Spotlight is the name used for Apple Computer’s powerful search feature. Spotlight can be found on Mac OS X desktops and laptops as well as Apple iOS-powered devices like the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Apple’s Spotlight feature debuted with Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger” in April 2005.
Spotlight can be accessed by clicking on the generic magnifying glass icon that is popularly employed to represent a computer or web search. Once a user begins typing in the Spotlight search field, apps, files and folders with matching names or meta data information will begin to appear in the search results area.
Spotlight Enhancements in iOS 8
In addition to its web and desktop search capabilities, Spotlight can also be used to perform additional functions such as basic calculations and looking up definitions for words. And on newer devices powered by iOS 8 (and later), Spotlight will take into account other factors such as context and location to provide more intelligent, personalized search results.
