The newest version of iOS 8 beta is now out. Almost three weeks ago, in the iOS 8 beta 2 release, we saw podcast integration, full-screen caller ID, new assistive touch toggles, and a "disable all" button for app notifications, among other things.
Now, in iOS 8 beta 3, we've got new features and options for iCloud, QuickType, Photos, and more. Scroll down below for more details on Apple's latest update to their upcoming iOS 8 for iPad and iPhone.
iCloud Drive Settings & Splash Screen
iCloud Drive, which allows you to share files from all of your compatible Apple devices in real time, now has a setup screen on iOS 8.
As an upgrade to iCloud, iCloud Drive allows for seamless photo, video, document, and other file interactions. Create a drawing at home on your MacBook Pro and finish it on your iPad.
To manage your iCloud Drive, go to Settings -> iCloud -> iCloud Drive.
Fix for Embedded Safari Apps
Probably the biggest gripe with the first two beta versions of iOS 8 was the frequent and persistent app crashes for apps that utilize embedded mobile Safari for rendering.
Chrome, LastPass, and banking apps were just a few that were simply unusable, but those bugs seemed to have been worked out, making iOS 8 a solid choice as a daily driver for most of us.
An "Enable Handoff" Option for Continuity
In Settings -> General, an Enable Handoff feature is now available, allowing for more seamless transferring of tasks between your iOS devices and OS X computers. Handoff is part of a larger feature called "Continuity", which is Apple's push towards seamless cross-platform integration.
You Can Now Disable QuickType
QuickType, the predictive text feature added to iOS 8, can now be turned off, which was unavailbale in previous versions. Head to Settings -> General -> Keyboard and turn off QuickType.
Updates for Find My iPhone & Find My Friends
Find My iPhone, the phone tracking app, and Find My Friends, which locates nearby friends and family, have both been updated. Find My iPhone now supports Family Sharing, while Find My Friends now works with iOS 8 and allows users to move their friends list to iCloud.
Recently Deleted Pics Have a Time Left Indicator
The addition of the "Recently Deleted" photo album gave us a way to recover photos that we deleted. Now there's a new indicator that appears on every picture in that album, showing the amount of time left before the pictures are permanently deleted from the device (30 days is the default timeframe).
Automatically Keep Audio & Video Messages
Similar to Snapchat, Apple introduced several new features in the Messages app, including one that automatically deleted audio and video messages after a short period of time.
In this version of iOS 8, you can go to Settings -> Messages and enable Automatically Keep in order to automatically keep audio and video messages in Messages.
A Redesigned Notification Center
While it isn't a night-and-day difference, the Notification Center now has a couple of UI changes: the Clear button is now enclosed in an oval, and when you swipe a notification to the left, it now shows an X button instead of Dismiss.
Other Changes, Features, & Bug Fixes
- A new wallpaper (available for download here)
- Ability to take a selfie from within the Messages app
- "Shared Photo Streams" has been renamed "Shared Album"
- "Events/Albums" from Aperture are now available in Photos
- Minor UI rearrangements in the Weather app
- Entering "Private Browsing" mode in Safari no longer creates a new tab
- Option to share crash data/statistics with app developers (App Analytics)
- Home button bug when closing apps has been fixed
Have you taken beta 3 for a spin yet? Let us know what you find in the comments below.
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