Does anyone else think that iOS 8 is a letdown?

[chumps52]

^No idea what he is on. It didn't compare to iOS4's multitasking ability

I completely agree with chumps52 on this one. This event brought very little functionality and new features for the end-user. Sure, all the developer tweaks will marginally enhance the experience over time, especially the "Extensibility" features and relevant APIs.

For all of you who think he's talking bs, please take a moment to check Apple's official iOS8 promotion page and actually look at the very few and minor features that they're showcasing on it.

Also, Apple began the iPhone part of the conference by slagging off Android, but announced that several features from Android were being copied over to iOS (widgets, although done badly; custom keyboards; predictive text features), as well as various features from WhatsApp and other third-party messaging software (naming conversations; leave conversations etc.)

Fine, there were some useful features like iCloud Drive which I will personally use, as well as the continuity feature. But, in comparison to other updates (again, like iOS4), this has been far from amazing.

I am more of an Apple fanboy than a hater (believe me, I use a Macbook Pro on a daily basis, as well as an iPhone 5 and an iPad 3!). Apple haven't innovated in terms of user features (okay, they have made improvements with dev features), apart from polishing a few edges.

Agreed completely, there is very little for the everyday consumer.

My thinking is that now, apple is only giving out the platform and it will be the best developers who'll make the entire platform enjoyable.

The mobile OS has matured a lot and these days, the best features of these os'es has been via 3rd party developers. And many more than less agree that ios and os x is one of the better platforms for developers.

i think os 8, we may end up seeing some fantastic apps that uses features like home automation, health, touch id etc...

True, but surely there should also be a lot done by Apple themselves?
In regards to Home Automation, health etc.: These all require more accessories.
I would have liked to have seen more features that make use of the device's itself's hardware, not things that rely on 3rd Parties.

 

[QquegChristian]

What was good about the iOS 8 reveal was that Apple has focused on the only thing that keeps me on an iPhone... Having quality apps in the App Store. In the end, every single week is a week where a new app can be released by any developer and instantaneously make my phone far more useful. Apple's Health app immediately felt underwhelming because we are spoiled with great apps all of the time. They needed the iWatch side of the Health reveal to excite consumers, but it's best they get apps integrating into Health before that reveal.

I definitely see the value in what was announced yesterday, but I also feel like I saw behind the curtain in a way I had not before. Apple is shaking down Dropbox, WhatsApp, WeTransfer etc and replacing them with easier but more locked down versions. I found it fun to watch because it was so blatant. There are major up sides for consumers in these services, as long as we understand that they are also restrictive in a way that helps Apple. (If we are already using iDrive for cloud file storage and need a new tablet, we know what we'll have to buy.) it's (one of) Apple's business models and that's OK. Making money off selling you more (good) hardware is a lot more honest and obvious business model than making money off of your personal data, etc.

I was extremely bummed to see no improvements to the music side of things. Was actually shocked to not see a total redesign of iTunes with the Yosemite announcement.

The one and only feature I wanted in ios8 was a proper album view back.

Surprised Apple didn't announce higher resolution music playback, as that seems like something that they can dominate right out of the gate... Though I am going to venture to guess that we see that as one of the features exclusive to the iphone6.

For me, a VERY casual Apple fan, the most underwhelming thing about WWDC was simply that I'm not yet sure if I want to jump into more Apple services. I love iTunes Match, but it STILL feels like a beta project that consistently frustrates me. The same can be said about iMessages.

 

[dannyyankou]

To me they focused way too much on developers, and hardly added anything for the average user.

Well, it is called the World Wide Developers Conference. And a lot of the API changes will benefit users a lot, like widgets, keyboards, and Touch ID.

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We also should remember that there were a lot of other significant features being tested, but have been delayed.

 

[darthraige]

Jobs croaked and they stopped being innovative. They haven't done anything new without his ideas. The things they do software wise they steal from Cydia.

 

[ct2k7]

this year every iOS device will get TouchID.

No.

