iOS 8 and a Touch of Yosemite
Apple unveiled their new operating systems last week at the 2014 WWDC. Get ready for more fancy features coming soon to your devices!
Most of Apple's operating system announcements were related to iOS 8 for their mobile devices. I will run down the big ones that will affect you the most, and explain why.
(Note: We at Core have only had hands-on with some of the features I'll talk about here so - fair warning. Stay tuned for more.)
Predictive typing is here!
This is one of the features I've been using for a few days. Obviously, it is still in beta but all I can say is it's smart. It recognizes if you've been asked a question and suggests yes or no. It "learns" who you're texting with and suggests appropriate responses. This feature definitely takes some getting used to and, fortunately, can be toggled on and off by sliding down on the recommendations. Overall, a nice quality of life feature.
Spotlight. Spot on!
Spotlight has gotten a slight refresh, now showing results from the web as well as the classic messages and app searches.
In addition to Spotlight, the multitasking screen has gotten an update, now giving you access to your recent and favorite contacts — all from the top of your screen, allowing you to call or text them from there without leaving the app/screen you're working (or playing!) on.
In addition to Spotlight, the multitasking screen has gotten an update, now giving you access to your recent and favorite contacts — all from the top of your screen, allowing you to call or text them from there without leaving the app/screen you're working (or playing!) on.
Lifesaver? Could be!
The next new development is less of a fun addition and more of a life-saver, perhaps even literally. The new "My Health" app, shown off by Apple as a cool exercise and nutrition tracker has actually been hiding its best feature. The app includes a feature called Medical ID. It creates a card, of sorts, that is available from the emergency call button on the lock screen, that includes a list of current meds the user may be on, allergies, and any conditions they have, etc. (The onus, of course, is on the user to keep the medical info current.) For an iPhone user like my grandfather, who is on blood thinners, this could potentially allow EMTs or doctors to react much quicker and much more effectively if need be. The feature isn't a sexy one, but one that has been absent for far too long. This app will also have the ability to interact with third party devices, at release, such as heart monitors and blood pressure sensors, among many others.
