iOS 8 is Now Official, BETA release today, Final release this Fall

Today, Apple announced iOS 8, at the WWDC 2014, its upcoming major update to its mobile operating system, iOS 8 has similar UI as the iOS 7 but with many new features and tons of enhancements on board.

Tim Cook describes iOS 8 as "a huge release" that actually has two stories: one with a ton of new features for end users and the other rich on new capabilities for developers. Starting with the user side of things, you can now respond to incoming messages directly from the notification drop-down, and you no longer need to exit the app you're already in.

Notifications can now be actioned directly on the lock screen as well. Craig Federighi demonstrated accepting a calendar invite without having to unlock his phone. Moreover, third-party apps will be supported, with the demo including a Facebook tag that Craig liked with an affirmative tap of the notification.

Double-tapping the home button brings up the familiar task switcher, but it now also includes recent contacts. Spotlight search has also been updated, allowing you to search for apps both on your device and for those you don't already have. Searching through movies, news, Wikipedia entries, and a variety of other sources is included too. Significantly, Spotlight suggestions go straight to Wikipedia, skipping the usual Google search conduit.

Emulating Google Now, Siri in iOS 8 will be accessible with just a voice command of "Hey Siri." The upgraded voice assistant will also integrate Shazam song recognition, allow you to make iTunes purchases, and include 22 new dictation languages. On the iOS App Store, Apple is adding the option to preview apps or to purchase them in discounted bundles. TestFlight is another new feature being touted for developers, allowing them to recruit iOS users as beta testers before an app's final release.

Apple said that the iOS 8 BETA will be available for download to developers starting from today, and the final release to users iOS devices will be this Fall.

Source