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http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/tablets/iPad/iPadAir/Press/iPadAir-Press-09-470-75.jpgThere's no logical reason why the iPad shouldn't be able to do split-screen multitasking as well as any other tablet, and with iOS 8 the feature might actually arrive. That's what 9to5Mac is saying after speaking with "sources with knowledge of the enhancement in development." With Apple's next major iOS update, these sources said, the iPad will gain the ability to use two applications simultaneously, each taking up one half of the tablet's ample screen. The iPad may be the leader in the tablet space, but this is one thing it could definitely learn from Microsoft's Surface. The student becomes the teacherMicrosoft has always positioned the Surface as more of a productivity- or work-oriented tablet than Apple has done with the iPad. Microsoft even highlighted Surface's multi-tasking superiority in the below ad. YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2vyH9VZHKcBut the from Microsoft's other Surface ads aren't the only ones who could take advantage of the feature.Apple could even do Microsoft one better by allowing side-by-side apps to interact with one another. The company is reportedly working on the tools that would enable developers to let their apps share information with other apps - for example users could drag images or text in between the two apps. From mini to massiveAs they have with past iOS updates that added new capabilities, app developers may need to revisit existing apps to enable split-screen functionality and maybe even sharing between apps. But the multitasking feature is said to only work in landscape mode and possibly only on larger iPads, not the iPad mini. However it could also be a hint that Apple really is working on the bigger iPad that's been rumored for so long. Whatever the reality, here's hoping we find out more soon. Here's everything TechRadar knows about the iPhone 6http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3a61f7d5/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505946291/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a61f7d5/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505946291/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a61f7d5/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505946291/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a61f7d5/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505946291/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a61f7d5/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505946291/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a61f7d5/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/5h8WH-qsAus

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/health-app-ios-8-470-75.jpgWednesday may have marked the grand arrival of iOS 8, but the launch was marred by a bug keeping several health and fitness apps that use Apple's new HealthKit platform from actually launching. Apple didn't say what the problem was exactly, but it did say a bug is keeping these apps from launching rat the moment. The company hopes to resolve the issue by the end of the month. "We discovered a bug that prevents us from making HealthKit apps available on iOS 8 today," Apple spokesperson Trudy Muller said in a statement. "We're working quickly to have the bug fixed in a software update and have HealthKit apps available by the end of the month." http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3e932ac4/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204367603028/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e932ac4/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204367603028/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e932ac4/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204367603028/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e932ac4/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204367603028/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e932ac4/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/204367603028/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e932ac4/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/foEBaf2s89g

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iPhone%206%20Plus/HandsOn2/6Plus-HandsOn-22-470-75.JPGJust as folks are starting to download iOS 8 today and get on line for the iPhone 6 launch on Friday, Facebook is also tidying up its smartphone apps. The social network detailed in a blog post that it's making its Facebook app bigger and clearer to match the larger screen resolutions of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Facebook also wrote a short walkthrough on how sharing photos from users' libraries or webpage clippings though Safari will lead users to a sharing page with a new layout. After tapping on Facebook, the usual sharing overlay will display on the screen allowing users to pick who they want to share with, add a location, tag friends, and add a status update. In reality nothing has changed here on Facebook's end as it seems its smartphone app does not support iOS 8's extensibility feature, which lets apps to communicate directly with each other. The new feature allows users to share an item they see in Safari on Pintrest without ever having to leave their browser or edit their images in the photo library with Waterlogue effects. Facebook says its update will roll out to users over the coming weeks. It's Apple, not usAside from the small UI refresh, Facebook is took the time to make it very clear that it has not changed its privacy rules regarding users' Location Services. Users on Apple's latest mobile OS may note that their Location Services settings have been updated with an option to be turned always on, never or just when using an app. Worried that it would be accused of tracking users (again), Facebook wrote it "does not get location information from your device in the background (that is, while you're not using the app)." The social network went on to explain Location Services only activates when users geotag their status updates or turn on a feature that requires the service such as Nearby Friends. Should you brace your wrists for the Apple Watch?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3e918d0b/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204367727085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e918d0b/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204367727085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e918d0b/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204367727085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e918d0b/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204367727085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e918d0b/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/204367727085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3e918d0b/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/BktSAYVk2J8

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/ios-8-release-date-470-75.jpgApple's iOS 8 will arrive on September 17, the company revealed during its iPhone 6 announcement. That's two days before the new iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus launch, and it will of course come on those devices straight out of the box. But iOS 8 will also be compatible with the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, and iPhone 5S, the iPad 2, third-gen iPad, fourth-gen iPad, iPad Air, and every iPad Mini, and the fifth-gen iPod Touch. The iOS update has a health-focused platforms called HealthKit, a new predictive keyboard, voice message capabilities in the Messages app, and more new features. The next stepThe new operating system has been in beta for months, ever since WWDC 2014, but iPhone and iPad owners will be able to get their mitts on it soon enough. iOS 8 is, obviously, the first refresh to Apple's mobile operating system since iOS 7, which itself was a major overhaul. The either iteration is much less severe, though, and maintains the overall aesthetic of iOS 7 while making significant changes to certain apps and features. iOS 8 ties in more than ever with OS X computers, with important improvements to iCloud functionality as well. One important new addition, the "Handoff" feature, lets users start a task on an iPhone and complete it on another Apple gadget, like a MacBook or iPad, or vice versa. And Apple's new predictive keyboard tech will supposedly learn the lingo you use with different people and adjust its suggestions accordingly. There are many more changes in iOS 8, but we'll have to get our hands on it before we give our full impressions. For now stay tuned to TechRadar for all your Apple news needs. Follow our iPhone 6 launch live blog here!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3e4c6ebe/sc/15/mf.gifhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/0bz3dcmZcGI

