Apple Makes A Number Of Improvements To The Messages App In iOS 8
by Joe White
June 2, 2014
Apple has added a new feature in its iOS 8 mobile operating system: "Quick Access" for dedicated contacts.
The change means a double-tap of the Home button now allows users to gain speedy access to a dedicated selection of their most popular contacts. From the multitasking interface, users can then send an iMessage over to their friend or colleague quickly and easily.
In iOS 8, users can also "quick reply" to Messages app contacts from a banner notification. Group messaging allows users to rename threads, add or remove individuals, and set "Do Not Disturb" for individual message threads.
Usefully, users of iOS 8 can also share their location from inside a conversation in the Messages app, and at-a-glance views of pictures and attachments in messages threads are also shown.
Finally, a "tap-to-talk" feature allows users to share audio messages from inside the application.
Further changes to iOS notifications allow users to like Facebook posts, for example.
