Apple’s new iOS5 might include 200 new features such as the iCloud, iMessage and a new gaming centre but it still lacks some of the essentials such as flash support. Nonetheless, the new iOS could very well be the next Apple revolution, making the Apple experience that bit more pleasant.
The changes that are coming to the new iOS are as basic as the iPod player being given a new icon and being called ‘Music.’ However, there are far more advanced changes such as the new notifications system, Twitter integration, an enhanced camera app and, believe it or not, wireless synchronisation.
iOS5 primarily makes everything wireless, the iCloud feature enables users to be able to access all of their information, from apps to music, from an iOS device they have. For a more in-depth review of the iCloud service check out our review here. In essence the iOS5 is pretty much the largest overhaul of Apple’s iDevice operating system since to date.
Notification Centre
First of all on our list of things to be given an update is the notification centre. This was a rather anticipated update. The new alerts system, now called the Notification Centre, can be accessed anywhere within the new iOS. As a result you won’t have to exit an app to check the latest notification instead you can check it whilst still app-ing away happily.
The new notifications centre is accessible by simply swiping down from the top of the screen. However, it does not stop there users are given the opportunity to edit how notifications are displayed in the new Notification Centre app.
Twitterably Good
A move that has even shocked the Laptops.co.uk team sees Apple decide to integrate Twitter right into the very fabric of the new iOS. As a result users can tweet, send pictures direct from their camera roll and give their location via Google Maps on any iOS5 device. It’s pretty easy to use, a one-time sign in, allows you to tweet in numerous apps. Nonetheless, you can even add multiple accounts which allows you to have one for work and one for personal use.
Twitter: Integrated into iOS5
Safari
It seems Apple are not leaving anything behind, even the iOS device web-browser Safari is being given an update. It now supports tabbed browsing, a built in reader application and a whole range of new features. However, unfortunately it does not include flash support which has been causing iOS device users problems from the very beginning. When will Apple listen?
The reader ability of Safari strips away all the formatting from webpages and simply gives you the raw text and images. Whether this is more important than flash support, we don’t think so.
Reminder Friendly
It seems Apple have been taking note of some of it’s rather popular apps and have decided to finally integrate a ‘To-Do’ app into iOS5. A ‘To-Do’ list that is synced across all of your iDevices via the new iCloud feature gives you the ability to jot down all of those important reminders.
A feature only present on the iPad and iPad 2 is a double page spread of your organiser. Yet it still has the same easy to use, tap the + button to add a reminder feel.
Notification Centre: Clearing up the clutter
Extra, Extra, Read all about it!
Many users of Apple’s beloved iDevices have lobbied for widgets, especially considering the likes of HTC’s Sense UI includes a News & Weather widget. However and as usual, Apple have decided to go that one step further and have included the NewsStand app. An app that stores all of your subscriptions to magazines and newspapers in one place. We can not quite put our finger on how the app will look but we’re guessing that it will work very much like iBooks.
iMessage
Earlier this year rumours were circulating that Research in Motion’s beloved BBM messaging could be coming to iOS devices. However, Apple have, once again, gone that step further. iMessage works with your Apple ID e-mail address and allows you to send messages, photos, videos and more over your Wi-Fi or 3G connection for free. It seems to be Apple’s response to the very popular BBM messaging but is it really a competitor? For a more in depth review check it out here.
iMessage: Apple's BBM Service
Split Keyboard
This is a feature only present on the iPad and iPad 2. It does exactly what is says on the tin, it splits the keyboard into two and places each half into either corner of the large screen present on the iPad and iPad 2. This makes typing on any iPad far easier than before and is accessible by simply placing two fingers on the keyboard and moving outwards.
Split Keyboard
Headline Act: Wireless Heaven
Keeping in touch with iOS5’s urge to make everything wireless, Apple have finally made it standard to wirelessly sync your iDevice. This means you will never have to tether your phone again for an update.
Furthermore, you will no longer need a computer to own any iDevice as they can all be set up and activated wirelessly directly out of the box. Downloading any iOS software or app updates will occur directly to your phone over your Wi-Fi or 3G network. Most importantly, with the new iCloud feature anything you update or save on one iDevice will automatically and wirelessly be pushed to your other devices.
Wi-Fi Sync: Tether-Free
Still Missing
Even though iOS5 may include some very interesting new features it still lacks some of the basic necessities required to really complete the iDevice experience. Just a selection of some of the features that are still not present in Apple's new iOS are:
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Flash Support: gaps still appear during web-browsing
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App folders are limited: folders are still limited to 12 apps
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No mass delete contact feature : you have to painstakingly go through your contact list to delete them all
Another Revolution?
Even though iOS5 includes some rather fantastic features such as the iCloud it still lacks some of the more needed updates. However, it seems that the new iOS could very well once again revolutionise the Apple experience. Nonetheless, let’s wait until its release before making any absurd claims.