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%20history/iOS6_Passbook-470-75.jpg iPhone OS to iOS 7: the early yearsiOS is the smartphone platform that, some argue, started it all, and with iOS 8 arriving very soon, it's easy to forget where it all began. Although it was only 2007, the launch of the Apple iPhone and its nascent iPhone OS seems millennia ago. With that in mind, we decided to dig deeper and take a trip down a grid-based memory lane, so here's our look at the software side of Apple's mobile revolution. iPhone OShttp://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%20evolution/iPhone%20OS%201/original-iphone-obsolete%20(gizmodo)-420-100.jpg You remember the iPhone right? Not the one with the Retina screen that's all the rage on public transport, but the one that started it all nearly six years ago. The mobile market has never looked the same since WWDC 2007. The leader at that time, BlackBerry, is now struggling, and nigh on every smartphone adorned with a massive touchscreen. Powering the first iPhone was Apple's iPhone OS, a touch-optimised version of OS X. With its black background and App grid, the iOS platform was pretty bland. However, it had multi-touch capabilities, and it carried a mobile-ised version of Safari, the precursor to the mobile versions of Chrome, IE and FireFox, albeit without Flash (something that has remained omitted to this day). These elements might have seemed small, but a great touch-based interface and strong web browser were killer features. iPhone OS 2http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%20evolution/iPhone%20OS%202/iphone%202.0%20(mydigitallife.info)-420-100.jpg The next major iteration of iOS came along with the iPhone 3G, the second version of the iPhone. Whilst there were some notable hardware upgrades, such as 3G support, people began to realise that the big difference was the software. The iPhone 2.0 software gave birth to the App Store, housing what has become the staple of the smartphone diet: apps. True third party apps could be created and distributed easily, with a whopping 500 applications at launch. Apps could even be downloaded directly to the iPhone, skipping iTunes if you wanted. For many users, the other major update to iPhone OS 2 was nothing to get excited about, but don't underestimate its importance. It pushed Apple's devices towards the business market as Microsoft Exchange came built in, alongside Cisco IPSec VPN and WPA2 Enterprise support, opening up a whole new revenue stream for the brand. iPhone OS 3http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%20evolution/iPhone%20OS%203/ios%203%20copy%20and%20paste-210-100.jpg Again, the next iteration of Apple's mobile OS was launched with a phone, the iPhone 3GS. Once more there were big features that now seem commonplace in both the mobile and iOS markets, such as landscape typing now available in third party apps. The first really big update came in the form of Spotlight, that search page to the far left of your home screens, allowing you to search through contacts, Mail and Calendar apps. The other major update was copy and paste, something that has been on desktops for as long as we can remember. (Apple, incidentally, was the company to bring it to the fore on the Lisa and Macintosh systems of the early 80s.) Text and even imagery could be copied across, and placed in the upgraded Messages app, meaning the iPhone finally packed MMS support. iOS 4http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%20evolution/iOS%204/ipad%203g-420-100.jpg Cue 2010 and a refresh of name. Unhappy with dominating just the mobile market, Apple spied the next big thing in the form of the tablet. With many writing it off as a large iPod, the iPad took the world by storm. Yes, the original shipped with iPhone OS 3.2, but it meant that iOS was no longer locked to small displays, making it across to the 9.7-inch screen. So what did iOS4 bring to the iPad, and the newly launched iPhone 4? Wallpapers would be the first thing to change: the dull bland black background was replaced, and customisable lock screen wallpapers arrived as well. iBooks made its first appearance, optimised to turn the iPad into an eReader. Video calling also popped over in the form of FaceTime, although limited only to Wi-Fi connections. The new decade did herald two other new features to iOS, and they were big features: multi-tasking and folders. A double tap of the home button allowed access to the strictly controlled multi-tasking bar along the bottom for easy switching between your apps, meaning navigating iOS became easier, and battery life got longer. Win win. A folder system was also implemented, and to this day many can't see its integration ever being beaten (although it's often copied). Dragging and dropping icons onto each other meant you could hide away system apps, and group your games together. We're sticklers for neatness, so we don't know where we'd be without folders. iPhone OS to iOS 7: iOS 5 onwardsiOS 5http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%20evolution/iOS%205/iPhone%204s%20Siri%20Button-420-100.jpg iOS 5 made its debut on the iPhone 4S, as well as appearing on the iPad 2. Amongst updates came the ability to use the volume keys as a Camera shutter button, quick access to the camera from the lock screen by double tapping the home button, and a completely PC-free experience, so no longer would you be tied to iTunes with wires to update the OS. Safari also had an update to bring in Reader and tabbed browsing. The Notifications Centre made its first appearance, with Messages, App Updates, Calendar events and so on all now grouped together and accessible by dragging down from the top and the lock screen. iMessage was also introduced, in a bid to challenge BBM, which was still the dominant messaging platform at the time. Apple's offering, alongside third-party options such as WhatsApp, now rule the messaging ecosystem. Above all, iOS 5 will be remembered for one thing: Siri. Siri is synonymous with mobile voice assistants, and with every update becomes more and more useful. It allowed users to send messages, play songs or playlists, create reminders, and could even give a weather forecast. iOS 6 http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%20evolution/iOS%206/ios6-210-100.jpg Launched on the iPhone 5, and appearing on the iPad 3, iPad 4 and the iPad Mini, iOS 6 can be remembered for two words: Apple Maps. Yes, Apple Maps brought turn-by-turn navigation, and wiped Google Maps off iOS, but it was a disaster, mocked even by Motorola. Even Apple's attempt at a clock app landed it in hot water, after the Swiss Rail Network proved the design was too similar to its own. Other than Apple Maps, the big news from iOS 6 was Do Not Disturb, a mode that enabled you to silence calls and notifications, ideal for sleeping meetings, although even that hit problems when it refused to auto-disengage in early 2013. FaceTime finally became 3G enabled, Panoramas were added to the camera, and Apple's Passbook app popped up too, combining vouchers and tickets in a handy place. Safari's Reader update from iOS 5 also gained offline support, while Siri was announced for the iPad 3. iOS 7http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS7/Press/iOS7-Press-08-420-100.jpg iOS 7 is now almost one year old - hasn't time just flown by? It arrived with a cacaphony of new features and colourful updates, and included a radically overhauled interface, new Control Center, transparent animations and more. When iOS 7 landed on devices many people lost their minds, complaining about the lurid colour scheme and the new interface design - demanding Apple revert back to iOS 6 stylings. A year on though and those initial cries of angst have all but disappeared and iOS 7 has been accepted as a clean, fluid and refreshing update to the iPhone line. iOS 7 vs Android Jelly Bean vs Windows Phone 8 vs BlackBerry 10Lots of people were rightly angry about Apple ditching Google data, but beyond that mis-step there's a lot to like: a more useful Siri (App launching plus the recognition that a world exists outside of the USA), shared Photo Streams, handy Phone app controls such as 'send to voicemail', and major improvements to Mail, Safari, accessibility and the Camera app. However, with the new iOS 7 update we've been given the all-new interface, as well as new ways to control the phone and make sure that you don't have to worry about fumbling around in the dark for the torch. iOS 8http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/ios-8-release-date-420-90.jpg The latest update from Apple is iOS 8 and it's waiting in the wings to jump onto the new iPhone 6 (and possibly iPhone 6L) as well some of Apple's older devices You'll need an iPhone 4S or newer or an iPad 2 or newer to update to the latest software, plus the 5th generation iPod will also get a taste of iOS 8. So what are the big features you get with iOS 8? Apple is opening up its TouchID fingerprint scanner to developers, allowing them to include the security recognition in their apps - which will be great for banking and payment apps especially. The Health app is another major addition in iOS 8, as Apple looks to collate data from your various health and fitness devices and apps to display in one unified location. This gives you an overview of your health, and saves you jumping between a number of apps to find out different things. You'll also be able to send and receive SMS messages from your iPad or Mac, as well as make and receive phone calls when they are linked to an iPhone. There's more too, including the addition of video and voice options to group messaging, interactive notifications, a new Quicktype (read: Swype rival) keyboard, location based lockscreen apps, plus updates to Siri and Spotlight. iOS 8 release date, news and featureshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3e4dcc8a/sc/28/mf.gifhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/pUiGVy8NEw8

