iOS 8 - Beta 2 Update

Apple just released iOS 8 Beta 2 and the most notable update is access to the new iCloud Drive service. Immediately upon downloading the update, you are prompted to replace Photo Stream with iCloud Drive, after which, Photo Stream is no longer available. Once the new service has been activated, you can store photos and videos in the Cloud. 

The Photos application takes a slightly different look, once Photostream is deactivated. The most obvious change will be the removal of "Photostream" in the album section. Instead, you will have "Recently Added," Videos," and "Recently Deleted." Another noticeable change is the inclusion of an additional category along the bottom, with "Albums" and "Photos," joined by a "Shared" section. This section will include various different streams, including photos you've taken with the iPhone camera and streams that you have set up for family and friends. 

Beta 2 also includes a slight change to control center. When you swipe up from the bottom, the translucent panel will be almost identical to iOS 7, with the exception of a text link in the center that is labeled "Mr. Drive." This link will take you directly to the iTunes Music Store. In Apple's continued effort to customize your listening experience, the categories along the bottom of the music store now include "Genius Mixes." Apple will most likely improve this service with the acquisition of Beats. The iTunes link in Control Center is accompanied by a "buy" button which enables you to purchase music directly from this location, even on the lock screen.

These changes are evident in the second beta of iOS 8, but should not viewed as permanent - at least not yet. Nonetheless, the changes are consistent with what Apple introduced during WWDC and with the information provided on Apple's website. Stay tuned.