With iOS 8 now announced, I began wondering what new features could they introduce that would really have the most impact on the most people? Sure, the new look is nice, and extensions are going to be great, but what features appeal to the lowest common denominator of iOS users?
By lowest common denominator I envision someone like my mom- a 68 yr old woman who purchased an iPhone because everyone else had one. She has no idea how to copy and paste on it, never downloaded an app that I didn't put on there for her. She's not about to start learning text shortcuts or add contacts and rules to her do not disturb settings. I'm sure their are countless others just like her out there. So again, I wonder to myself- WHAT FEATURES CAN APPLE PUT IN IOS 9 THAT SOMEONE LIKE HER WOULD ACTUALLY USE?
So far, I have 2:
1. Guest Pass. Say you're out and someone desperately needs to borrow your phone. Their's is lost or out of power or it's an emergency or whatever. Do you want to have to put in your password or Touch ID? Do you want them poking around your photos or pranking you and posting something to your Facebook or Twitter account? So how bout this: a passcode that you can freely share that unlocks your phone, but only gives them basic functionality. Make a call, access only certain preset contacts, browse the web without access to your history, passwords, cache, and many other functions that won't impact your smartphone world.
2.My Mac. Using your iPhone or iPad as a secure key (touch ID, Bluetooth, wifi, or NFC), go up to any modern mac and it automatically becomes yours. Complete with access to all your files, programs, settings, wallpapers, etc. as if you logged into your own machine. The data can be managed via iCloud, but the majority of the UX would already be built into the latest Mac OS. It would be a very seamless experience for all but the most hardcore mac user out there that wants to access his 4k super HD 3D video clip (well, at least until Pied Piper becomes reality).
So what other simple, but absolutely useful features are you waiting for? Please share and hope someone at Cupertino gets paid to read this thread.
By lowest common denominator I envision someone like my mom- a 68 yr old woman who purchased an iPhone because everyone else had one. She has no idea how to copy and paste on it, never downloaded an app that I didn't put on there for her. She's not about to start learning text shortcuts or add contacts and rules to her do not disturb settings. I'm sure their are countless others just like her out there. So again, I wonder to myself- WHAT FEATURES CAN APPLE PUT IN IOS 9 THAT SOMEONE LIKE HER WOULD ACTUALLY USE?
So far, I have 2:
1. Guest Pass. Say you're out and someone desperately needs to borrow your phone. Their's is lost or out of power or it's an emergency or whatever. Do you want to have to put in your password or Touch ID? Do you want them poking around your photos or pranking you and posting something to your Facebook or Twitter account? So how bout this: a passcode that you can freely share that unlocks your phone, but only gives them basic functionality. Make a call, access only certain preset contacts, browse the web without access to your history, passwords, cache, and many other functions that won't impact your smartphone world.
2.My Mac. Using your iPhone or iPad as a secure key (touch ID, Bluetooth, wifi, or NFC), go up to any modern mac and it automatically becomes yours. Complete with access to all your files, programs, settings, wallpapers, etc. as if you logged into your own machine. The data can be managed via iCloud, but the majority of the UX would already be built into the latest Mac OS. It would be a very seamless experience for all but the most hardcore mac user out there that wants to access his 4k super HD 3D video clip (well, at least until Pied Piper becomes reality).
So what other simple, but absolutely useful features are you waiting for? Please share and hope someone at Cupertino gets paid to read this thread.