Okay Geek Farm
iOS 5 -- Everything You Need to Know
Daniel Carey
Earlier today at Apple’s WWDC keynote, the charismatic fruit based company finally unveiled their latest build of iOS. Continuing to push the envelope, iOS 5 is the most significant software upgrade to Apple branded mobile devices in recent years. Chock full of features, iOS 5 brings new notifications, an improved lock screen, quick photo editing, Newsstand, deep Twitter integration, Reader, Reading List, Tabbed browsing, Reminders, Game Center modifications, Mail, split keyboards, pc-free iPhone activations and software updates, and last but not least iMessage.
Notifications, Lock Screen and Quick Photo Editing
The most longed for feature, an upgraded notification system, is finally coming to iOS devices. Gone away are those antiquated dialogue boxes, replaced with what Apple is calling ‘Notification Center.’ Much like notifications on Android, Apple has adopted a similar approach, employing a drop down shade. From the Notification Center, consumers will be able view any unread notifications, view stock quotes as well as weather forecasts.
Notifications don’t stop with the drop down shade either. In iOS 5 users will be able view any unread notifications via their lock screen. Swiping on a notification will redirect the user to the notifications pertinent application.
Speaking of the lock screen, Apple has embedded camera functionality through the lock screen. Without having to mess around with iOS to launch the camera application, consumers are now able to launch the camera via their lock screen with the tap of a button. And don’t worry if you have a passcode set, Apple says the phone will lock you out of other services until the appropriate passcode is entered. Pairing up with the camera application Apple has included quick photo editing — a feature that will allow consumers to perform basic editing tasks such as red-eye reduction.
Newsstand and Twitter
Much like the introduction of iBooks in iOS 4, Apple is introducing Newsstand, a store full of newspapers and magazines that offers automatic background downloading of content. As Apple pointed out during their keynote, Newsstand will allow consumers to pick up a device with the latest issue of whatever their reading already being available offline.
Much more interesting however, is Apple’s adoption of Twitter. Baked into the operating system, users will be able to enter their login information via the system settings pane. After that users will be able to upload photos straight from either the camera application or the Photos application. Apple also noted that Twitter is integrated in Safari, YouTube, and Google Maps. With added contact integration, users will be able to pull down Twitter avatars and pair them with local contacts.
Reader, Reading List and Tabbed Browsing
Reader, Reading List and Tabbed Browsing are the latest features to hit Safari. Reader and Reading List are new features in iOS 5 that automatically reformat web pages for easier mobile viewing and or collecting web pages for reading later. In essence, Apple has created their very own Instapaper. Tabbed browsing is now available in Safari; much like the name suggests no longer do you have to jump from screen to screen to see which pages you left open.
Reminders, Game Center, Mail and Split Keyboard:
For those with a slightly foggy memory, Apple has now created a to-do list through their brand new Reminders application. Within the application, users are able to create notes, set them to notify at a given date, time or set location.
In Apple’s gaming department Game Center has been rehashed with several new features. From now on, Game Center will include game recommendations, inline game downloads, and custom avatars.
Apple’s email application has also been given a complete overhaul. With the app, users are now given rich text editing, automatic indentations, flags and full-text search — according to Apple, those with an iPad will be given a gesture that opens your inbox. Much like OS X, Apple’s desktop client, iOS 5 has now been given a much needed dictionary which is viewable everywhere on the device.
For those that have an iPad, users are now able to employ a split keyboard for easier thumb based typing.
Activation and Software Updates
Don’t have a computer, don’t worry Apple has finally thought of that. With the introduction of iOS 5, users will now be able to activate their device out of the box without the need for an iTunes connection. Software updates will now be available over the air as well — it would appear as though Apple is attempting to make the desktop computer irrelevant.
iMessage
Attempting to overthrow BlackBerry and their incumbent BlackBerry Messaging service, Apple has introduced iMessage. Through iMessage, users will be able to send text messages, photos, video and contacts. Best of all, the service will be available through either a 3G of WiFi connection.
Similar to messaging service Beluga, which we reviewed a while ago, iMessage allows users to establish messaging groups and request read receipts. The service which is sure to be a favourite with iOS users, will be protected by what Apple is calling a secure encryption. With targeted hacking on a rise, hopefully the service will be as secure as Apple claims.