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/Apple_Maps_Phone_App_iOS8-470-75.jpg The fifth version of the iOS 8 beta, currently in the hands of Apple's army of developers, has revealed a minor, but neat new feature which improves the synchronicity of the Maps and Phone apps. An AppleInsider reader discovered when users call a business like a restaurant from within the Maps app, that information will be transferred to the Recents tab within the iPhone's phone app. Not only is the number listed, but the name of the establishment too. Tapping on the listing will also bring up the location on a smaller map, the address of the business, it's web page and even the Yelp scores. The idea appears to be to make it easier for iPhone users to easily save their favourite places to the contacts or have the ability to easily redial without searching all over again. RefinediOS 8 was announced by Apple at WWDC in June and is currently being tested by developers and refined by Apple ahead of a launch this autumn. The operating system will arrive alongside the iPhone 6, but will be installable across a wide range of iPhones, iPads and iPod touch media players. You can find out which here. Android L vs iOS 8: What's different?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3d5d7638/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366391936/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3d5d7638/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366391936/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3d5d7638/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366391936/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3d5d7638/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366391936/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3d5d7638/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/204366391936/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3d5d7638/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/IkV5q0CWlyY

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/ios-8-beta-control-center-470-75.jpgiOS 8 isn't yet ready for public consumption yet, as Apple's still tweaking it and ironing out the bugs. But thanks to the existence of a developer preview, it's a fairly open process with changes arriving in each new build. The latest version, iOS 8 beta 4, has just landed, and while most of the changes are aimed at stability and squashing the aforementioned bugs, there is one visual change which particularly stands out: the humble Control Centre. Functionally it's the same as ever, but eagle-eyed observers will notice that the black borders around icons are gone and that the circles are filled with white when activated, whereas in the current version the black border and the icon itself turns white. This changes everything. Again. May not be finalIt's a minor alteration that's unlikely to cause too much division. Personally we're not sure it was a change for the better as we like the relative subtlety of the old style. It's worth noting though that there's no guarantee it will still look like this come release. Apple is regularly making changes to the preview build so it may well change it again before the final version arrives. But while nothing is set in stone this could well be the future look of Control Centre. It's not just Apple that's working on an OS update.http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3cc0779c/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108288644/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc0779c/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108288644/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc0779c/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108288644/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc0779c/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108288644/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc0779c/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199108288644/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc0779c/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/WALzQD3iyfo

