iOS 8 does not look very different from iOS 7, but it definitely features stronger and better features. It is also available for download today, two days ahead of the launching of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
iOS 8 was introduced to thepublic in June, and in a launch event last week, Apple announced that the software would be available today.
So what does it look like?
Based on design, it has flat icons and menus like the iOS 7. There are no major physical reconstructions but there are absolutely plenty of new features to delight users.
The latest software has upgrades for photo editing tools location feature in Messages app, and interactive Notifications tool to name a few.
Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, mentioned that Notifications interactive tool is iOS 8's stand-out features. This feature allows users to reply to text messages, emails, accept calendar invites, tweet and send Facebook messages straight from the notification banner, without leaving or closing the app they are currently using. By pressing the Home Button twice, they will be shown the multi-tasking menu. Calling and texting are also made easy by simply swiping to the right their favorite contacts and they can also view the face of people they recently talked to.
Finding photos has also been improved so that users can locate them based on location, date, and album. Editing these photos can now be done like a pro with its fine-tune edits. Light, color, exposure, brightness and contrast can be adjusted because of its smart feature. Apple has now added time-lapse video modes, accessible through the Record button on the Camera app.
Messaging is also made more interesting and versatile. Users can capture sound to send in conversations and one can listen to such message as if it's a call. The new Messages app additionally lets users send videos, start group conversations and enable Do Not Disturb to hide group notifications until a later time. The iMessage also lets users send pictures, videos, or voice message that will self-destruct in a few seconds unless the recipient chooses to save the messages.
iOS 8's Spotlight tool has been improved for better and efficient searching of files and information on the device, and the web. It can identify hot topics and anything trending. Looking for a restaurant is also made easy since it can tell users the restaurant's nearest branch which includes contact info and opening hours.
Apple also created a Family Sharing system where a single iTunes payment card is shared among five people or less. In here, the owner can invite others and even set up accounts for children below 13 years old. This also means that family members can have access on each other's apps, music, films and TV shows.
This new software also helps users safeguard themselves and maintain optimum health as it shows their health and fitness data. HealthKit syncs all health and fitness apps to create an accurate monitoring of one's health. It puts together the user's heart rate, calories, blood sugar and cholesterol information including allergies and blood type. All these can be accessed from the Lock Screen in case of emergency.
The software is compatible with the iPod touch 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, 5S, and 5C, and comes pre-loaded on Apple's latest iPhone 6 and 6 Plus handsets.
Users can additionally upgrade their iPad 2, iPad with Retina Display, iPad Air, iPad mini and the iPad mini with Retina display to iOS 8, too.
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