Apple introduces iOS 5; coming this Fall

Justin Cauchon June 6, 2011 1

Apple today help a Keynote at its WWDC convention where it unveiled its next generation iOS. The next major release, dubbed as iOS 5, brings over 200 new features to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Apple highlighted a few of the major changes:

  • Notification Center – Notification Center will brings all of your notifications into one area. Gone are the days of annoying pop up alerts, Apple has now made it a swipe down menu. Additionally, it will show on the Lock screen where you can act on them or get rid of then. Check out what it will look like here.
  • iMessage – Wave goodbye to BlackBerry Messenger… Apple has unveiled a new messaging service for all iOS 5 users, iMessage. This lets you sent unlimited text messages via Wi-Fi or 3G from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to anyone with those devices. You can send text, photos, videos, locations, and contacts and track your messages with delivery receipts and optional read receipts.
  • Newsstand – iOS 5 organizes your magazine and newspaper app subscriptions into one folder, Newsstand. There is a new place on the App Store jut for newspaper and magazine subscriptions and Newsstand will be automatically updated in the background when a new issue becomes available.
  • Reminders – If you are anything like us, you use the Notes app for your to-do lists. Apple has recognized this and made a Reminders app that will let you organize your list in to-do lists complete with due dates and locations. These will all integrate with iCal, Outlook, and iCloud.
  • Twitter – iOS brings Twitter integration into your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Once you sign into Twitter, you can begin tweeting right from Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube, or Maps. You can also mention or reply to a friend via Contacts.
  • Camera – Apple has added the Camera app right to the Lock screen for easy access when you need to quickly take pictures. You can use grid lines, punch-to-zoom, gestures, and single-tap focus and exposure locks.Want to snap the picture fast? Use the volume0up button to snap the picture.
  • Photos – You can now edit images right from the Photos app. You are able to crop, rotate, enhance, and remove red-eye without even leaving the Photos app.
  • Safari – Apple has improved Safari in iOS 5. Safari Reader will display web articles sans ads or clutter so you can read them without distractions. Reading List lets you save interesting articles to peruse later and use iCloud to keep your list updated on other iOS devices. iOS 5 will also bring tabbed browsing on the iPad and performance updates on all devices.
  • PC Free – Before iOS 5, you needed to own a computer in addition to your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. This is no longer the case. You can now activate and set up your device wireless right out of the box. You can also download free iOS software updates directly on your device.
  • Mail – Apple has improved the Mail client in iOS 5. You can now format text using bold, italic, and underlined fonts. All different type of formatting is available including indents, rearrange names in address field, flag important messages, etc.
  • Game Center – iOS 5 improved Game Center to allow you to post a profile picture, meet your match with new friend recommendations, and discover new games without even leaving Game Center.

iOS 5 is compatible with the iPhone 4 and 3Gs, iPod touch 3rd and 4th generation, and the iPad and iPad 2. It will be available to consumers for free beginning this fall.

By the way… we are getting our hands on iOS 5 today so keep an eye out for our hands-on.

One Comment »

Leave A Response »

You must be logged in to post a comment.