Following the grand unveiling of exciting new features at WWDC, Apple’s iOS 8 beta 2 has arrived, primarily focused on bug fixes. However, Cupertino still surprised users with a collection of subtle yet significant enhancements that refine the user experience beyond the initial announcements. This update brings welcome improvements across various apps, making them even more intuitive and efficient as we approach the official iOS 8 release this fall. Let’s delve into the key tweaks Apple has incorporated in this latest beta.
Subtle Change to Messages Microphone Icon
A minor visual adjustment in the Messages app sees the microphone icon now rendered in grey. While seemingly cosmetic, this change subtly alters the visual cues within the messaging interface. The chat bubbles retain their color-coded distinction between iMessages (blue) and SMS texts (green), and the text field clearly indicates “iMessage” or “Text Message” before typing commences, ensuring clarity in your communication methods.
Enhanced Privacy Controls for HomeKit
HomeKit, Apple’s framework for smart home integration, continues to evolve. iOS 8 beta 2 introduces a dedicated section within Privacy settings specifically for HomeKit. This addition provides users with greater transparency and control over who can access and manage their home automation data, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to user privacy even in the realm of connected devices.
AssistiveTouch Accessibility Gets More Versatile
The AssistiveTouch accessibility feature gains enhanced functionality with the addition of new icons for Notification Center and Control Center. These new options, found within Accessibility settings, promise quicker access to these essential iOS features for users who benefit from AssistiveTouch. While the Notification Center quick launch appears to be still under development in this beta, the groundwork is laid for improved accessibility navigation.
Podcasts App Now a Standard Inclusion
For podcast enthusiasts, the Podcasts app is no longer an optional download, becoming a pre-installed app in iOS 8 beta 2. This move signals Apple’s continued investment in the podcasting medium. The app now resides with its own dedicated section within the Settings app, located under iBooks, streamlining management of podcast preferences.
Streamlined Photo Album Organization
Navigating your photo library becomes more intuitive with iOS 8 beta 2. The Photos app now intelligently sorts media into distinct albums for Slo-Mo videos, Burst mode photos, and Timelapse captures. This separation simplifies browsing and locating specific types of content within your growing collection of photos and videos, enhancing overall media management.
iBooks Gets Series-Savvy
For avid readers with extensive iBooks libraries, iOS 8 beta 2 introduces series grouping. The iBooks app now automatically organizes purchased books into series, making it easier to manage and navigate book collections. A new “All in Series” button allows users to view complete series listings and identify missing titles to complete their digital libraries.
Spotlight Search Gets a Smart Cursor Update
Spotlight search in iOS 8 receives a user-friendly improvement. Previously, initiating a new search required manually deleting the previous query. Now, upon accessing Spotlight, all text from the last search is automatically selected. This simple yet effective tweak allows users to immediately begin typing a new search, streamlining the search process and improving efficiency.
Battery Usage Insights Extend to No Cell Coverage
The Battery Usage section in iOS 8 beta 2 offers more granular insights into battery consumption. A new “No Cell Coverage” statistic reveals how much battery drain is attributable to periods without cellular signal. Additionally, the reporting timeframe is refined to “24 hours” and “Last 5 Days,” replacing the “Last 7 Days” from the initial beta, offering more focused and recent battery usage data.
Enhanced Notification Management per App
Take greater control over app notifications with iOS 8 beta 2. Users can now completely mute notifications for individual apps directly within Settings > Notifications > Select app > Allow Notifications. A newly introduced “Do Not Include” section lists muted apps, providing a centralized location to manage and quickly re-enable notifications as needed, offering a more streamlined notification management experience.
Pinch to Access Safari Tabs on iPad
iPad Safari users gain a convenient gesture-based shortcut in iOS 8 beta 2. A simple two-finger pinch on any webpage now instantly toggles the Tab View. This intuitive gesture eliminates the need to tap the Tab View button, providing quicker and more fluid access to tab management within Safari on iPad.
QuickType Predictive Keyboard Comes to iPad
iPad users can now enjoy the benefits of QuickType, Apple’s predictive typing feature, in iOS 8 beta 2. This addition promises faster and more efficient typing on the iPad’s larger screen. It’s worth noting that QuickType functionality is not yet available on the Split keyboard layout, suggesting potential further refinements in future updates.
In conclusion, iOS 8 beta 2, while focused on stability, delivers a collection of thoughtful tweaks that enhance usability and refine the overall iOS 8 experience. From subtle interface adjustments to feature enhancements across key apps, these updates demonstrate Apple’s attention to detail and commitment to delivering a polished and user-friendly operating system for its users this fall.