 

[Rogifan]

Besides maps what was announced in iOS 6 that couldn't/shouldn't have been a iOS 5 point release? I mean one of the highlights of iOS 6 was Siri providing sports scores.

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Jobs croaked and they stopped being innovative. They haven't done anything new without his ideas. The things they do software wise they steal from Cydia.

IMO it's because of Steve (and Scott Forstall) that iOS has been playing catch up. According to Rene Ritchie the reason we didn't previously have Airdrop between iOS and Mac is because Steve and Scott refused to sign off on it. Apple seems to be opening up in a way I don't think Steve would ever have allowed.

 

[solarguy17]

If you don't think there was anything big then you must have been watching a different keynote then I was.
There were multiple change made that will affect User experience.

Siri with a word, "hey, Siri"
Quick replies
Favorite Contacts
Wi-Fi Calling
Snapchat like messages
group Message update
iCloud photo library
Photo app updates
Panoramic Camera on iPad
Ect
Not to mention the Extensibility stuff with OSX.

There were tons of changes, some of them were catch up, but who cares, they represent major changes to iOS. Plus this was just a Preview.
Come Aug/Sept when they announce the iPhone 6, new features for all phones and some specific for iPhone 6 will be reveled.

Just be patient, this looks to be a major upgrade unlike iOS 6.

 

[chumps52]

What was good about the iOS 8 reveal was that Apple has focused on the only thing that keeps me on an iPhone... Having quality apps in the App Store. In the end, every single week is a week where a new app can be released by any developer and instantaneously make my phone far more useful. Apple's Health app immediately felt underwhelming because we are spoiled with great apps all of the time. They needed the iWatch side of the Health reveal to excite consumers, but it's best they get apps integrating into Health before that reveal.

I definitely see the value in what was announced yesterday, but I also feel like I saw behind the curtain in a way I had not before. Apple is shaking down Dropbox, WhatsApp, WeTransfer etc and replacing them with easier but more locked down versions. I found it fun to watch because it was so blatant. There are major up sides for consumers in these services, as long as we understand that they are also restrictive in a way that helps Apple. (If we are already using iDrive for cloud file storage and need a new tablet, we know what we'll have to buy.) it's (one of) Apple's business models and that's OK. Making money off selling you more (good) hardware is a lot more honest and obvious business model than making money off of your personal data, etc.

I was extremely bummed to see no improvements to the music side of things. Was actually shocked to not see a total redesign of iTunes with the Yosemite announcement.

The one and only feature I wanted in ios8 was a proper album view back.

Surprised Apple didn't announce higher resolution music playback, as that seems like something that they can dominate right out of the gate... Though I am going to venture to guess that we see that as one of the features exclusive to the iphone6.

For me, a VERY casual Apple fan, the most underwhelming thing about WWDC was simply that I'm not yet sure if I want to jump into more Apple services. I love iTunes Match, but it STILL feels like a beta project that consistently frustrates me. The same can be said about iMessages.

I agree somewhat with you, in the respect that, don't get me wrong, I do like the stuff they added. I just simply think that there weren't enough new additions.

Well, it is called the World Wide Developers Conference. And a lot of the API changes will benefit users a lot, like widgets, keyboards, and Touch ID.

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We also should remember that there were a lot of other significant features being tested, but have been delayed.

Please can everyone stop going on about the name -_- Every year so far they have managed to introduce 100's of new features for the EVERYDAY USER, not just developers. I am simply "complaining" about how this year, in my opinion, they have failed to do so.
I also do not see how much more they can be holding back from introducing either. Yes there will be a few hidden features that are designed to work with the so-called iWatch, but that will probably be it.
I am talking about features that are designed for the current generation devices (EG iPad Air, iPhone 5S/5), not the future ones. They are the features that I want to see, not things designed to get you to pay more money to be able to use.

Jobs croaked and they stopped being innovative. They haven't done anything new without his ideas. The things they do software wise they steal from Cydia.

Exactly.

