Tag: IOS 8 »

I have to admit, when Siri was first announced for iOS, I was intrigued. While she's not an AI by any stretch, it's difficult not to grow a little attached to her. I find myself even keying the mic again to say "thank you" after I have her set my alarm for me.

Well, now it looks like everyone's favorite personal assistant is getting a little better, as WWDC just announced a few new features for Siri. iOS 8 will allow Siri to be triggered hands-free using the command phrase "Hey Siri." She can also recognize songs via integration from Shazam and even purchase said content directly from iTunes, making it easier than ever to own that new song you just fell in love with. Finally, she can also handle dictation in 22 new languages.

At WWDC, Apple has announced QuickType for iOS8: a new feature that'll provide content sensitive next word suggestions to users. For example, if a user is replying to a message about going out for a movie or dinner, 'movie' and 'dinner' could be suggested as words to use. QuickType will also learn how you type and will provide suggestions based on that, meaning that words like 'epic' and 'awesome' are more likely to be suggested if you commonly use those words. International users will also be happy to learn that QuickType will work in multiple different languages, not just English.

QuickType will make its début in iOS8 when it releases.

Apple just announced the upcoming release of is health-monitoring HealthKit service for iPhone and iPad devices.

HealthKit will come with iOS 8, and will be able to import relevant data from compatible apps to create data that can be shared with health professionals and used with third party monitoring devices. Users will be able to control which apps get access to specific pieces of information.

Apple also notes that it is working with Nike and Mayo Clinic on HealthKit. Mayo Clinic Chief Dr John Noseworthy says, "We believe Apple's HealthKit will revolutionize how the health industry interacts with people. We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovative technology with the Mayo Clinic app."

More new iOS 8 features are rolling out of the WWDC conference today in the Bay Area. Messages, touted by the Apple execs on stage as being THE most used iOS app of all time, is getting some cool new changes.

Users will be able to record voice messages by holding down on the mic icon, swiping up, recording their message, then swiping back down when finished. These audio clips will get dropped right into the ongoing conversation. Video clips can be recorded and shared in similar fashion, turning boring old text messaging into a richer audiovisual experience.

To save on storage space on the device, these messages will typically self-destruct after about 2 minutes, sort of like a supercharged Snapchat. However, this is optional and users can change the timer or turn it off altogether.

At the 2014 WWDC conference, Apple's Senior VP of Software Development, Craig Federighi, introduced a couple of new features to the upcoming iOS 8: interactive notifications and frequent contacts.

Now users will be able to deal with incoming notifications directly from the lock screen without having to actually drop into the phone itself. Like a Facebook post or a response to a text.

Also announced was another new iOS tweak involving the double-tap of the Home button. Ordinarily, this brings up a swipe-able list of apps recently opened or used. Now, at the top of the list of apps, will be a bar showing a list of the contacts you most frequently interact with. Tapping on them will open a submenu allowing you to access standard contact interactions like making a voice or Face Time call, or sending a text.