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Android/AndroidL/Android%20L%202/Android%20L%20iOS8-470-75.jpgAndroid L vs iOS 8The battle for mobile's soul is raging and there are only two heavyweight platform contenders. Google's Android and Apple's iOS are getting better (and more similar) with every passing year. The latest incarnations, Android L and iOS 8, made their entrances at developer conferences, WWDC and Google I/O. Let's take a look at how they compare and work out whether Apple and Google are treading their own paths or starting to converge. UI – Minimalism is inAndroid L is a big change in terms of user interface as Google looks to unleash "Material Design", a new look that's consistent across Android, Chrome OS, the Chrome browser, and Android Wear. It includes a familiarly sparse aesthetic with bold colours and a new typography. There are lots more animations for touch feedback and transitions between apps, there's more of a 3D feel with shadows, and a nested scrolling effect that slots UI elements out of the way when you don't need them. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/Android/AndroidL/Android%20L%202/Android%20L%205-420-90.jpg Apple killed skeuomorphism with iOS 7, so major surgery wasn't deemed necessary for iOS 8 and it retains the same clean and uncluttered look - Android L seems to take a little from iOS 6 (with the more realistic designs) and some from iOS 8, following the trend for flatter designs. Under the surfaceThe iOS 8 SDK contains more than 4,000 new APIs for developers, but apparently the Android L SDK trumps it with more than 5,000. Of course, everything depends on what those APIs actually have to offer, but Android L also brings support for 64-bit processors, which we saw roll out in iOS 7. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/Android/AndroidL/Android%20L%202/9-420-90.jpg Google has finally dumped Dalvik and made ART (Android RunTime) the new engine, which should offer a significant speed boost. It uses AOT (Ahead-of-Time) instead of JIT (Just-in-Time) compiling, which improves a lot of elements, but among the primary benefits are general performance and battery life. Apple switched to the Swift programming language for iOS 8 and OS X development, which is intended to safeguard against errors and offer improved performance for developers when coding for iPhones and iPads. These are tools that will give developers the chance to make apps with fewer bugs, so we're waiting to hear the verdict on which will be the platform that has the best changes. Notifications everywhereThe rival platforms are creeping ever closer in terms of notifications. Apple added interactive notifications to the lockscreen with iOS 8 and made them less intrusive with pop-ups at the top of the screen in apps. Google has done much the same in Android L with notifications on the lockscreen that can carry you straight into the apps, and pop-ups at the top of the screen when you're already doing something. They're also newly ordered by relevance, based on your past activity. For the 15% of people using PINs or pattern locks, Google has added a new authentication system that can determine when you're holding your phone using location awareness and attached Bluetooth devices and unlock it automatically for you. It seems pretty likely that Apple will do the same with the iWatch when it (probably) launches later in the year, and along with TouchID shows the Cupertino brand is looking as much as anyone at ways of making your body the ultimate password. Smartwatch compatibilityThe Android Wear platform is rolling out for developers and the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live are available to order now. Apps on your Android device will automatically download and update themselves on any Android Wear device that you link. They can also sync between devices, so you can follow a recipe on your watch and on your smartphone at the same time - which is pretty neat when you can simply tap the screen and start a timer if the recipe called for it. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/other/Onetimers/google-wear-smartwatch-420-90.jpg Google looks like it's rolling out dedicated Android Wear apps too - which appeared on the Play Store then were quickly pulled - so it shows that the Big G thinks that wearables are the future (we've not even talked about Glass either). Apple has yet to announce an iWatch, but the updated Health app and the HealthKit API for iOS 8 are designed to make it easier to extract fitness and health data, and the fruity brand's new wrist-dweller is set to pack all manner of sensors as it looks to become the ultimate device to show you just how fit and healthy you are. Battery savingAndroid L offers greater control over battery life with new enhancements and modes that enable users to fine tune how much juice apps can guzzle down. 'Project Volta' goes into depth on where your battery is draining and a baked in battery saver mode can make tweaks to extend its life. This saving mode is something we've seen a lot of Android OEMs adding in their UIs already though, and we'd have loved to see an 'extreme battery saving mode' like HTC and Samsung have done to really eke out the battery life. Apple is lagging behind a little, but iOS 8 will finally bring a Battery Usage screen that actually shows which apps are leeching the most power when running and on standby, so you can make informed decisions with your settings. Android Auto vs CarplayGoogle's Open Automotive Alliance is growing fast with 40 new partners since we last heard about it. Android Auto will allow you to plug in your Android device and get a simplified interface with voice controls. You can easily browse navigation and entertainment content, as well as take calls and messages. Once the device is connected you use the car controls, but the software remains on the phone. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/Android/AndroidL/Android%20L%202/Android%20Auto-420-90.jpg It looks very similar to Apple's CarPlay, in form and function, and it will be interesting to see which platform the big manufacturers favour. Google and Apple are both pushing forward as quickly as possible and we'll see both Android Auto and CarPlay models on the road later this year. Merging with the laptop Android L will allow people to unlock their Chrome OS laptop automatically when their Android device is close. There's also a sharing of notifications, so your Chromebook can mirror your Android device notifications and warn you when the phone battery is low. There's even some app crossover as some big name Android apps like Evernote, Flipboard, and Vine appear on Chrome OS. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/tablets/Google/nexus%209%20render-420-90.jpg Apple has done something similar with iOS 8 and the forthcoming OS X Yosemite with its Handoff feature, which allows you to pick up activities in apps on your laptop or desktop and start where you left off on your iPhone. You can also handle calls and messages from your iPhone on your Mac too. Other highlightsThere are plenty of other juicy features and updates in both platforms. Android L also offers greater integration with the Chrome browser, tabs now appear right next to apps when you tap the multitasking button, and you can dive straight into installed apps from browser results. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/wwdc/2014/screengrabs/touch-id-third-party-apps-420-90.jpg Apple opened up its Touch ID authentication for more apps, unveiled a time-lapse camera mode, and beefed up messaging options with location sharing and self-destructing messages. We'll keep you posted on everything else Android L and iOS 8 have to offer as we find it. AvailabilityDevelopers can get their hands on Android L and iOS 8 right now, but we'll have to wait a little longer for a proper release date. Our best guess is that iOS 8 will land on the new iPhone, probably in September, and will appear on older devices when the iPhone 6 goes on sale. Android L is likely to be a month or two later, probably on a new Nexus device - we're hearing stuff about the Nexus 6 and Nexus 8, and given Android L will be here in the 'Fall', the likelihood is we'll be getting new Nexii, complete with the L treatment, in time for the Christmas period. We're still waiting on Windows Phone 9.http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/SrhmefDGhDs

