With the release of a new iPhone comes a new iOS. Apple's mobile OS was officially released earlier this week, to mixed takes on the new system. Now that its out, lets take a look at some of the new features that iOS 8 has to offer and see if its worth downloading.
Downloading
The first thing you will realize when going to download the OS is the size of the update. I have been hearing multiple file sizes, but all have been multiple GBs, with my iPhone 5S commanding 5.8 GB to download! (The OS itself takes 1.1 GB but you need multiple GBs free to initiate the update) This will definitely be a road block for many due to the unwillingness to delete or shift files around, while some people can't afford to. There is many people who own an iOS device and don't own a computer, making it virtually impossible to shift files around (unless you want to purchase extra iCloud storage). The 5.8 GB download would command over a third of the 16 GB in the lower storage optioned iPhones and you can forget about the 8GB models. (Actually worse because you have around 13 GB after being formatted). With such a large update, patience will be a must.
Impressions
Once the update is downloaded and installed (the whole process for me took about 35-40 minutes but will depend on your internet connection) a screen will come up welcoming you to the new OS. You will have a few prompts (iCloud setup, etc.) and screens to go through at first, before you get to see your home screen.
At first glance, the interface looks the same, apart from the new Health and Tips Apps. The interface hasn't changed much, apart from a visual tweak in the Control Center Menu (shading). However, don't let your first look conjure any regrets just yet...
Downloading
The first thing you will realize when going to download the OS is the size of the update. I have been hearing multiple file sizes, but all have been multiple GBs, with my iPhone 5S commanding 5.8 GB to download! (The OS itself takes 1.1 GB but you need multiple GBs free to initiate the update) This will definitely be a road block for many due to the unwillingness to delete or shift files around, while some people can't afford to. There is many people who own an iOS device and don't own a computer, making it virtually impossible to shift files around (unless you want to purchase extra iCloud storage). The 5.8 GB download would command over a third of the 16 GB in the lower storage optioned iPhones and you can forget about the 8GB models. (Actually worse because you have around 13 GB after being formatted). With such a large update, patience will be a must.
Impressions
Once the update is downloaded and installed (the whole process for me took about 35-40 minutes but will depend on your internet connection) a screen will come up welcoming you to the new OS. You will have a few prompts (iCloud setup, etc.) and screens to go through at first, before you get to see your home screen.
At first glance, the interface looks the same, apart from the new Health and Tips Apps. The interface hasn't changed much, apart from a visual tweak in the Control Center Menu (shading). However, don't let your first look conjure any regrets just yet...
Messages
There are many new features within iOS 8 such as the new Health Apps. However, lets focus on an App that we all love and use everyday, Messages.
Features
Smart Keyboard
The App that arguably got the most attention with the new iOS 8 is Messages. The new version of Messages now will start to get to know how you communicate with different contacts based on who they are and start to suggest words intelligently based on who it is you're speaking to.
There are many new features within iOS 8 such as the new Health Apps. However, lets focus on an App that we all love and use everyday, Messages.
Features
Smart Keyboard
The App that arguably got the most attention with the new iOS 8 is Messages. The new version of Messages now will start to get to know how you communicate with different contacts based on who they are and start to suggest words intelligently based on who it is you're speaking to.
For example, when I go to text my brother, Messages knows how I interact with him and will now start to anticipate what's next. When I go to type "What's Up?", it will suggest words it thinks pertain to the last word before you finish. To select a word that Messages is suggesting, simply click on the one you want and it will insert that word. This nifty feature is awesome and will have many shooting out texts for fun.
Quick Reply
A new feature in Messages called Quick Reply does just that; allows you to reply straight from your home screen or in-app screen. Before, you would have to touch the message, which would redirect you to Messages and allow you to type in a reply. Now when you swipe down on the message notification, it will allow you to simply type a response back without being redirected and interrupting your session. An awesome feature that will definitely be a favorite amongst iOS 8 users.
Quick Reply
A new feature in Messages called Quick Reply does just that; allows you to reply straight from your home screen or in-app screen. Before, you would have to touch the message, which would redirect you to Messages and allow you to type in a reply. Now when you swipe down on the message notification, it will allow you to simply type a response back without being redirected and interrupting your session. An awesome feature that will definitely be a favorite amongst iOS 8 users.
Sending Photos
The new Messages also now makes it even easier to share your photos. When selecting the camera to send a photo, you can now side-scroll through your most recent photos on the same screen and select which ones to send (For older photos, you'll go through the old process). A cool feature that allows you to share moments quickly with family and friends.
The new Messages also now makes it even easier to share your photos. When selecting the camera to send a photo, you can now side-scroll through your most recent photos on the same screen and select which ones to send (For older photos, you'll go through the old process). A cool feature that allows you to share moments quickly with family and friends.
Audio Messages
Tired of typing out your messages? Well, now you can send an audio message by holding the microphone icon down and recording your message (Not sure if there's a limit but I have seen people send 2 minute clips). Keep your finger on the gray mic as you record and, once your done, remove your finger to stop recording. When finished recording, you can choose to hear the message, delete it or send it.
Note: Be sure to keep a hold of the gray mic as you record, as removing your finger will end your recording and you won't be able to add to it.
Tired of typing out your messages? Well, now you can send an audio message by holding the microphone icon down and recording your message (Not sure if there's a limit but I have seen people send 2 minute clips). Keep your finger on the gray mic as you record and, once your done, remove your finger to stop recording. When finished recording, you can choose to hear the message, delete it or send it.
Note: Be sure to keep a hold of the gray mic as you record, as removing your finger will end your recording and you won't be able to add to it.
Details
With Details, you can now check what time Messages were sent in a conversation by swiping to the left of messages and holding it in place. You can also select Details in the top right and now share your location with that person or mute the conversation via Do Not Disturb, which will stop all future notifications from this conversation. (This feature can also be used in MMS Group conversations)
With Details, you can now check what time Messages were sent in a conversation by swiping to the left of messages and holding it in place. You can also select Details in the top right and now share your location with that person or mute the conversation via Do Not Disturb, which will stop all future notifications from this conversation. (This feature can also be used in MMS Group conversations)
Conclusion
The Messages App, in our opinion, saw the biggest overhaul with this new update. Apple has added features to an everyday app for all users that make it even more intuitive and exciting to use. These features, however, are only a few to the overall changes iOS 8 has brought. The new Health App is an amazing addition to all, especially those who exercise with their iOS device, and the Tips app is a cool way to educate people on the all-new features. Despite the size of it, iOS 8 is a must-have update for all users that delivers a fresh, new experience full of awesome features sure to have many Apple fans happy.
The Messages App, in our opinion, saw the biggest overhaul with this new update. Apple has added features to an everyday app for all users that make it even more intuitive and exciting to use. These features, however, are only a few to the overall changes iOS 8 has brought. The new Health App is an amazing addition to all, especially those who exercise with their iOS device, and the Tips app is a cool way to educate people on the all-new features. Despite the size of it, iOS 8 is a must-have update for all users that delivers a fresh, new experience full of awesome features sure to have many Apple fans happy.