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iOS 8.3 Brings Siri Speakerphone Calling & Easier App Downloads

Mar 24, 2015 07:38 PM
Calling Fred Durst on speaker.

After receiving the fourth beta for iOS 8.3, we can assume that the official release shouldn't be too far behind. Along with plenty of bug fixes from prior iOS versions, Apple is also ushering in a few minor features that are sure to ease some annoyances.

You've probably already heard about the added skin tones for emoji characters, but to add to the much-needed diversity, Apple is also adding convenience to iOS with two additional improvements as first reported by 9to5Mac.

Siri for Speakerphone

Not everyone has a car that includes Bluetooth, which is what made the "Hey, Siri" feature in iOS 8 pretty useful. While plugged into a power source, Siri could be enabled without touching the device at all. Well, sort of.

Although Siri was hands-free, you still had to tap the speakerphone icon if you wanted to keep conversations that way. Now, thanks to the 8.3 update, you can tell Siri to "Call John Doe on speaker" (or "on speakerphone" and other variations) to keep those hands on the steering wheel.

Calling a contact on speakerphone using a smartphone.
Incoming call screen showing contact "Nelly or Nelson Aguilar" with options for mute, keypad, speaker, FaceTime, and contacts.
Calling a contact on speakerphone using a smartphone.
Incoming call screen showing contact "Nelly or Nelson Aguilar" with options for mute, keypad, speaker, FaceTime, and contacts.

Free Apps No Longer Require Your Password

It wasn't a huge deal that the iOS App Store required my password to install free apps, but it was always something I wish I didn't have to do. Well, soon that hassle will be a thing of the past.

With a simple toggle located under Settings -> iTunes & App Store -> Password Settings, you can now disable the "Require Password" option for free downloads.

These aren't monumental changes, but often the simple things are the ones that people appreciate the most, and I can definitely appreciate ditching my Apple ID password when installing free apps.

Are you excited for the iOS 8.3 update? Share us your thoughts below, or follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter and tell us there.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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