Android 4.4.3 has just been officially rolled out over-the-air by Google, but as you'd expect, only a select batch of devices - notably the more recent Nexus models and Google Play Edition devices - will be in receipt of this relatively minor bump. Below, we'll check out the new features, run through the decidedly short list of compatible devices, and also present to you the download links (for Nexus devices) if you're unwilling to wait for the OTA.
In an effort to make its mobile OS as seamless as possible, Apple is set to bring contextual, location-based shortcuts to the lock screen with iOS 8. This means if, for example, you're whimsically wandering around near a shopping mall and just so happen to be looking at your phone, iOS 8 may throw up an icon relating to the nearest Starbucks or Apple Retail Store, as well as other outlets of interest that aren't so closely affiliated with Apple.
The feeling of having accidentally deleted a photo is one enough to send a chill down one's spine - particularly if said image was of particular importance or sentiment. Often, a lost photo can be magically recovered through cloud backup or by using numerous recovery tools, and thankfully, makers of software have done their bit by elongating the process of permanent deletion. From what we're hearing, Apple is making it a tad more difficult to lose a treasured memory for good, with a new lifeline feature that'll help you recover those snaps that you erroneously discarded of.
Along with all of the more obvious features relating to the UI and general functionality of iOS, Apple has done quite a lot of work in improving the security features of its mobile operating system through the past few revisions. With iOS 8 having just been announced earlier on this week at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote, some of the details are only now beginning to trickle in, and given the rife nature of iPhone theft in particular, users will be pleased to learn that the Cupertino outfit plans to make it even easier to track a lost, stolen or otherwise missing devices with iOS 8.
Apple's announcement of third-party keyboard support with iOS 8 was, for many, the clinching revelation of this year's WWDC, particularly given the prehistoric nature of the current key-tapping experience. Finally, Apple will be allowing developers to tailor the keyboard to suit the needs of the user, and with the likes of SwiftKey, Swype and Fleksy having already established very strong followings on Google's Android, it's not much of a surprise to learn that these three big names will all be on board for iOS 8.
Those hoping to see some exciting new hardware revelations at WWDC were left sorely disappointed as Cook, Federighi and co. waxed poetic about the new software features of iOS 8 and OS X 10.10 Yosemite. But just because nothing was unveiled at the conference's keynote, this isn't to say that some of the touted products aren't on their way, and having delved the new beta of Xcode 6, one Apple enthusiast has already spotted signs that newer, larger iPhones and iPads could be on their way.
Since Apple introduced official support for third-party gaming accessories, we've seen a slew of renowned peripheral makers jump on the bandwagon, and now Razer has come through with a slide-out "Junglecat" case for iPhone.
Facebook-owned Instagram has today unleashed version 6.0 of its famed photo-sharing app for iPhone and Android, and it arrives complete with a very healthy bunch of new editing features. The filters that Instagram is famed for continue to achieve their main objective in offering one-click convenience in modifying a photo before sharing, but with mobile camera enthusiasts demanding a little more than the odd overlay, the updated app is arguably the biggest improvement in the app's history.
Even though we've not had a chance to properly acquaint ourselves with Apple's in-progress CarPlay technology, we'd imagine that it would be just that little bit more enjoyable to try out from a $300,000 Ferrari FF as opposed to a more regular car. With Apple showcasing its in-car flavor of iOS at this week's WWDC, attendees have been trying CarPlay for size at the wheel of the Ferrari FF super car, and luckily for us folks who haven't had the privilege, there's a walkthrough video of the new feature in action.
Apple likes to tout its iOS range as advocates of productivity as well as simply entertainment, and with new indication of the company offering peer-to-peer AirPlay with iOS 8 and Apple TV, that claim may soon hold even more legitimacy. Apparently, the new infrastructure will allow owners of iOS 8 devices to stream and broadcast to a host's Apple TV without being connected to the same network, which deals with a common issue related to complicated enterprise networks in which the host often doesn't play ball.
