During the world-wide developers conference Apple introduced iOS 8, the eight major software release for its mobile devices. The upcoming software update will bring many new user facing features that include iCloud Photo Library, new Messages app, keyboard, iCloud Drive, Continuity and much more. iOS 8 will also open more than 4,000 new API’s for developers to use and enhance their apps with added functionality.

Apple added a new feature for developers in iOS 8 called extensions; it works as a plugin giving access to third-party apps to plug into native apps and offer extended functionality. Some of the use cases of this feature could include allowing developers to add custom sharing services, provide photo filters within the Photos app or add a custom action to add things to a list.

iOS 8 is the biggest release for developers since the introduction of the App Store. It opens up new areas of iOS, allowing developers to extend the reach of their app content and functionality.Apple

Things for iPhone $9.99 and iPad $19.99 is a hugely popular task manager application. The developers recently published a video showcasing iOS 8 extension capability. The video shows an iPhone with a website open in Safari. After copying some text and then tapping the share action button reveals Things custom action button called “Add to Things” to create a new task.

Things 2.5 update will bring this new feature to the app. The current version of the app hasn’t been updated to match the iOS 7 flat look and feel however, the developers are working on Things 3.0 which bring all new features and new user interface.

With more than 4,000 new API’s developers will be able to take advantage of new custom keyboard, Touch ID authentication, notification centre on the lock screen and much more.

iOS 8 is expected to be made available to the public later this fall. The upcoming update has been in testing stage since its beta availability to registered developers. Are you excited about the new extensions feature in iOS 8? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

 

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