Besides maps what was announced in iOS 6 that couldn't/shouldn't have been a iOS 5 point release? I mean one of the highlights of iOS 6 was Siri providing sports scores.

New UIs, Facebook integration, Siri more widely available, Do Not Disturb, Lost Mode etc.

 

[Sky Blue]

To me they focused way too much on developers, and hardly added anything for the average user.

It's not Worldwide Average Users Conference.

 

[chumps52]

If you don't think there was anything big then you must have been watching a different keynote then I was.
There were multiple change made that will affect User experience.

Siri with a word, "hey, Siri"
Quick replies
Favorite Contacts
Wi-Fi Calling
Snapchat like messages
group Message update
iCloud photo library
Photo app updates
Panoramic Camera on iPad
Ect
Not to mention the Extensibility stuff with OSX.

There were tons of changes, some of them were catch up, but who cares, they represent major changes to iOS. Plus this was just a Preview.
Come Aug/Sept when they announce the iPhone 6, new features for all phones and some specific for iPhone 6 will be reveled.

Just be patient, this looks to be a major upgrade unlike iOS 6.

1) Siri thing only works when plugged in, also simply holding down the home button wasn't that hard anyway. (And it's again copying Android etc.)
2) Don't work unless you have previews on for messages. I don't want someone picking up my phone and being able to read every new message.
3) Not that amazing, just building slightly on current features
4) Relies on carrier, and also effectively building on FaceTime audio etc.
5) Exactly, it copies snapchat, and also may get annoying when messages suddenly disappear because you forget to press "Keep"
6) Copies WhatsApp
7) Photo Stream?
8) Same functionality as iPhoto, just integrated
9) You won't see me spinning around on the spot holding an iPad up any time soon...


Extensibility is pretty nice, ngl.


As I said above, I'm interested in features that I can use on my CURRENT gen devices, not stuff designed to make you pay more for new devices.

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It's not Worldwide Average Users Conference.

Please stop with the stupid name argument

 

[kins98]

Yeah, agreeing with chumps here. Stop pointing out that it is a Worldwide Dev Conference.

The full conference is mainly attended by developers, hence the name. The WWDC announcement forms a small part of the entire event, the rest being focused on allowing iOS/Mac devs to obtain hands-on experience with Apple technicians and discuss programming.

I have (and chumps) said that many of the developer features are cool, and I stand by that. BUT, as I said in my previous post, the features for the end-user are very minor and merely polishing the OS off.

All of the recent WWDC conferences have focused on features that the end-user will experience immediately (e.g. multitasking, design overhauls, voice recognition etc.). This particular conference has only polished the current iOS7 off (ie. no features have been added).

The argument of "it's a developer's conference" isn't valid.

 

[The Phazer]

I had very low expectations and I think it did better than those, so no, not really.

Which isn't to say a bunch of obvious **** that should have been fixed remains.

But I was amused by Apple's ability to burn a few bits of the platform that people here have been saying they would never do, and I was stupid for suggesting otherwise.

 

[Yptcn]

Apple can't bloody win can they?

People complain, Apple integrate the features (Quick Reply as an example) and people still complain.

iOS 8 is big, it doesn't matter if they copy other features, it's how they implement the features and I'll tell you now, they'll do it a lot better.

I cannot wait for iOS 8.

Same with me , I can't wait for it to come out

Whatever Apple does , some people will never be happy and will always complain .

 

[pmz]

I was just wondering whether anyone else shared my views that the features added for the everyday consumer fell below expectations?

To me they focused way too much on developers, and hardly added anything for the average user.
In my opinion it was all just focusing on adding small, little tweaks that should have been a part of iOS for a long time.



For example, the quick reply in messages should have really been added with the addition of the notification centre, and the same with widgets.
I also agree with MKBHD and his tweet: "It's almost poetic how Tim jabs Android for being "behind" then gushes over adopting its features minutes later. #WWDC2014"

Then there's the voice messages with iMessage; all that has done is made creating and sending a voice memo a little easier.
The whole "upgrade" to messages as a whole has just been taken from WhatsApp anyway, as the founder says "very flattering to see Apple "borrow" numerous WhatsApp features into iMessage in iOS 8 #innovation".



