-Compose emails or messages on one device and finish it on another with Continuity.
-Answer phone calls on your iMac or iPad if they’re using the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
-Turn your iPhone into a personal hotspot for your computer.
PHOTO CREDIT: Apple
