Two days before the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 8 is finally here, bringing with it a lot of minor new features that add up to an attractive package. Every change is welcome, but there's also a lot of questions about the update that remain unanswered.
For example, we know that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are getting Apple Pay for NFC purchases, but we don't yet know how well the service works or how widespread it will be. Apple is also letting third-party developers access core features like the keyboard and camera, but until we see the results, we won't know how much control Apple has ceded.
Indeed, the most interesting story here is that Apple is finally becoming a bit more open to letting third-party developers improve iOS. That by itself, could be the killer feature.
Without knowing the answers to these questions, iOS 8 by itself simplifies and enhances features you already had in iOS 7 and adds more conveniences to the apps you already know. It's not a drastic change like the redesign in the previous version, and it's not even as big an overhaul as iOS 6. But it is definitely something you'll want to download for the improvements it adds across the board. Just keep in mind that its most promising features may still be in development.
The new keyboard
As you type, the new keyboard will predict your next words just above the keys. This has been on Android for a long time, but it's great to see it come to iOS 8.
Messages Details
Touching the details button in the upper-right corner while chatting brings up a Details page where you can share your location.
Map shows up in chat
When you share your location, a map shows up in the chat window. People will remember this feature from Whatsapp Messenger
All the photos from texts
You used to have to search through your text history for photos you didn't save at the time. Now, the Details page shows all the attachments from your chat history with that contact or group.
Camera color correction
Now when you edit a photo, you have the option to use sliders to control Light, Color, and Black and White. These "smart" sliders are actually making lots of different changes behind the scenes for the perfect look.
Fine-tuning your images
If you touch the Light slider selection, you'll see all the different things that are being adjusted automatically. Touch any of these to fine-tune them yourself.
Time-lapse video
The new Time-Lapse video option in the camera lets you point at a busy intersection and start recording. The resulting high-speed video is a great time-lapse experience without a lot of work.
Photo search
The new search field in the Photos app gives you suggestions based on time and location, or you can look at recent searches.
Search by time
If you know the photo you're looking for was taken in November, you can search for just shots from that month. If you know the exact data (a birthday, for example) you can zero in even further.
Spotlight search for restaurants
Spotlight search now gives you results from the Web when you perform a search. A search for "Chinese" brought up several Chinese restaurants nearby.
Notifications and widgets
The Notifications area will now show widgets. You can see the calendar, reminders, and stocks here, but as more third-party apps upgrade, you'll have more widgets to choose from.
Answer texts quickly
When a new text comes in, you will no longer have to leave the app you're using. Just drag downward to open up a field and start typing your reply.
Quickly call favorite people
A double tap on the Home button brings up the currently open apps as it did before. But at the top, you'll now have your favorites and recent people you have called for easy access.
App Store search trends
The App Store has gotten several interface tweaks that make it easier to use. Tap the search field to see the latest trends for app searches.
App Store by category
When you explore the App Store in iOS 8, you'll notice it's not so scattered. New categories let you drill down to the things you want quickly.
Vertical browsing
The App Store has switched the way you browse in iOS 8 to let you browse through search results vertically.
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