Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) last week announced that the Worldwide Developer Conference 2014 will kick off on June 2nd. The company added that it will discuss the iOS 8 and Mac OS. According to Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac, iOS 8 has been codenamed Okemo. The mobile operating system is likely to retain the design aesthetics of iOS 7. But it will focus on new services, improved applications and performance. Let’s have a look at what the upcoming version of the iOS will look like.
iOS 8 to have Healthbook app
This will perhaps be the biggest addition in the iOS 8. The Healthbook app would aggregate health & fitness data from hardware accessories (maybe iWatch), and various applications. Its user interface will be similar to the Passbook app. Gurman says users will be able to personalize their Healthbook to prioritize the health statistics that are important to them. Healthbook will be able to track your weight, respiratory rate, heart rate, nutrition, blood sugar, oxygen saturation, sleep, and calories.
A revamped Maps
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is reportedly adding many new features to its previously criticized in-house Maps to bring it up-to-par with Google Maps. The revamped Maps will be introduced with iOS 8. The updated application will have better clarity, improved mapping data, and public transit directions service. The transit functionality will allow people to navigate using subways, trains and buses.
iTunes Radio
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is planning to break out iTunes Radio from the Music app, and make it a standalone application with the iOS 8. That will boost the usage of the iTunes Radio as users will be able to access the app quickly. So far, iTunes Radio doesn’t have a promoted presence on the iOS, which has hampered its growth in terms of usage and advertising revenue.
With iOS 8, the iTunes Radio will gain prominence, and compete with apps like Spotify, Pandora and iHeart Radio. It will have an edge over others because it will come pre-installed on smartphones and tablets.
Voice-over 4G LTE support
Telecom carrier sources have said that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is considering the voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) support for iOS 8 and the next generation iPhone. Today, when a 4G-capable iPhone is used to make a phone call, the call is placed over 3G networks. With VoLTE, the actual calls will be transmitted through the LTE network, improving the call quality. This kind of functionality requires carrier support. Many telecom companies in the world have already rolled out VoLTE support. In the U.S., T-Mobile US Inc (NYSE:TMUS) support VoLTE. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) are currently testing the functionality for a roll out by the year end.
iOS 8 notifications
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is considering simplifying the Notification Center in iOS 8. The current Notification Center in the iOS 7 has ‘Missed’, ‘All’ and ‘Today’ notification view. In the iOS 8, the tech giant is planning to drop the ‘Missed’ section, and include only ‘Today’ and ‘All’ notifications. It will simplify the overall user experience.
CarPlay
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) announced CarPlay at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The company is entering the car infotainment system. Though CarPlay is already available on iOS 7, it works over the Lightning cable. Apple is currently testing different versions for iOS 8, so that the CarPlay could be connected over WiFi.
