The dust has yet to settle on the announcement of Apple's iOS 7.1 update made on Monday. Already, though, rumors of Apple iOS 8 features have begun making the rounds.
Quoting credible sources, 9to5mac reported that Apple's map application in iOS 8 will feature enhanced data and make it easy for users to find landmarks like airports, parks, train stations and freeways.
Soon after Apple moved away from Google Maps in 2012 to launch its own mapping app for iOS 6, it ran into problems; users reported bugs and unreliable data. Users also felt that Apple's mapping app lacked many features Google provided.
Working on user feedback, Apple modified the map application interface featured on iOS 7 but differed with major under-the-hood changes like data enhancement to iOS 8, the report said. It credited Apple's recent acquisitions of mapping service providers BroadMap, Embark, and HopStop for the improvements users are likely to experience in the new offering of iOS.
Another notable feature expected to greatly benefit users is the support for transit directions. which has been in talks for a while now. 9to5mac report says that iOS 8 mapping application will provide users directions for commute through trains, subways and buses in addition to providing directions to major airports.
The report added that by the time of launch of iOS 8, this feature would be available for all locations across the globe. The report also detailed ways in which transit directions would show up and mentioned that users can set public transit method as default mode of commute.
The report also spoke about augmented reality, a feature that is expected to integrate indoor mapping views and also improve car integration by using the iPhone's hardware compass. In addition to enhanced mapping feature, iOS 8 is also expected to feature the fitness application Healthbook, 9to5mac said.
