Apple iOS 8.3 Release: Siri Gets New Voice and Settings, Improved Google Login, 300 New Emoji [Watch]
On Wednesday, Apple released iOS 8.3 with many bug fixes and a couple of new additions, reports Mac Rumors.
The iOS 8.3 provides fixes for WiFi, Bluetooth, messages, CarPlay and more. Wireless CarPlay now allows users to connect their iPhones to their CarPlay systems via Lightning cable.
The update supports Google two-factor authentication so that Google accounts can be added without app-specific passwords.
In Passbook, Apple Pay and Passes are divided.
The Photos app now has icon overlays for the albums.
One of the most notable changes of the iOS 8.3 update is the improvement to virtual assistant Siri's voice, reports Apple blog 9to5Mac.
Siri now speaks in a more natural sounding way, as though recorded by an actual person. The digital assistant's voice inflection has also improved. Siri's voice drops at the end of clauses like a person speaking English would.
You can hear the difference between the old Siri voice timbre and the new one in the video.
The last time Siri's voice underwent a drastic change was in 2013 when Apple released iOS 7. At that time, Siri received an entirely new voice; changing from actress Susan Bennett's voice to two new and unnamed actors, one female and one male.
More Siri features have improved as well. Users can set Siri to begin calls with the speakerphone on. Siri can also be set to filter text messages from unknown senders out of your main list.
The iOS 8.3 update also offers another tweak iPhone and iPad users will love -- iTunes preferences can now be set to not require passwords or fingerprint authentication when downloading free apps.
Apple also gave iPhone and iPad users 300 new emoji, including racially diverse emoticons, in the update. While the regular smiley face emoji remain unchanged, there are now racially diverse cartoon-like depictions of people. To access the diverse range of skin tones, long-press on the standard yellow emoticon.
Learn more about the iOS 8.3 changes on Apple's support website.
Update now by going to Software Update on your iOS devices.
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