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Fighting%20Talk/ios8-470-75.jpgWhen I watched the iOS 8 announcement, it was with a sense of bemusement, sadness and only the occasional 'that's nice' moments popping up in my head. It's digested now, having had enough time to ferment in that vacant space I refer to as my brain. The jury's in - and it's not overwhelmed. While the general consensus is the new platform is a good enough change, the iOS 8 announcement left me cold. I'd waited for signs of a revolution, one that would delete the mistakes of iOS 7 - but they never came. Quite simply, the feeling for me was that Apple has run out of ideas. Before we go any further, NO. I am not a secret Google spy. Yes, I am running an iPhone but I had to jailbreak it to be able to enjoy it. I'm not a biased fanboy. But I just couldn't see anything there to make me jump out of my seat. And I really wanted to. Active notifications! Purleease! Shortcuts to call most used contacts? Widgets (sort of)! This is so last year to the jailbreakers. And it just highlights Apple's problems - it's just doing what the competition has been up to for years. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/interactive-notifications-420-90.jpg Steve Jobs famously referred to Android as a stolen product (whilst forgetting the drag down notification centre wasn't entirely his invention) but everywhere I look in iOS 8, I see things that the jailbreakers have been offering for years. There's no acknowledgement that it needs the jailbreakers - not just to be the bogeymen to Geniuses everywhere, but to keep its creative juices flowing. They'll be designing the damn iPhone next! And let's not get started on poor WhatsApp - which has seen a few of its selling points pinched. Not that we feel sorry for Facebook after it opened its wallet and dropped a few billion on the service. But that's hardly the point. Don't get me wrong - there were some things in that unveiling that really are great. Continuity, for example. That will be brilliant in day to day use. Homekit and Healthkit have potential, but nothing that will excite me for a while yet. It's hardly up there with Steve Jobs' Keynote back in 2007. Apple's share price didn't rocket as iOS 8 was announced - and there's a good reason for that. Sure, I'll probably download iOS 8 come the autumn like everyone else. But I won't stay up all night to do it and smile sweetly when my 90% download falls down and forces me to start again. I'll give it as much priority as watering the plants. And that says it all. Read all the iOS 8 news and rumours and see if you agree with Phil.http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3bb465ef/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119521802/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bb465ef/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119521802/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bb465ef/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119521802/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bb465ef/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119521802/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bb465ef/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119521802/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bb465ef/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/Ny0KkN3HMb8

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Apple/iOS%208/apple_ios_8_quick_access_apps-470-75.jpgApple detailed many of the new features for the forthcoming iOS 8 update at WWDC on Monday, but here's one neat little tool the firm left out of its keynote address. Judging by the iOS 8 beta, now in the hands of the Apple's army of app developers, users will be able to access relevant applications from the lock screen, depending on their geographical location. According to those testing the software, apps like the Apple Store and Starbucks are appearing in the bottom left corner when users enter the vicinity of a store, allowing them to open with a simple upward swipe. Other users tell MacRumors they've seen apps for train stations and even icons for apps they haven't yet installed appear. Swiping on those will take users to the location's App Store page. Easier purchasingThe functionality appears to be designed to make it easier to access applications that allow them to make purchases or access prevalent information on their surroundings, but many other potential uses spring to mind. Those who utilise the Passbook feature for digital store cards will notice location-based notifications will pop up on the lock screen when in the vicinity so this feature appears to be a useful, non-intrusive extension of that. Current iOS 7 users also are able to make use of the quick access feature to open the device's camera. Here's everything else you need to know about iOS 8http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b2107e3/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199106600389/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b2107e3/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199106600389/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b2107e3/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199106600389/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b2107e3/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199106600389/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b2107e3/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199106600389/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b2107e3/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/kenqrut2GOY

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/tablets/iPad/iPadAir/Press/iPadAir-Press-09-470-75.jpgApple's iOS 8 won't be here for a few months, but if you're excited about the possibility of HealthKit and other improvements over iOS 7, you will be able to access it on a number of devices. Releasing in the fall, iOS 8 will work with most of Apple's newest phone and tablet releases. They are: iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPod Touch 5th generation, iPad 2, iPad with Retina display, iPad Air, iPad mini and the iPad mini with Retina display. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/wwdc/2014/screengrabs/ios-8-compatability-420-90.jpg Developers can grab iOS 8 as a beta starting today. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b163b75/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119043315/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b163b75/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119043315/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b163b75/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119043315/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b163b75/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119043315/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b163b75/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119043315/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b163b75/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/rq1XQAMsB6Q

