IOS 8 RUMOUR ROUNDUP: APPLE GETS SERIOUS ABOUT HEALTH, AND COULD FINALLY FIX MAPS APP
0The next version of Apple's mobile operating system, iOS 8, is expected to be revealed in June. Unlike iOS 7, which brought a total design overhaul, many new features, and a raft of functionality changes, rumors point to iOS 8 being more of an upgraded version of the previous generation.
Provided Apple doesn't break with tradition, iOS 8 won't be released until later this year, perhaps around September or October, along with the next generation iPhone. However, Apple usually gives us a preview of the more exciting new features at WWDC, which begins on June 2. Let's take a look at what we've heard about iOS 8 so far.
Healthbook
One of the most prominent new additions to iOS 8 is expected to be Healthbook, Apple's first major push into the world of health and fitness. Much of what we think we know about Healthbook comes from a leaked screenshot of the app, which bears more than a passing resemblance to Passbook. The cards indicate Healthbook will track everything from your steps and sleep, to your hydration and oxygen saturation, although it's not clear exactly how it'll do so.
It's speculated much of the data will come from the rumored Apple iWatch, which may act like some of the more complex fitness trackers on the market, such as the Basis B1. Apple isn't likely to restrict Healthbook to iWatch owners, so expect the M7 co-processor inside the iPhone 5S (and whatever its equivalent may be inside the iPhone 6) to play a part too. Otherwise, Healthbook could pull data from apps such as RunKeeper, Nike's Move or tracker-specific apps like FuelBand, and standalone hardware such as the Withings' scales.
In addition to fitness tracking, the Emergency Card sounds like it will store all your personal medical information, such as medications, allergies, and emergency contact details.
Maps and Transit
Ever since Apple stopped using Google's data from its Maps app in iOS 6, it has come under fire for being, well, pretty terrible. While the iOS 7 update fixed a lot of the issues that made iOS 6 so amazingly awful, it still lost a large portion of its user base to the superior Google Maps.
With iOS 8, Apple is determined to get it right, and according to rumors they'll be adding transit directions and stop times within the app rather than redirecting you to other apps. There's also discussion Apple may make use if iBeacons to map indoor spaces such as museums and hotels.
Augmented Reality
While this rumor is a bit more ethereal, it's clear that Apple wants to include more augmented reality functionality, especially within its native applications. Rumors have pointed to this functionality being used for overlays in maps that help with directions and highlight interesting places and businesses. In addition, there are possible uses for augmented reality in taking pictures and identifying QR codes.
CarPlay
CarPlay is already available in many new vehicles, and as part of iOS 7.1 on your iPhone, but it requires a Lightning connector to operate. In iOS 8, CarPlay could be going wireless, just like AirPlay. Of course, you'll need to own a flashy car with its own Wi-Fi network -- such as the Audi A8 -- to make use of this feature, but while they're rare at the moment, they'll only get more common in the future. Whether there will be any other upgrades to the CarPlay system remains to be seen, but expect at least some fixes and improved functionality of some sort before the software is available in more cars.
Notifications
iOS 7 marked a massive upgrade for notifications, and iOS 8 looks like it will also include some simple, but hopefully effective, changes to the way the new system works. Instead of a "Missed" and "All" tab in the notifications center, the rumor is that these have been combined into one panel. Additionally, there will be upgrades to the "Today" panel that will allow it to take advantage of the new app sharing API and display information from non-Apple applications.
iTunes Radio
A recent update added iTunes radio as an option within the Music app, and rumor has it that iOS 8 will separate the radio functionality into its own app with extended functionality. Apple hopes to compete with services like Pandora and Spotify by presenting iTunes Radio as a standalone application, hopefully giving users more options and allowing for more ad revenue and possibly the extension of the service to other platforms.
Read more: http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ios-8-rumors/#ixzz3122MaNGC
Follow us: @digitaltrends on Twitter | digitaltrendsftw on Facebook