I'll be interested to see others' views on this

No.
Thanks for asking though.

 

[darthraige]

Apple can't bloody win can they?

People complain, Apple integrate the features (Quick Reply as an example) and people still complain.

iOS 8 is big, it doesn't matter if they copy other features, it's how they implement the features and I'll tell you now, they'll do it a lot better.

I cannot wait for iOS 8.

BiteSMS is still superior to Apple's version of Quick Reply. Apple should have stolen it 4 years ago.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

I really don't get the "Actually LOL. OL." thing for Messages? What's the extra OL for?

 

[kins98]

Same with me , I can't wait for it to come out

Whatever Apple does , some people will never be happy and will always complain .

You sound slightly deluded; they have brought very little to the table with this update, apart from a few enhancements from a development point of view which may improve the end-user's experience.

I am not sure whether we are reading the same material, but there are very few features for you and I (assuming you are a non-dev) to look forward to.

I think that this is what the OP is trying to say.

 

[SMIDG3T]

BiteSMS is still superior to Apple's version of Quick Reply. Apple should have stolen it 4 years ago.

Hm, Quick Reply does what it says, not quite sure you can ask for more. Swipe down and reply, what's quicker than that?

 

[chumps52]

I really don't get the "Actually LOL. OL." thing for Messages? What's the extra OL for?

Lol = Laugh out loud
Therefore OL = Out Loud

It's referring to their "feature" where you can now more easily send voice memos

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Same with me , I can't wait for it to come out

Whatever Apple does , some people will never be happy and will always complain .

Yes, but this is not worthy of an X.0 update. Maybe for iOS 7.2, but not a full "upgrade"

 

[kins98]

I really don't get the "Actually LOL. OL." thing for Messages? What's the extra OL for?

I think that it means "out loud" (as lol means "laugh out loud", just stating the obvious )

It is like hinting at that new feature where you can hold down the record button and send a voice memo thing in response to a message .. You can speak your message out loud.

 

[chumps52]

Hm, Quick Reply does what it says, not quite sure you can ask for more. Swipe down and reply, what's quicker than that?

Being able to use it when you don't have "Show Preview" on

 

[cynics]

I'm actually pretty excited about what is coming to iOS 8 especially in combination with Yosemite. iCloud file support is a much needed update, pricing for iCloud storage is reasonable. TouchID dev support, finally. AirDrop between iOS and OSX. 3rd party keyboards and iOS keyboard update. Etc etc.

Keep in mind this was WWDC. We still may see some native features/apps for the iPhone 6 in the fall.

 

[chumps52]

I'm actually pretty excited about what is coming to iOS 8 especially in combination with Yosemite. iCloud file support is a much needed update, pricing for iCloud storage is reasonable. TouchID dev support, finally. AirDrop between iOS and OSX. 3rd party keyboards and iOS keyboard update. Etc etc.

Keep in mind this was WWDC. We still may see some native features/apps for the iPhone 6 in the fall.

But if you don't use OS X then the whole continuation thing is not applicable. iCloud File stuff is, as I say, only really a slight upgrade to ease of use.
I will be excited to see what happens with Touch ID, but also foresee lots of complaints about security issues.

 

[KALLT]

Whenever a new iPhone is released, reviewers, often notoriously, point out the feature gap between Android and iOS. Apple now aggressively targets that gap by introducing many features that Android users mocked Apple for, and were likewise strongly requested by Apple users, and the response is that Apple ‘just copied’ stuff. People really need to get over themselves.

iOS 8 is a solid update, especially for developers. This is going to be great.

 

[SMIDG3T]

Being able to use it when you don't have "Show Preview" on

Yeah, true, that is annoying but hey, it's the first beta. If Apple can introduce Quick Reply but only allows it with preview messages on, who knows, in future beta's, it may be available with preview messages off.