Continuity
Continuity lets you easily switch between your iPhone, iPad and Mac
or use them together. Continuity features include Handoff, Phone
Calling, Instant Hotspot and SMS
from any device. Several Continuity features became available when
Apple launched the Yosemite operating system for Macs last week during
the new iPad event, but iOS 8.1 is required to support SMS from any
device and Instant Hotspot. The Instant Hotspot and SMS support features
were originally supposed to launch as part of iOS 8, but they had to be
delayed until the update was released.
SMS from any device
When Apple launched OS X Mountain Lion in July 2012, it included an app
called Messages. Messages is an instant messaging software app that lets
users send messages to Macs, iPhones, iPads and iPhones that are
compatible with iMessage. After you update to Apple iOS 8.1, you will be
able to send and receive SMS/MMS text messages from your iPad or Mac.
In the chat bubbles, Apple distinguishes iMessages with blue backgrounds
and standard SMS messages with green backgrounds.
Instant Hotspot
Instant Hotspot will be enabled when you update to iOS 8.1. If you
are not in WiFi range, your iPad or Mac can connect to the personal
hotspot on your iPhone if it is close by. The name of your iPhone will
appear in the list of WiFi networks in the Settings on your iPad and
WiFi menu on your Mac.
iCloud Photo Library
The iCloud Photo Library allows users to save pictures and videos to
their iCloud account. If you have this feature enabled, smaller versions
of your photos are stored on your iOS device to save storage space.
Your iCloud Photo Library will be accessible through any iOS device or
through the iCloud website. Apple plans to eventually sync your iCloud
Photo Library with a future version of the Photos app for Macs so you
will be able to easily view your photos stored in the cloud from your
computer.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is the most anticipated feature
launching with iOS 8.1. Apple Pay is a mobile payment service that will
let users pay for goods at retailers and restaurants using iOS devices.
The NFC-enabled devices that are compatible with Apple Pay include
iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 and the upcoming Apple
Watch.
Apple Pay essentially replaces traditional credit and debit cards
that have magnetic stripes. Apple devices will be able to wirelessly
communicate with point of sale systems using near field communication
(NFC) technology. Transactions are authorized with the Touch ID
fingerprint sensor and Passbook. If you have an older iOS device like
the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C or iPhone 5S, then you will be able to use Apple
Pay by connecting it to an Apple Watch.
Apple said that 220,000 retail locations will support Apple Pay at launch. Stores that will support Apple Pay include Macy’s, Target TGT -0.62%, Walgreens and Bloomingdales. The participating restaurants include Subway , Panera Bread and McDonald’s.
Bug Fixes And The Return Of The Camera Roll
Apple iOS 8.1 will include bug fixes and the return of the Camera Roll. One of the bug fixes will be for an issue that makes it hard for iOS 8 users to pair with Bluetooth devices.
When iOS 8 launched, Apple replaced the Camera Roll with a
section called “Recently Added.” The “Recently Added” section includes
photos and videos that were taken within the last month. Apple is likely
bringing back the Camera Roll due to a negative response from users
about the change.
It is unknown what time Apple will be releasing iOS 8.1, but I will update this post when it is officially released.
Are you looking forward to updating to Apple iOS 8.1? Let us know in the comments below!
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