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/wwdc/2014/screengrabs/ios-8-470-75.jpgiOS 8 is here! Well, it's not - you won't get it on your phone or tablet until later this year but Apple has at least outlined what goodies you can expect come fall. The release has enhancements for both iPhone and iPad. There is a refined notification center for iPhone, but even more impressive are interaction notifications. These let users stay within an app while replying to texts and other alerts from within the app just by swiping down. In iPad, users can peak a bird's eye view of all their tabs as well as enjoy a side bar within Safari. Managing Mail has also become easier; swiping slightly on a message will let users flag it with color-coded indicators while swiping all the way deletes the message. Conveniently, users can also now access other inbox messages while composing an email. iOS 8 will be available as a beta for developers starting today, with a full consumer release slated for the fall. Healthkit and Health appsThe "Healthbook" name didn't come to fruition, but Apple did include some health-related applications in iOS 8. Healthkit is a place where all your health-related applications can live to create a composite profile of your well being. The Health app is a separate source that gathers activity metrics. Third-party applications will have access to Health, but Apple assured users can choose which apps can access your health info. Photo-fantasticWith iOS 8, Apple is making it so photos are available across devices, making sure you never loose edits or access to images when you switch from iPhone to iPad. There are also new photo editing features. When lightening up an image, the new iOS 8 photo app will automatically adjust other settings to create an all-around improved picture. Edits will stick from iPhone to iPad thanks to iOS 8's iCloud Photo Editing access. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/wwdc/2014/screengrabs/icloud-photo-editing-420-90.jpg While images can be shared from iPhone to iPad, Apple is also working on a photo solution for Yosemite on Mac that will be available later this year. Siri gets smarterSiri as been improved as well; now, you can just start talking and she'll start working. Message and keyboard improvements Messages is smartening up as well. Now, users can set Do Not Disturb alerts in group messages, and leave a thread whenever they like. Users can share their location within a thread as well, and a map becomes visible if you want to see where your friends (really) are. Attachments are also easier to view at a glance. iOS 8 comes equipped with a tap to talk feature, cutting out the steps needed to vocalize what you're virtually trying to say. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/wwdc/2014/screengrabs/ios-8-spotlight-suggestions-420-90.jpg An improved Spotlight now offers suggestions when you type in a place, event or whatnot. Now, instead of a straight search result, you may be shown part of a Wikipedia page, directions and more, depending on what you're looking up. A more predictive Quick Type keyboard with support for a string of native languages will also find its way to iOS 8. Family sharingNo, it's not part of some US-carrier data plan. iOS 8 family sharing lets people on the same account share data between their devices. This goes for everything from photos to credit card info. More to follow... http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b15a391/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199118825989/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a391/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199118825989/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a391/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199118825989/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a391/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199118825989/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a391/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199118825989/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a391/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/fUC-05poFvE

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/wwdc/2014/screengrabs/enterprise-470-75.jpgCraig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at Apple, unveiled iOS 8 with new features designed specifically for enterprise developers. Upgrades include automatic device enrollment and enhanced data protection. iOS 8's Device Enrollment program automatically configures devices for the enterprise. Devices purchased by enterprises will arrive to the user fully loaded with relevant mail, apps and calendar installations. To provide more enhanced security for mobile enterprises, iOS 8 features expanded data protection that will cover third party apps. Enterprise support has also been updated to include per message S/MIME, managed books and PDFs. iOS 8 for the enterprise will include VIP threads that allow users to generate notifications on a per-email-thread basis. Users can also enable automatic replies for out-of-office messages. Ninety-eight percent of the Fortune 500 uses iOS, Federighi said. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b163b80/sc/15/mf.gifhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/YDmY4hZ9CFw

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/Onetimers/iOS%208%20banner%209to5Mac-470-75.jpg"Houston, iOS 8 has (almost) landed." With WWDC kicking off Monday, the signs - literally - are there that we're in for the new version of iOS' reveal. Peer into San Francisco's Moscone Center today and a banner emblazoned with "8" will wink back at you. Just as "7" graced the Center's halls before WWDC 2013's iOS 7 reveal, Apple seems to be not so subtly hinting at what we're in for come next week. The wave background is also reminiscent of banners that teased iOS 6 and OS X 10.9 in years past. Join us Monday at 10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. PT/1 a.m. Tuesday AEST for WWDC 2014's opening keynote where we expect a formal introduction to iOS 8 and a number of other announcements. Your move, Google IOhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b0167d6/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506648829/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0167d6/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506648829/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0167d6/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506648829/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0167d6/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506648829/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0167d6/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195506648829/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0167d6/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/iw9MjVAtTkU

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Apple/iOS%208/iOS_8_transit_Maps-470-75.jpgCan something be delayed when it hasn't even been released, yet alone announced? Apparently anything is possible for Apple's upcoming mobile operating system, which may now launch without one or more rumored new features. 9to5Mac has been aggressively leaking what Apple might be cooking up for this year's iOS 8 software, but Thursday found the website backpedaling just a bit on what might be included with the initial release. Apple is expected to introduce iOS 8 at its Worldwide Developer Conference in San Francisco next month, with a release to the public likely arriving later in the year alongside new hardware. The latest scuttlebutt from inside Apple HQ, however, is that some of the recently rumored new features might actually be delayed until the first major update, which will presumably be iOS 8.1. Moving targetThe report claims that Apple may be allocating additional resources from its iOS engineering team to the next big OS X release, which is expected to be a complete visual overhaul of the venerable Mac operating system. Among the potential new additions to iOS 8 are Healthbook, TextEdit and Preview apps as well as a dedicated iTunes Radio app, the reintroduction of public transit directions to the built-in Maps app and Voice over LTE support. Transit routing is cited as one potential feature that could be pushed back to iOS 8.1, instead paving the way for backend enhancements to iCloud and a rumored Shazam partnership, which would allow device owners to identify songs via Apple's Siri voice assistant. Also said to be complicated matters is rumored new "multi-resolution support," which could pave the way for App Store titles to work across a variety of different screen sizes, including a larger iPhone 6 and a rumored Apple TV refresh with Siri voice control. Don't forget about our exhaustive review of Apple's iPad Air!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/39f80f35/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505477914/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f80f35/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505477914/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f80f35/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505477914/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f80f35/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505477914/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f80f35/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505477914/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f80f35/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/WdelkzLgHfY

