iOS 8.1 problems and issues: What's new?

iOS 8.1, the latest update to Apple's iOS 8, has been released but it seems like much is still left to be desired.  While the changelog shows that many issues have been addressed by the update, there are still a lot of problems that Apple needs to solve.

Apple handheld device users have been airing out their frustration in support forums and other online discussions, stating the issues that they are still encountering even after updating their device.  Some of the complaints involve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues, battery life, and slow mobile performance. 

It can be recalled that iOS users started encountering problems soon after the release of iOS 8.  Apple tried to quickly remedy the issues by launching the first update.  Unfortunately, the iOS 8.0.1 proved to be a major disaster and had to be pulled out shortly after its release.  The iOS 8.0.2 was a bit better, but users have really been looking forward to iOS 8.1 which was expected to make everything alright.

The issues that iOS 8.1 addresses include Wi-Fi performance problems when the device is connected to some base stations, connection problems to Bluetooth hands-free devices, problems with videos in Safari, among others.

But while there are still issues that need to be solved, Apple managed to launch certain features, including Apple Pay support for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and AirDrop support for Passbook passes.  iPhone owners can also send text messages via their iPad and Mac. 

Camera Roll has also been re-introduced as it was not included in iOS 8 last month; instead, photos were saved in the "recently added" folder.  

The iOS 8.1 also marks the debut of Apple's iCloud Library although it's still in beta. This allows users to edit photos and videos which will be then saved to their free 5 GB iCloud storage. For 20 GB iCloud storage, users need to pay an extra 99 cents monthly or $3.99 for 200 GB. Modified photos and videos will be synced to all iDevices like iPads and Macs. 

News
Christian widows in Nigeria hold fast to faith as they rebuild lives after violence
Christian widows in Nigeria hold fast to faith as they rebuild lives after violence

Hundreds of Christian widows in Nigeria’s Plateau State are putting their lives back together after losing husbands, homes and livelihoods to violence.

8 killed in attack on church in Jordan
8 killed in attack on church in Jordan

In response to the shooting, Church leaders vowed that Christians will not be driven from their homeland.

The Christian candidate who lost the election but won my respect
The Christian candidate who lost the election but won my respect

Helen Spiby-Vann secured just 63 votes in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, but her campaign made me reconsider the value of an explicitly Christian voice in politics, writes Christian Hacking.

Can we afford the society we have created?
Can we afford the society we have created?

Is spending spiralling out of control? Should the state be doing everything we expect of it, or can we simply no longer afford the society we have created?