First Thoughts On iOS 8 Part Two

Having had a few days to immerse myself in Apple’s new iOS 8 software, I can tell you that I really like it. While my first post regarding iOS 8 revolved around some of the most noticeable changes at first glance, I will attempt to dig a bit deeper with this post.

WIDGETS

One of the features that many people looked forward to when iOS 8 was first announced was widgets. As most people know, Android phones have had widgets for years, so they’re nothing new, but they’re completely new to Apple devices. And naturally, they don’t work the same as they do with Android – and I’ve decided that’s okay. On Android phones, your widgets (unless you delete them) are always a page swipe away – and they take up quite a bit of space on your screen. With iOS 8, Apple puts all of your widgets in your notification screen. All you have to do is swipe down form the top of the screen, and there your widgets are. In doing this, Apple has made sure they don’t all clutter up your home screen, while making them convenient to find at the same time. It’s important to note that only certain apps contain widgets at this present time, but more will certainly be available with time once apps are updated over the coming weeks.

What’s Eating My Battery?

Another useful feature in iOS 8 is found under Settings/General/Usage/Battery Usage. It’s a battery usage meter that tells you exactly which of your apps is draining your battery, and its incredibly helpful if you constantly find yourself wondering why your iPhone is dying so fast. There have been other apps in the App Store which monitored your phone’s battery life, but nothing that was created by Apple and already installed on the iPhone.

What Song Is On The Radio?

Now, if you’re out and about and hear a song on the radio that you like, all you have to do is ask Siri what it is and she will tell you and (if it’s in the iTunes store) will allow you to purchase it all in one easy step.

Hey, Siri

And, speaking of Siri, the digital assistant is now more available than ever. Once you plug your phone in, all you have to do is say “Hey, Siri”, and Siri will wake up to do your bidding. This works with the phone asleep as well as while you’re using it. I have no idea why the feature only works while the phone’s plugged in, but hopefully that’s something that can be changed in a future update.

All in all, I think iOS 8 is a great step forward for Apple. What do you think?

[Images by Engadget & Gigaom]