It's no secret that Apple's iOS 8 brings some new tricks and features users are going to love. It's time we look at the best features you need to check out after upgrading.
Apple has always taken the approach of painstakingly making its devices and the OS powering them not only look beautiful but also constantly innovating while keeping a familiar and intuitive experience millions of iOS fans appreciate.
When Apple released iOS 7 in September 2013, it was the first major and dramatic overhaul of the company's mobile OS since the original iPhone. Apple gave iOS users features they've been asking for over the years, while keeping the tried-and-true user experience the company prides itself on.
With the release of iOS 8 on Sept. 17, millions of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users will get the latest and greatest from the folks in Cupertino. IOS 8 is more of a refinement of iOS 7 that brings with it some amazing new features. So, it's time to take a look at the best features you need to check out after you upgrade your iOS device.
Siri
Apple's personal assistant was one of the major highlights of the iPhone 4S released in October 2011 and her beta status proved the personal assistant wasn't exactly ready for primetime and needed to further her education. Siri is all grown up in iOS 8 and the digital assistant is much more accurate with results. Siri also spent time studying other languages and can now support over 22 new dictation languages.
Siri also kept an eye on her Google Now competitor and borrowed a few tricks that make her much more usable. If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is plugged into a power source, you can ask her questions from across a room without ever needing to hold down the Home button to invoke her. Simply say, "Hey, Siri" and she'll automatically wake up and get to work for you. Apple has also built in Shazam recognition and Siri can now instantly identify music.
Spotlight
Spotlight is a feature that first debuted in Mac OS X Tiger in 2005 and was ported to iOS 3 in 2009. Spotlight in iOS 8 has been revamped and can now show more results for content on iOS 8 devices. Spotlight still searches for content on iOS 8 devices and can now tap into more services, like Wikipedia, nearby places, iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, popular websites, movie showtimes, and more.
QuickType
Apple has finally caught up to Android when it comes to making it easier to type on iOS devices. Apple's own smart keyboard provides predictive text by suggesting words as you type and is even smart enough to give excellent predictions based on who you're messaging, emailing, and more. For instance, if a friend texts you to ask if you're in the mood for Mexican food or Italian, instead of typing one of those choices, they automatically appear and allow you to simply tap one of those choices. Apple also has opened up iOS 8 for popular third-party keyboards like SwiftKey, Swype, Fleksy, and more. All of which have been available on Android for years.
Continuity
Continuity is a feature that works between iOS 8 devices and Macs running OS X Yosemite. For instance, Apple's Handoff feature will allow users to begin typing an email on their iPhone and pick up where they left off right on the Mac. The feature also allows iOS 8 and Yosemite users make and receive phone calls and send text messages right from their computer instead of picking up their iPhone to accomplish the task.
Those are only a few of iOS 8's best features. For a complete rundown, check out Apple's iOS 8 site to become a master at using all of iOS 8's features.
