Will the iOS 8 be worth the wait? Last week, Apple unveiled its latest operating system to developers along with the general public. The operating system, which will be the next upgrade for iPads and iPhones, is not going to be released until this fall so that it lines up with the release of the latest iPhone generation. According to CBS News, though, Apple’s new OS will definitely be something to look forward to.
Continuity is an attractive and powerful incentive for people to switch to iOS 8 once it comes out. When used with the newest version of Macintosh OS X — known as Yosemite — the communication ecosystem between multiple devices will be more streamlined than ever before. Your phone’s text messages will sync with your desktop, along with your voice calls. And an email you start on your Mac can automatically open up when you switch to your phone. As consumers regularly juggle multiple devices and become more reliant on cloud technology, such a benefit will not be undervalued.
Apple will also be delivering something else consumers have been asking for — a revamped keyboard that uses context-sensitive predicative typing, which means you can say goodbye to “What’s up?” Getting translated to “What’s duck.” According to Apple, the software is even “smart” enough to learn from your writing style in order to better guess at what you’re trying to say.
For people using their iPhones to monitor their health, Healthkit will be an important part of the upgrade. Healthkit allows multiple third-party health apps to communicate with the device and integrate collected information into one database; the data can then be shared with professionals, such as one’s doctor. Homekit is a similar development interface, but for the home; it will help to automate devices, lights and appliances so that they can be controlled with a single tap.
Although some might find certain updates irritating, BGR points out that, “Apple’s goal is to ensure that the terrific new functionality outshines the new annoyances by as wide a margin as possible.” It’s a good goal to have. And with Apple having just cracked the top five list of most fiscally successful U.S. companies as rated by Forbes, it would seem as if the world’s consumers agree.