iOS 8 software update now available for download

iOS 8

Apple’s next major software update for its mobile devices iOS 8 is now available for download over the air for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. According to Apple iOS 8 is the “biggest release since the launch of the App Store, with hundreds of new features including new Messages and Photos features, QuickType Keyboard, a new Health app, Family Sharing, iCloud Drive and more.”

The company unveiled its new mobile operating system during the world wide developers conference earlier this year. This release doesn’t just include a number of user facing features but also opens hundreds of new API’s for third-party developers.

With iOS 8 users will experience a completely new Messages app that borrows a number of features from Whatsapp, new Messages app now includes audio messages, instant photo messages (Snapchat?), mute conversation and more. Typing on the new iOS has also been enhanced as Apple introduces QuickType which intelligently recommends words as you type and overtime it learns and adapts to your writing style. QuickType in iOS 8 doesn’t just learn your writing style but also remembers how you communicate with different people.

Apple has heard the requests of its customers and finally introducing iCloud Drive, a central location to find all your documents from Mac, PC or iOS. Did this make you think of Dropbox? Access any of your file from any device connected to iCloud without having to worry about its version. However, it’s worth noting that it is advisable to not opt in for iCloud Drive when setting up your iOS 8 device until OS X Yosemite is available for download. Files stored in iCloud Drive will only work with iOS 8 devices and OS X Yosemite.

Handoff in iOS 8 allows you to continue working on your choice of device while picking up from where you left off, but this will also require OS X Yosemite.

Third-party apps greatly benefit from this update as Apple has finally allowed developer access to Touch ID, Camera API, PhotoKit, HealthKit,  HomeKit and CloudKit.

The update is now available for download over-thir-air for compatible devices.

Have you upgraded your devices already? What do you think about the new update? Let us know your experience in the comments below.

Advertisement

Leave a Reply