New iOS 8.1 interfaces directly with Mac OS X Yosemite

The first major update to Apple's latest mobile operating system is now available for download. With iOS 8.1, Apple introduces an entirely new level of interoperability among devices, allowing users to make calls from their Mac or even pick up a task started on their iPad using their iPhone.

The most notable upgrade to the software lies in its enhanced convergence with Mac OS X Yosemite. In particular, iOS 8.1 introduces the ability to make or receive phone calls or texts on an iPhone, iPad or Mac that are tied into the same WiFi network.

Similarly, tasks started on one of these devices (in Mail, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, etc.) and saved to iCloud can be accessed and edited from any of the others.

Managing photos with iCloud

In terms of photo managing features, iOS 8.1 brings back the Camera Roll in place of the 'Recently Added' folder. The update also introduces the beta version of iCloud Photo Library, which can automatically save images to iCloud, where they can be accessed from any other connected terminal. As a reminder, the iCloud service comes with 5GB of free storage, and upgrades are available at monthly subscription rates.

Finally, iOS 8.1 delivers Apple Pay, the new mobile payments solution that works with the NFC connection and Touch ID fingerprint reader on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The service is available only in the US for the time being.

Record iPhone sales

When announcing the update, Apple also informed that it sold 39.2 million iPhones worldwide during Q3 2014, which represents a 16 percent increase over the same period in 2013. During their first three days on the market, the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sold more than 10 million units.