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Apple/iOS%208/iOS_8_Watch_Utiility_screenshot-470-75.jpgWith Apple's annual developer conference quickly approaching, we have little doubt that somewhere in Cupertino there are devices already running iOS 8 - and a new report could very well offer our first glimpse at one of them. PhoneArena today turned up a handful of images allegedly from Apple's forthcoming iOS 8, which will presumably be unleashed in just over six weeks during the iPhone maker's Worldwide Developer Conference in San Francisco. One low-resolution image (shown below) appears to show iOS 8 running on a current iPhone 5S passed along by a generous reader using the screen name "Omar Sharif," which we're pretty sure is not the star of stage and screen who shares the same moniker. The tipster followed up with a trio of screenshots - two from iPhone and one from iPad - which reveal a bevy of icons for new apps that have been widely rumored to be included with the mobile OS release this year. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Apple/iOS%208/iOS_8_on_iPhone_5S_rumor-420-90.jpg Eight is greatAlthough the four images don't immediately stand out as obvious fakes, the inclusion of a so called "Watch Utility" app is likely to raise eyebrows, although others for Healthbook, Preview, TextEdit and Tips fall in line with recent rumors. Also clearly on display is an icon for iTunes Radio, which Apple is reportedly toying with the possibility of turning into a standalone app, rather than part of the existing built-in Music app. Assuming iOS 8 breaks cover at this year's WWDC which kicks off June 2, it's not surprising to see leaked screenshots making the rounds a month and a half early, even at the same time Apple is said to be readying an iOS 7.1.1 bug fix update. Meanwhile, iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users still lingering on iOS 6 have apparently found themselves in the midst of an extended FaceTime outage since yesterday, and the only resolution for now appears to be upgrading to iOS 7.1. Oh, and don't forget to follow the latest on iPhone 6 as well!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/39846996/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195296641285/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39846996/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195296641285/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39846996/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195296641285/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39846996/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195296641285/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39846996/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195296641285/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39846996/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/g_rRnHaTFSU

