Today Apple unveiled the new iOS 8 operating system that will be available for its iconic smartphone at its annual World Wide Developers Conference. At this point the software is available for developers at its beta stage, and will be free for all to download in the fall. The iOS 7 operating system was a drastic change compared to its previous systems. This time it seems Apple has focused on functionality as it has already remodeled its look.

The new operating systems has made upgrades to the iOS notification system, the smartphone  operating more succinctly with Apple’s iCloud and other devices, and its SMS client messages system. For example, now when you receive a text message while listening to music, all you have to do is swipe down to access the keyboard without having to exit the app you are currently in. As far as iCloud is concerned, the iOS 8 system will now implore a search finder function that will allow you to access files in your iCloud. Photos and Videos will not automatically sync with your iCloud account as well.

Combined with Apple’s computer operating system OS X Yosemite, iOS 8 will allow all Apple devices to communicate with one another more seamlessly. New features such as Handoff will allow users to begin a text or email and then be able to see it immediately transfer to their desktop or other Apple device. Handoff allows Apple devices to know automatically when they are near one another, eliminating the need to email or text pictures to yourself.

Apple is also allowing for greater customization, something that they have refrained from doing in the past. Users can now download third party keyboards and last years TouchID finger scanner will now work with third party apps as well. A major focus has been on the messaging upgrades as Apple tries to stay relevant to other messaging apps such as WhatsApp, WeChat, and KakaoTalk. iMessage now includes a function labeled QuickType, that is suppose to learn the way you speak to different people and will help autocorrect and offer suggestions more efficiently.

We can’t wait for iOS 8 to be released in the fall. Though all of these announcements seem great, we want a chance to get in and explore the software for ourselves. Technology competition is fierce and start-ups are about as common as a cold. Just because Apple has established itself as an authority of next generation development doesn’t mean they can slack off. The Apple standard is quite possibly one of the highest standards people judge competitor products against. The new software sounds great and we’re excited for when it is finally released.