14 DAY TRIAL // Released last week to developers enrolled with Apple, iOS 8.2 Beta 2 (or build 12D445d) shows a lot of progress as far as speed and stability are concerned. This, after just two seeded betas.
The firmware is reportedly slated to roll out next year, but it seems that Apple’s engineers are off to a great start even before Christmas.
Fast and stable
Developer Adrian Isen filmed himself for about nine minutes talking about the newly deployed beta and how it runs beautifully on new-generation iPhones. By the looks of it, iOS 8.2 could put a stop to a lot of complaints, but it remains to be seen how it fares when it reaches millions of customers.
Isen performs various speed tests using benchmarking tools, showing that the firmware indeed runs fast and smooth. The full 9-minute video is embedded below for your viewing pleasure. Try not to tax the guy too much for his thick accent. He’s really doing a good deed here.
What’s new in iOS 8.2 beta 2
In addition to improving the overall state of your iPhone, iOS 8.2 will also bring support for Apple Watch apps. When the first beta was released, Apple told developers that they could use the SDK and the new iOS to develop and test apps for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and even Apple Watch, thanks to the new WatchKit framework. iOS SDK 8.2 requires a Mac running OS X v10.9.3 (Mavericks) or later.
WatchKit is immediately usable by developers, which means many of them are coding Apple Watch apps as you are reading these lines.
Apple announced availability of WatchKit on November 18, calling it “software that gives developers a set of tools to easily create experiences designed specifically for Apple Watch.” Developers can create notifications, Glances (such as the latest news and sports scores), and individual apps.
The company warns non-developers that “This version of iOS is intended for installation only on devices registered with the Apple Developer Program. Attempting to install this version of iOS in an unauthorized manner could put your device in an unusable state.”
Adrian Isen offers UDID registrations for just $7 (€5.61), which is certainly cheaper than Apple’s $99 (€79.54) annual fee, but it’s also a questionable practice, since those UDID registrations should not be associated with any costs. Then again, a developer might well agree to charge its testers for access to a new app.
