Last week, Apple revealed its latest software upgrades at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference, focusing mainly on iOS8 during the keynote address. So, what exactly can users expect from iOS8? While iOS8 is not expected to be available until September, it can’t hurt to take a peak at what it will offer.
One upgrade many frequent online shoppers may be interested in is iOS8’s new credit card scanning feature. When shopping online using Safari, users will have the option to scan their credit card when making a payment – saving them the effort of having to input their credit card details.
When the user reaches the payment page, the operating system recognises that credit card details are required to go ahead with the purchase. An option to “Scan Credit Card” appears on the device’s keyboard, that when pressed, allows the user to scan their credit card with their camera.
The device reads the data on the card using character recognition, and inputs it into the appropriate credit card payment fields onscreen. The credit card information can then be saved to allow the user to make faster online payments in the future.
This is by no means new technology. It is merely a development of Apple’s scanning function that allows iTunes Cards to be scanned in the App Store, combined with iOS7’s Passwords and AutoFill option that allows users to store credit card details and other personal info. A similar card-scanning feature is also available using apps such as Uber and Car.dio.
However, for many users, the feature will no doubt come in handy – for two main reasons. Firstly, it saves time and effort. Secondly, it’s already there as a built-in feature of Safari and iOS 8. That means it should work on any website, and doesn’t depend on the online store signing up to anything, unlike other mobile payments services such as PayPal.
Other iOS8 Updates
Customisable Mail
With iOS8, the Mail app has been updated to allow users to further customise the left-swipe function. This lets users add Mark as Read/Unread or Flag/Unflag buttons to the left-swipe function.
Randomised MAC Addresses
To increase user privacy, iOS8 will randomise the MAC addresses of iOS devices when scanning for Wi-Fi networks. This prevents devices from being used for location tracking and data collection via Wi-Fi scanning.
Notes Update
In iOS8, users will be able to underline text and add photos when using the Notes app.
Battery Info
Battery life can often be an issue with smartphones and other mobile devices. With iOS8, users will have access to a usage menu in the Settings app, which will show them exactly how much battery each app is using.
Control Centre Buy Option
When playing a song on iTunes Radio, the Control Centre will now offer a “Buy” button to provide users with a quick way to purchase a song.
Family Sharing
iOS8 allows families of up to six people to share purchases from iTunes, iBooks and the App Store. Each user can have their own Apple account, but the payment comes from one credit card. Parent approval is required for each purchase, helping parents keep hold of the purse strings.
Modified Camera Controls
iOS8 introduces a number of cool camera features. Users can manually adjust the exposure while setting up the shot (just tap to focus, and then use the slider to adjust the exposure settings). iOS8 also introduces a three and ten-second timer, as well as a time-lapse mode to take stop-motion video.
Weather Updates
The Weather app in iOS8 will get its information from the Weather Channel instead of from Yahoo. However, given the fact that Yahoo takes its weather info from the Weather Channel too, we’re not sure what difference this makes. Nevertheless, the Weather app will now include a nine-day forecast, and an hourly forecast for the upcoming 24 hours, instead of the current 12.
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