Introducing iOS7

New iOS7 Design

With Apple’s latest update, iOS7, the iPhone and iPad have a completely redesigned look and feel. It is much brighter and (reportedly) there is less clutter. However, speaking from personal experience, I don’t see much in the way of “less clutter.” The icons are redesigned and there is a simplified color scheme, but all of the same options seem to be present – if only in different locations. In fact, the only thing that really seems absent are dividers, which I think would actually help with navigation. Speaking of which, it may take a day or two to get used to the new layout that comes with this design.

BUT fear not! This is the only complaint that I have concerning iOS7. There are many great new features introduced in this latest update, including: Control Center, AirDrop, and better multitasking. Below, I go into some of the more interesting features that struck me as the most helpful.

Control Center

Control Center gives you quick access to the most commonly used controls and apps and one new one. Just swipe up from any screen — including the Lock screen — to do things like switch to Airplane mode, turn Wi-Fi on or off, turn on Airplay, control your music, snap a photo, calculate a tip, use the timer or even the new built-in flashlight. That’s right, you can delete the free flashlight with the ads that you keep accidentally pressing.

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Camera

Camera in iOS 7 makes it easy to switch between all your photo formats — still, video, panorama, and the new “square.” Square is just like it sounds. It takes a photo that is a precise square. This is a nice feature if you update avatars, icons or Facebook profiles regularly. By swiping, you can decide your format. Personally, I like this much better than the tiny switch of yesterday. Additionally, there are new filters that let you do  more with each image as you are taking the photo. This will likely replace yet another app on your device.

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Photos

Many won’t like this next feature, as it strays from the Events and Albums of yesterday’s iOS. Just when you thought you had it understood, Apple throws a curve ball. Still, this is far more intuitive and intelligent than the previous solution. Apple introduces Years, Collections, and Moments — smart groupings of your photos and videos based on time and place. Of course, you need to enable location-based services if you haven’t already (which I strongly recommend you do). Tap Years and all your shots fill the screen from specific years. Each Year holds Collections (similar to Events), like your trip to San Francisco. And in that Collection are distinct Moments (based on location+time). This will make organization efforts far simpler in my opinion.

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AirDrop

 

My favorite new feature, AirDrop allows one to send a photo or a document to anyone without the need to waste the data on a text or the time on an email. If they are in range, you can quickly and easily share photos, videos, contacts — and anything else from any app with a Share button. Just tap Share, then select the person you want to share with. AirDrop does the rest using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. No setup required. And transfers are encrypted, so what you share is highly secure.

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iTunes Radio

Given the success of Pandora and Spotify, Apple says, “I want some.” iTunes Radio features streaming radio stations from the top hits. Just like those other apps, the more you listen, the more personalized it becomes. You can also customize stations to play your favorites and find other musicians of similar flavor. Oh yeah, and if you want to purchase a song or album that you are listening to, that’s just a click away, of course.

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Other Features

There are other things that are not so amazing, but still good. Siri is better, and has a MALE voice option?! Strange, though, the search function uses Bing…not Google.

There are “layers” with the phone. Go ahead, flex the phone back and forth and notice how the background turns with you. Not incredibly useful, but still pretty nifty.

Also, the Find My iPhone can’t be cut off without the lock code. This is an incredibly simple, but useful feature that will in and of itself prevent iPhone and iPad theft. If someone takes my phone, they would have to find a remote location, remove the SIM card with special tools and dump the drive (with all my private data). In that case, they’ve earned it.

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Summary

Apple’s iOS7 is pretty cool and definitely it’s boldest update since the release of the iPhone, itself. If you want to play it safe, don’t get iOS7 until the first update is release to squash all of the initial bugs. Personally, I’ve only seen a few little glitches. So if you can’t wait, take the info you’ve learned today and explore the new iOS7 from Apple.

If you need a lesson or just want to update all of your devices correctly, don’t hesitate to contact the certified professionals at MacPro Services.