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AUSTIN (KXAN) - Apple is launching their much anticipated iPhone iOS 8 software today and many are anxious to start the download. While the iPhone 6 is not officially released until Friday there are several key features to look out for in the new update.
'iOS 8 offers simpler, faster and more intuitive ways to use your device with incredible new features like iCloud Photo Library, a new Messages app, the QuickType keyboard and an entirely new Health app,' said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering.
New iOS 8 features to keep an eye out for: Battery Usage Indicator
Battery life is a common complaint among avid iPhone users. Many resort to dimming their screen brightness however iOS 8 will address this frustrating concern.
'The iPhone's settings will offer a way to check exactly which apps and functions are draining your battery. With that guidance, users will be able to selectively change their settings or uninstall the right apps to maximize their battery,' according to the tech blog Mashable. Continuity Between Devices
If you are a committed apple user your devices will now be in constant communication. iOS 8 has a new feature called Handoff which is part of its 'Continuity' concept.
If you have an iPhone, Mac and/or iPad you will be able to start a task (such as an email) and finish it on another device.
Continuity also has a couple of bonuses: First, AirDrop will work between Macs and iOS devices. Second, using your iPhone as a personal hotspot has never been easier. There's no configuration needed - the iPhone will just know when your Mac needs the connection. Interactive Notifications
Ever been in the middle of an article, email or game and had to ignore an iMessage? iOS 8 has the perfect fix - just pull down the banner that appears and you will be able to type your reply, send it and get right back to what you were doing.
You will now be able to respond to messages without unlocking your phone by swiping the alert it will reveal Reply/Dismiss buttons. If you are concerned about safety this feature can easily be turned off. Weather App
If you've been let down too many times by the Apple weather app with data from Yahoo, you will be relieved to hear iOS 8 weather data will come from the Weather Channel. However, you can always download the KXAN app which has weather forecasts that come from Jim Spencer and the First Warning Weather Team. iCloud Photo Library
With previous iPhone updates iCloud stored the last 1,000 photos from your devices for free. However with iOS 8 users will be able to upgrade to iCloud Photo Library, which will instantly upload all iPhone/iPad photos and videos to iCloud.
Users will only get 5GB for free. Storage will cost $0.99 a month for 20GB, with tiers all the way up to 1TB. Messenger App
Say goodbye to the days of group messages you cannot seem to get out of, in iOS 8 you can mute particular conversations.
Another cool feature is the ability to share your current location in a conversation, and limit the time available.
You can send audio and video messages in iMessages too. Like SnapChat, the messages self-destruct. But unlike SnapChat, you can select not to destroy the messages.
You can listen to audio messages sent via iMessage from the home screen. Just take your phone to your ear to listen, no touch required. The same to reply. New Health App
The days of the pedometer are long gone.The new Health app gathers the information you choose from your various health apps and fitness devices, and provides you with a clear and current overview in one place.
iOS 8 offers developers the ability for health and fitness apps to communicate with each other. With your permission, each app can use specific information from other apps to provide a more comprehensive way to manage your health and fitness. For example, the Nike+ apps using NikeFuel will be able to pull in other key HealthKit metrics such as sleep and nutrition to build a custom user profile and improve athletic performance. QuickType Keyboard
Apple is renovating the keyboard for the first time. The new iOS will support context-sensitive typing, essentially predicting what you will say next. While typing a message, a list of words will appear that you can use to make your entry a lot faster.
'New predictive typing for Apple's QuickType keyboard is smarter and more personalized, and intelligently takes context into account, such as who the recipient is and in which app you're typing. QuickType understands the way you communicate, suggesting favorite phrases, so you can write entire sentences with just a few taps. What the keyboard learns is encrypted on your device and never sent to the cloud,' according to Apples iOS 8 announcement. Family Sharing
With iOS 8, Family Sharing will let different Apple users share all content they have downloaded from iTunes. Up to six people can be designated family members.
This feature solves the problem of kids downloading and paying for apps on their parents' credit cards. With Family Sharing, the parents gets notified, they can either approve or deny the purchase.
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