Another year, another update to iOS. And while things may look pretty much the same on the face of it, iOS 8 is well worth everyone's time. While iOS 7 was a big departure from what we were used to in regards to aesthetics, iOS 8 goes another route, this time preferring to take a scalpel to the operating system's innards rather than its exterior.
iOS 8 has been significant for a number of reasons, but for the makers of third-party keyboards, it has been something of a godsend. For a while, Android users have benefited from the enhanced functionality offered by the likes of Fleksy and SwiftKey, and with little by way of surprise, many of familiar faces are in the pool of developers vying for the newly-found audience on iPhone and iPad. Here, we round up the various keyboards now downloadable via the iTunes Store, and if you're in the hunt for a better typing experience, check out the list after the break!
In the run-up to the announcement of the iPhone 6, particularly during the latter stages, it was suspected that Apple would also launch the new iPad Air. These notions seemed a little afoot, particularly given that we're accustomed to October iPad announcements, and when said iPad showcasing did not occur, we immediately knew that Apple was likely to be sticking with tradition. Now, a new report has surfaced suggesting that the refresh to both iPad models will be unveiled on October 21st, with OS X Yosemite 10.10 also rolling out for Mac on the very same day.
iOS 8 will finally drop for users the world over today, and according to those who have used the beta bits of it, the OS brings a completely refreshed user experience owing to the backend changes that Apple has implemented. The new and improved operating system for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad not only brings a plethora of features to play with, but also more APIs for developers to utilize in their offerings. One of the most significant amongst these is opening up the Touch ID API to the likes of 1Password, DashLane and LastPass, so that users can sign into websites even in Safari (or any browser of their choice) using the Touch ID sensor. 1Password has already demonstrated that its feature set works just fine during the beta builds of iOS 8, and now, the app is available for free for a limited time due to a glitch in Apple's system. More details and download link can be found right after the jump.
How would you feel about one single keyboard accessory that works with your smartphone or tablet, regardless of the platform that powers it? Microsoft has today introduced its new "Universal Mobile Keyboard" that can function with Apple iPads, iPhones, Android powered smartphones and tablets as well as all Windows based tablets that contain Bluetooth Human Interface Device support (HID) and are 10mm or thinner.
Tomorrow is the big day when Apple will push the big red button after which the final release of iOS 8 will be available to all iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users around the globe. And in order to prepare our readers for the big update, we’ve outlined a handy guide which will ensure that the whole process will go smoothly for everyone.
By and large, jailbreaking is a relatively safe affair to perform, and as long as you abide by the precautionary steps that must be taken when opening areas of the ecosystem ordinarily shut off by Apple, you're generally safe. However, given that third parties can access root files, things can sometimes go horribly wrong, and with the jailbreak scene having been afflicted by two widespread incidents in the past five months, another piece of malicious software is said to be capable of stealing your Apple ID and password to buy apps without your consent.
Apple's close relationship with U2 has been long-standing and, from an outsider's point of view, pretty harmless. Indeed, the fact that the Irish band's latest album Songs of Innocence was to be released for free as an iTunes exclusive was clearly a win for the consumer. The move, which was announced after Apple's iPhone 6 event last week, presumably meant that U2 fans could get their fill for free - excellent - while non-U2 fans could just skip the release. Much to the surprise of just about everyone outside Apple, though, the album was pushed out to just about everyone with an iOS device, much to the bemusement of those who don't happen to like U2.
Apple took the wraps off a number of great software features at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, and among them, Continuity seeks to allow users to work between devices with as few seams as possible. Incorporating OS X Yosemite as well as iOS 8, Continuity has promised to strengthen ties between Apple's two major platforms, and SMS Continuity, which allows SMS and MMS messages to be managed through the Messages app on iPad and Mac, is one of the most useful of them all. Unfortunately, though, this feature will not roll out until next month, meaning that while iOS 8 is just days away, SMS Continuity won't make the initial cut.
With iOS 8 now well on the way - it's set for release in just five days' time - now's a golden chance to stock up on apps and games ready for the new software. Alongside iOS 8, Apple will also be rolling out two new iPhones, and given the high pricing, here's a welcome opportunity to penny pinch on apps worth a total of $17.
















