In preparation of Wednesday's iOS 8 release, ÌÇÐÄVlog dug in and compiled a set of tips and tricks to help iPhone and iPad owners take full advantage of all the new features and functions baked in to Apple's latest mobile OS.
One of the most anticipated features rolling out in iOS 8 was actually introduced with the iPhone 5s, but has only now been opened to developers. With the latest iOS, Apple is to Touch ID, meaning third-party apps like can finally take advantage of the fingerprint reading hardware.
Also a first is the ability to for third-party solutions. Previously, Apple restricted users to the main iOS soft keyboard due to security concerns, but with iOS 8, users are able to download and try out custom solutions like and .
On the app side, Apple's first-party titles get new features like in Messages and in Mail.
Apple also added a slew of new to keep the world's most popular shooter up-to-date, including time lapse functionality, shutter timers and advanced exposure controls.
iOS-only features like Siri have also been drastically improved, with the virtual assistant now supporting "Hey Siri" when plugged in to a power source. Voice responses have also been tweaked to sound more natural, while the backend has been enhanced with HomeKit integration for controlling smart home products.
In addition to Siri, users can now with widgets created by third-party app developers. Powered by a corresponding app, widgets allow for bite-sized bits of information to be display in Notification Center, including the lock screen, meaning anything from sports scores to surf reports are only a thumb swipe away.
When OS X 10.10 is released this fall, iOS 8 will be able to integrate seamlessly through "" features like answering phone calls on your Mac, continuing text conversations and opening Web pages and documents through Handoff.
Apple's iOS 8 is as a free over-the-air Software Update.