Tag: iOS 8.3 Beta

Apple’s Newest iOS Update Comes With A Revamped Music Player

Apple Watch had almost flooded the news as it came close to its releasing on April. Now, after clearing out most of the hassle and confusion, Apple has now again begun to concentrate on its software. Today, Apple has released the third beta of iOS 8.4 for developers. Apple has been testing different beta groups of iOS 8.4 since the release of iOS 8.3 in mid-April.

Major updates include a revamped music app that is described as more powerful and elegant than before, Up Next Functionality, a redesigned MiniPlayer look for ‘Now Playing’ and a new improved version of iTunes Radio.

The new design of the music app will show pictures of the artist in the Artist View. Within the Music App, there are personalized playlists and global search capabilities that make it easier to search for music. The newest toggle included in the Music App is the Offline Option which shows any music that is stored offline. The iTunes Radio has had a few interface changes too, like a new font for ‘Recently Played’ and some more new fonts for each iTunes Radio category.

The update is available via OTA update and through the iOS Developer Centre. It is highly possible that Apple might release a new version of its iOS and OS X 10.11 at the Worldwide Developers Conference, which is scheduled to take place in 8^th June.

May 12, 2015
Apple Makes the iOS 8.3 Beta Software Open for Everyone

After unveiling the new MacBook and Apple Watch last week, Apple is paying attention to its software. It has released the beta version of iOS 8.3 for regular users. The Cupertino-based giant, for the first time, is inviting general public to test out the third beta of iOS 8.3 before officially releasing it officially.

The tech biggie has launched a webpage called Apple Beta Software Program. Users can sign in to test-drive the beta software and experience what Apple has more to offer. One can enrol their iPhones on the webpage and download the file software.

The software program page advises to back up the device, as the software is still in development mode. The new iOS 8.3 is expected to feature new emojis, easier logins for Google users, wireless CarPlay, and is likely to come with major bug fixes. It is highly possible that some applications may not run as directed as it’s not the final product.

Meanwhile, it is noticed that in spite of public release, only a few users have been able to try out the upcoming iOS. Apple hasn’t laid out the plan how it’s conducting the testing, but it is estimated that the users who took part in the ‘OS X Yosemite Beta Program’ will be able to give feedback to the iOS 8.3 program.

The official release of the new beta software for public use signifies that the iOS 8.3 has taken a step closer to the final public release, however we shouldn’t expect to arrive anytime soon since Apple released iOS 8.2 only a few days ago.

March 13, 2015
Facebook Gets Socially Responsible, Allows Users to Define Their Gender

Gender rights and equality issues is one of the major conversational topics today. There has been more interest than ever to give equal representations to all members of society. Facebook has been one of the most prominent tech companies that has tried to engage on this issue. The company last year unveiled a huge list of new sexual identities for users to choose from but now the company has gone further. It now allows users to specify it for themselves.

The new feature lets user define their gender and select how they choose to be referred to on Facebook.

Facebook had unveiled another feature where users could select from options like cisgender, transgender or intersex. But some users found the move not inclusive enough. So now the social media superpower has gone ahead to let the users themselves choose how they want to be addressed by the service. Users can select how they define their gender and can select from options like her/him/them, as to how they want to be referred to as on Facebook. It will also let users select who they want to share their gender information with through privacy settings.

Suicide prevention features from Facebook.

Facebook’s use of its platform for socially responsible causes doesn’t end here, the company also unveiled a new suicide prevention feature. This is an applaudable move because we are getting limited to social networking for human interaction, and this will help troubled individuals to get support from concerned friends. The feature lets users report to Facebook if they see troubling content that would define suicidal thoughts in an individual. Facebook’s professionals will go through the reports and decide on providing help to the individual. Facebook has worked with various agencies who specialize in suicide prevention to come up with this new feature.

Apple’s new all inclusive emoji’s.

Another Silicon Valley powerhouse, Apple announced new emoji’s in order to address diversity issues. The makers of iPhone have unveiled new emoji line up that will represent people of all races. This feature is added in the iOS 8.3 beta and will probably arrive later this year.

It’s encouraging to see the tech industry standing up for the values of equality. Social media and messaging apps are the most important communication tools and it’s good to see them have more utility than just telling us what our random high school acquaintance had for lunch.

February 27, 2015