iOS 7 Review: The Most Significant changes in the new OS

Ever since 18th September was announced as the release date for the much awaited iOS 7, blogs and websites have been counting days and spreading excitement around for all Apple users. When the day finally rolled around, Facebook statuses and tweets were uploaded, expressing anticipation. The software updates page was refreshed again and again, in order to avoid missing it. Wi-Fi connections were used to their fullest capacity while the update was getting installed, and eyes were fixed on the phone screen, waiting for the “Update Successful” pop-up. And finally, it was here. Some people say that the software is hugely exaggerated and want the iOS 6.1.4 (the version available before 7) to come back. As an Apple user, I couldn’t disagree more. While iOS 6 had its own advantages, none of those compare to iOS 7, especially in terms of user friendliness. The overall look of the new software is rather pleasant to see, and is highlighted by various new and vibrant wallpapers, more than what were available in the previous OS. The icons are more embedded into the screen to give it an attractive look. The lock screen has become more subtle, especially when coupled with the correct kind of wallpaper. But that is not all! Apart from looking great, there are several features that make it the best OS to be introduced in the market so far. See the iOS 7 video from Apple and catch the detail of new features in the OS- Control Center

Control Center

The ability to switch off and on Airplane Mode, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Do Not Disturb and Auto-rotation is now just a swipe away (from the downwards). Earlier, all this required to go deep down in to settings and toggle them, and now control center makes it dead easy. The Control Center also gives ability to adjust screen brightness, control media playback and increase/ decrease volume. It also provide one click access to connect to AirPlay-enabled devices or use AirDrop, which we’ll be discussing next. There is also direct access to Flashlight, Timer, Calculator and Camera apps. Control Center

AirDropAirDrop

It’s not always logical to email, text or WhatsApp a photo to someone who is standing right next to you. But we did it because it was the only logical option available on iOS. Not anymore! With the AirDrop feature, sharing photos and filed becomes easy and swift. Once the person and file is selected, everything is taken care of by iOS using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.

Notification CenterNotification Center

The Notification Center can be seen by swiping the screen downwards from anywhere (even lock screen) and now it shows notifications neatly categorized as Today, All and Missed. As the name suggests, the Today feature will give summary of the day with calendar appointments, friends birthday, weather and even traffic details. The Notification Center also lets one know about new email, message, social notifications, etc. Notification Center

Camera and Photos App

Camera The camera app also got a redesign which allows Photograph fanatics to take pictures in black and white, sepia, mono, chrome, cross process and several other filters. Panorama shots have been introduced as well. A swipe makes it easier to switch between videos, photos, square photos and panoramas. Square Photos option is great for Instagrammers as they don’t need to crop the image later into square size. CameraPhotos App And, where do we get to see the amazing pictures clicked by our iPhone? Photos App of course, which now makes it very easier to access them by dividing them into Years, Collections and Moments.

MultitaskingMultitasking

A double click is what one uses in an Apple device when you want to see all the applications currently running. But what if you wanted to see what was happening on each of them, instead of just seeing their names? Enter iOS 7! Preview screens of the apps are now available on double clicking and they can be closed simply by swiping the said preview. The apps can also be closed by just a swipe. Multitasking

Know Your User

OS just got personal! Along with the multitasking capability, iOS 7 learns when you usually tend to check a certain application and gets it updated automatically before that hour so that the latest and most updated version of the app is ready for your use!

SafariBigger, Better Browsing

Similar to Chrome, the default Safari browser now dons a unified bar for web addresses and search. Moreover, Buttons and bars, which can prove to be inconvenient while surfing the web, stay hidden until needed. Apart from this, tap the “history” button (the one with the open book) and see all your recent pages and tabs come alive in a consolidated tilted view, making it easier to see what’s on each page. To close them, just swipe the tab.

Better AppStoreApp Store

iOS 7 comes with a new feature, called as Apps Near Me. As the name suggests, it finds apps relevant to your current location and suggests them to you. Apps are updated automatically thus ridding us of the cumbersome task of doing so yourself. The OS also gets rid of the annoying little red number popping up every second day and making the screen look like it has an ugly red splotch. AppStore Another nifty addition to the AppStore is the ability of apps to update the apps automatically in the background. Though, make sure that this feature is not enabled on mobile data, as you can incur huge data charges.

Find My iPhoneFind My iPhone

Scared of losing your new iPhone, with the iOS 7 installed in it? Don’t worry! You might get it back with this feature, which got even better with the new OS. Apple ID and Password are required before performing any function on the phone. This means, even if it’s lost, your iPhone is still your iPhone wherever it is.

iTunes RadioiTunes Radio

Something which has never been in any Apply device ever, iTunes Radio provides access to over 250 DJs and stations of all genres. All stations are stored in iCloud so that you can pick up from your last station if you decide to switch from an iPhone to an iPad. Unfortunately, this feature is only available in USA.

Other Changes

photophoto_5 While all the above features are noticeable changes, there are several other things which makes the user’s experience even better- 1. Swiping gestures: Most of the app allow swiping gestures to initiate different actions. For example- Swiping backwards in messages or email app will take you back to inbox. The OS also makes full use of swipe functionality to enable various capabilities. 2. 3D Effect: Tilting the phone away from you so that the icons look like they’re in 3D. 3. Spotlight Search: Unlike a default screen present for search, now search is available from any screen by swiping in mid-screen to activate the search bar. 4. FaceTime: FaceTime is a great way to have HD conversation with others and the new OS allows to even have voice calling, instead of the video being compulsory. 5. Siri: Siri can now pull results from Wikipedia and Twitter. It can also be used to change device settings like toggling Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The best part is that users get the choice of choosing Siri’s voice between Male and Female

What could have been better?

As the proverbial saying goes- ‘Nothing is Perfect’, even the iOS 7 has some glitches- 1. iTunes Radio currently works only in the USA. 2. Very limited LockScreen short cuts. 3. As always, iTunes is needed for almost all file and multimedia downloads. 4. Control Center would be more useful if it can be customized allowing addition of apps at the bottom instead of default Flashlight, Camera app, etc. 5. AirDrop works only between selected iOS 7 devices, which means exchanges of this sort cannot be done with iPhone 3GS. 6. Notification Center doesn’t have any Actionable notifications allowing for quick reply of the email or message, users have to click them to go to the app and take required action.

Closing Thoughts

One fact is pretty clear here; the new design and features most definitely weigh over the disadvantages. iOS 7 is probably the best thing to happen to iPhones – or any phone for that matter – and I, as a user definitely give it two thumbs up!
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