I think this is going to be one of my favorite new features of iOS 8. The basic procedure is simple.
Start by double tapping the Home button.
- Double tap the Home button.
- Swipe the photos at the top to the right to view Phone app Favorites.
- Swipe the photos at the top to the left to view Recents.
- Tap a desired photo.
- Select one of the communication options.
After you tap a photo, tap desired comm. method
The reason I like this feature is because I was using Siri recently to try to dial someone, and Siri was having a rough time distinguishing between the very similar sounding names in my Contacts. No matter how clearly I spoke the desired name, Siri would pick the wrong one. So, it's nice to have new options when some techniques don't pan out.
This new iOS 8 method requires a few taps more than the Favorites in the Phone app, but it provides more instant flexibility in selecting the communication mode. Finally, I like that the photos are larger than in the Phone app's Favorite list, which helps when you're on the move.
This is not a giant step forward, but it does provide a fast, intuitive way to have that favorite person on virtual speed-dial. Having several favorite ways of doing something is a Good Thing™.