iOS 8.3 features: Four new additions worth noting

 Apple Support page

Last week, Apple released its official iOS 8.3 build. The new version introduced a host of new fixes and tweaks to the features already found in earlier versions. However, there are also new features in the newest build that Apple users may find to be useful. 

Password tweak 

With the new version of iOS, users can now download free content without any need for Touch ID. With this feature turned on, free content download from the iBook Store or the iTunes App Store will be done directly, without any need for a downloader to enter a password or a Touch ID. To enable this, users would need to open the Settings app, go to the Password Settings in the iTune and App Stores tab, and turn off the toggle for the Require Password tab. 

A host of new emojis 

In the new iOS 8.3 build, there are over 300 new emojis added. Most of the tweaks in the icons are proprietary in nature, like the general computer and phone emojis updated to look like a Mac and an iPhone.

Also, in the new update, users can change the skin tone of emojis by just a tap-hold. After tap-holding the emoji icon for a few seconds, the color option picker tab will appear. Aside from this, the emoji keyboard can now be scrolled continuously, making it easier to choose emojis. 

Siri helps in speakerphone calls 

One of the notable changes in the new update for the iOS is the feature where the user can now make speakerphone calls using Siri, the proprietary virtual assistant of Apple. To make Siri initiate speakerphone calls, users should just use the assistant just like before, and then appending "using speakerphone" after the phrase. 

Filtering messages 

Users can now filter messages to sort out those who are on the contact list and those who sent messages from unknown numbers. To enable this feature, users should go on the Settings app, the Messages tab, and then toggle on the Filter Unknown Senders option. One additional option for this feature is that when readers tag a message from an unknown number as junk, it will be immediately reported to Apple. 

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