Apple Releases iOS 8.1- New Features and Fixes

Today on October 20th, Apple released its next update for iPhones and iPads, iOS 8.1. This is a departure from the way Apple generally releases new software. In the past major .1 updates haven't come for at least 2 to 3 months after a X.0 release. Apple has already sent out two updates, 8.0.1 & 8.0.2 in the past months in an attempt to cure problems some users had come across, but those were temporary fixes and the 8.1 update should be a catch all fix. 

Apple has always been the leader of the pack when it comes to user experience and while it might not always be the first to release a service, they tend to do it right when they do. Apple Pay is expected to single handily bring NFC mobile payments to the mainstream. While Google has offered its Google Wallet service for years it was always hampered by a lack of usability due to so few locations that accepted tap & pay as a payment option. Before their service has even launched, Apple has gotten a large amount of major retailers including Nike, Macy’s, Starbucks and Walgreens onboard as well as over 450 banks.

Another break out feature that isn’t being talked about as much is the ability to send SMS messages from a both iPads and Mac computers. Apple is touting their continuity and handoff features which allow seamless connection between all of your devices. Android users have had the ability to send SMS messages using a desktop or tablet for a while now using services like Pushbullet or Mighty Text, but those services don’t always work the way they are intended and tend to feel a bit hacky in nature. Apple makes the transition easy enough anyone can do it and all they have to do is update to the latest versions. IMessage now truly is the king of all messaging platforms.

Here’s a quick rundown of the 8.1 change log-

·        Photos includes new features, improvements and fixes

o   Adds iCloud phot library as a beta service

o   Adds Camera Roll album in photos app and my photo stream album when iCloud phot library is not enabled

o   Provides alerts when running low on space before capturing Time Lapse

·        Messages includes new features, improvements and fixes

o   Adds the ability for iPhone users to send and receive SMS and MMS text messages from their iPad and Mac

o   Resolves and issue where search would sometimes not display results

o   Fixes issues with group messaging

·        Resolves issues with Wi-Fi Performance that could occur when connected to some base stations

·        Fixes an issue that could prevent connections to Bluetooth hands-free devices

·        Adds an option to select between 2G, 3G, or LTE networks for cellular data

·        Adds Airdrop Support for Passbook Passes

·        Enables Health kit apps to access data in the background

While this isn’t the longest list of changes, there are some notable ones like being able to change your data connection type that users have wanted for some time now. Many of the changes are fixes to problems caused by 8.0-8.0.2, which some would say is an example of Apple’s wavering services. But Apple has responded to and fixed those issues in less than a month time, which I think we can all agree is a pretty speedy turn around. 

-Scott Evans