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/iOS8-HubPage-470-75.png iOS 8 release date, news and rumorsiOS 7.1 has only just launched but already we're itching for iOS 8 and we're not alone, as rumors of what the new version of Apple's OS might include have started circulating. Enough have dropped for us to start to get an idea of what form iOS 8 might take, so without further ado here's what we've heard so far. Release dateNew versions of iOS tend to get announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and there's been no suggestion that iOS 8 will break the trend. As yet it's not known when WWDC 2014 will take place, but it normally happens in June. However while iOS 8 will likely be announced then it probably won't actually launch until later in the year, making its debut on the iPhone 6. Again, this is all based on Apple's past iOS launches. FutTv : n4950K8zVLF4mCut to the chase What is it? The next iteration of Apple's mobile platform When is it out? Probably sometime in September 2014 What will it cost? iOS 8 will be a free download HealthbookApple, like Samsung, seems to be pushing the health and fitness capabilities of its products and the next step of that is likely to come with iOS 8. According to unnamed sources who spoke to 9 to 5 Mac, iOS 8 will come with a new app dubbed Healthbook. Supposedly it will have a similar interface to Passbook, but will track steps taken, distance travelled, calories burned and weight loss. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/Healthbook/healthbook_leak1-420-90.jpg So in other words it's doing the same job as stand alone fitness trackers like the FitBit Force, which makes sense since Apple already built an M7 motion co-processor into the iPhone 5S to track just those sorts of things, so it might as well make the most of it. However apparently it will also go way beyond that and track hydration levels, blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, nutrition information and respiratory rate, taking it a step beyond existing fitness trackers. 9to5mac has even recreated some images of how the app will supposedly look. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/Healthbook/healthbookleak2-420-90.jpg Obviously no existing Apple hardware has the relevant sensors to track most of that stuff, but there's been talk recently that the iPhone 6 might have an array of new sensors, plus some of it may rely on Apple's unconfirmed iWatch. Apple MapsApple Maps has had a bit of a tough time so far. Its launch was as far from smooth as possible and while it's no longer putting train stations in the middle of the sea it still lags some way behind Google's offering. That could be about to change though, as 9 to 5 Mac claims to have spoken to "sources briefed on the plans" and learned that public transport directions for trains, subways and buses will be added to Maps, initially for major US cities, with a wider roll out likely to follow. The same sources also claim that it will be more accurate than it is now and new points of interest and labels will be added for things like stations and airports. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/features/Apple%20maps%20one%20year%20on/mapswalking-420-90.jpg The appearance of the app has apparently been improved too, making streets more visible. Supposedly Apple is also working on an augmented reality feature, which will allow you to see points of interest on your camera viewfinder, though it's thought that this feature won't make it out in time for iOS 8. Late last year Apple patented some major new ideas for Maps, which would add a whole new level of interactivity beyond even what's currently rumored. It would allow users to tap a road for example and see information relevant to just that road, such as any junctions on it, or to tap a restaurant and get a menu. This functionality might be some way off yet, if it emerges at all, but we live in hope that it might make an appearance in iOS 8. SiriApple could hardly release a new version of iOS without updating everyone's favourite personal assistant. According to tech site The Information, Apple wants Siri to be able to interface with third party apps. Currently it's compatible with a number of popular third party apps, but only because Apple worked directly with the developers to add the functionality. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/Siri/Siri-01-420-90.jpg In future any and all app developers might be able to make their apps compatible with Siri without Apple's help, which would vastly increase Siri's usefulness, allowing you for example to use third party messaging apps and calendars to send messages and set reminders. There's also talk that Siri might be able to contextually launch specific apps in future, so for example if you start jogging it might automatically launch RunKeeper, rather than you having to ask it to. iTunes RadioApple looks to be putting more weight behind iTunes Radio, if sources speaking to 9 to 5 Mac are to be believed. The sources claim that it will be given a separate app for iOS 8, as currently it's part of the Music app. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/av_accessories/iTunes%20Radio/itunesradio_hero-420-90.jpg Supposedly other than becoming its own app it's going to remain exactly as it is now, which isn't so surprising as it only launched last year, but by giving iTunes Radio its own app it will be more noticeable to users and better positioned to take on other streaming services like Spotify. Preview and Text EditWe recently got our first glimpse of what might be iOS 8. Based on the image it unsurprisingly looks a lot like iOS 7, albeit with a few new apps on board. There's an icon for the aforementioned Healthbook and one for Tips, which is likely a user guide, but there are also Preview and Text Edit icons. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS%208/iOS_8_leak-420-90.jpg If those names sound familiar it's because they're existing pieces of software for OS X, but now seemingly iOS is getting its own versions. However while the Mac versions are used to edit PDF's, images and text files, the iOS versions are apparently optimized to simply let you view any such documents that you have stored in iCloud. It's questionable how real this screenshot even is, 9to5Mac claims to have confirmed its veracity with several sources, yet it would be easy to fake, especially as the Text Edit and Preview icons are identical to their Mac counterparts. App updatesThere are whispers of various minor updates to a number of apps. According to an unnamed source the Notification Center is getting streamlined for iOS 8. The update completely removes the "Missed" tab, so everything can be found on either "Today" or "All". The Messages app is apparently having a new option added, to allow you to automatically delete threads after a certain period of time and Voice Memos may be getting a new button arrangement. Apple is also supposedly removing the requirement for a Lightning cord when using CarPlay, allowing it to work wirelessly instead. Apps may also be able to better communicate thanks to a new developer API which is rumored to be in testing. Known as an "XPC" service, the API would allow apps to share data, which among other things would hopefully make it easy to keep files synced up across different apps. Goodbye Game CenterWhile there are a lot of new things rumored for iOS 8 we might also be losing some things. Apple's Game Center app is rumoured to be for the chopping block according to 9to5Mac, with the functionality being moved directly into games themselves. iOS 8: 10 things we want to seeSo we're starting to get an idea of some of the major changes in store for iOS 8, still, there are many other things we'd like to see Apple change by the time iOS 8 rolls around later in 2014 - although in some cases we've got a sneaking suspicion Apple would disagree. FutTv : n4950K8zVLF4m1. Change and hide default iOS appsWe'd love to be able to choose non-Apple alternatives for handling email, browsing and maps, but doubt it'll happen. However, Apple not providing the means to hide preinstalled apps you don't use is an irritant that goes back to the very first iPhone. Even if there was a similar 'parental controls' trick for hiding apps to the one on the Apple TV, that'd be good enough. 2. A guest/child accountApple's mantra is everyone should own their own device. That's lovely, but not everyone's pockets are as deep as those of Apple board members. OS X-style user accounts are unlikely, but it can't be beyond Apple to provide a single-tap child account or a guest account that doesn't affect your settings and data, and doesn't retain settings or data of its own. 3. Better iOS app managementAs of iOS 7, Apple automates app updates, but it should go further. Devs wrestle with iCloud app data, but this should be child's play to save and also (optionally) restore whenever you reinstall an app. And the App Store itself should offer trials and paid version updates (rather than devs being forced to use IAP or 'replacement' apps as a workaround). http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iOS7/iOS7-Video-10%20copy-420-90.jpg 4. Stronger inter-app communicationsOne of the weakest elements of iOS is inter-app communication. If a service bumps you to another app, you're not always returned when you've finished performing an action. Worse, when making document edits across several apps workflow can be a nightmare with document copies in various states strewn throughout individual app sandboxes. Hopefully this is set to improve if the new API for data-sharing makes it into iOS 8. 5. Better document managementFollowing on from the previous point, iOS should introduce at least some kind of centralised access to documents. Right now, Dropbox is a surrogate file system because iCloud is a bunch of silos. It's absurd that you can't easily attach documents within Mail in an OS that boasts a version number of 7. The lack of collaboration opportunities within iCloud document workflow is also disappointing. 6. Group FaceTime callsThis isn't specifically tied to iOS, but Apple's mobile platform is where FaceTime began life, and although the one-to-one model is great, it's about time you could call several people at once, rather than a group having to crowd around an iPhone. 7. iOS notifications like in OS X MavericksIn OS X Mavericks, notifications are interactive - get a message and you can deal with it there and then, rather than leaving the app you're in. This is even more important on iOS, and so we hope Apple adds similar functionality on mobile. Google does it with aplomb, so we want to see the same here. 8. More Do Not Disturb optionsDo Not Disturb gained extra power in iOS 7, enabling you to silence notifications only when a device is locked. Bizarrely, it still retains only a single schedule though. Is it beyond Apple to enable you to at least set one for weekdays and a separate one for weekends? http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/Apps/ios_dnd-420-90.jpg 9. Better text manipulationApple's text-selection, cut, copy and paste seemed elegant when it was introduced, but only compared to disastrous equivalents on competing mobile systems. Today, it comes across as awkward, and it's a barrier to usability for far too many people. We'd like to see a rethink from Apple and more usable and intuitive ways of dealing with text. 10. Two-up appsWe love the focus iOS provides, but there are times when we'd like to work with two apps at once. Much like messing with default apps, we doubt Apple will ever go down this path, but OS X Mavericks now has a more powerful full-screen mode for multiple monitors. So there's perhaps the slightest hope a multi-screen mode might one day arrive for the iPad or a larger iPhone, and would be one in the eye for all those Samsung owners out there. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/38cf727f/sc/4/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.png http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360413032/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38cf727f/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360413032/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38cf727f/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360413032/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38cf727f/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360413032/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38cf727f/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/193360413032/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38cf727f/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/4uurSbdtkwk