What's New in iOS 5
iOS 5 might be the most popular version of Apple's mobile OS yet. When Apple released it as a digital download through iTunes on Oct. 12 the heavy demand almost crashed Apple's servers.
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A new iOS folder type called Newsstand helps you organize your magazine and newspaper app subscriptions all in one place. Also featured: a new store that highlights all the available magazine and newspaper apps that you can purchase and add to your Newsstand on the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.
The Camera app in iOS 5 offers a number of improvements photographers will like, such as a grid view and the ability to use the volume up button as a shutter button.
Another great feature in iOS 5 is iCloud, Apple’s replacement for its subscription-based cloud service MobileMe. Unlike MobileMe, which will be discontinued next summer, iCloud is free. And if all your iOS devices are running iOS 5, you can even ditch your computer and just use iCloud--the devices are independent. For example, iCloud keeps a list of apps you've purchased. You can install these over the air at any time, instead of going through iTunes like before.
The new app Reminders is a basic to-do list with audible reminders that sync to iCloud and from there all of your other devices including your computer.
Twitter is integrated in iOS 5. You set it up in the Settings app and it will even update your contacts for you. However, the feature only tells you how many contacts were updated--it doesn't show you a list of them. If you don't already have a Twitter app you can download it directly from the Settings app.
The iMessage app is Apple's answer to messaging services that Blackberry users have enjoyed for years. Although not a complete replacement for SMS text messaging, it's pretty close. You can use it to send and receive messages across all your iOS devices, even the iPad.
Apple's cloud service for iOS 5 devices, iCloud, offers many of the same services as the MobileMe service it replaces, plus some new ones, such as Photo Stream and Documents in the Cloud. Sadly, it doesn't have MobileMe's popular iDisk or website hosting services.
Finally, Apple has added a feature to perform over-the-air updates on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. This will allow Apple to rapidly deploy minor updates and maybe even major ones. It supports the cloud concepts that Apple seems to be embracing at a rapid pace.
If you are lucky enough to be holding an iPhone 4S in your hand, then you already know about Siri. This voice-command feature in iOS 5 is only available on the iPhone 4S. Tell Siri to perform all kinds of tasks on your iPhone 4S and it will do them--dictate a text message or set up an appointment for tomorrow, for instance. I discovered from personal experience that Siri even recognizes your voice when you have a cold.
Another welcome feature in iOS 5 is over-the-air Wi-Fi syncing between your iOS devices and iTunes on your computer, but iTunes has to be running on the computer. Correction: Due to an editing error, an earlier version of this page said that tethering was necessary. We apologize.
An updated Game Center in iOS 5 gives you more control over privacy and more options for linking up with gaming friends. You also can now personalize your profile with a picture of yourself or your favorite avatar.
Our favorite new app is AirPort Utility. This app lets you manage your Apple 802.11n Wi-fi base stations--including AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and Time Capsule--from any iOS mobile device. You can perform a variety of AirPort network configuration tasks. The app is perfect for someone who has Apple AirPort hardware but rarely uses a desktop computer.
Cards is probably the least attractive of all the new apps Apple released with iOS 5. The way it melds digital and real-world services is unique--the cards you make are delivered by the post office. But it just doesn't have the same spit and polish as other Apple-branded apps.
Find My iPhone has been enhanced to find more than just your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. It also can now locate computers, as long as they are running iCloud. Find My iPhone has been used to locate lost and stolen devices. This new feature is probably is something you should take advantage of--it's free, after all.
The new Find My Friends app lets you share your location with family and friends. When you accept a request from other Find My Friends users to be followed, Find My Friends automatically shares your location. However, it does offer some privacy features including a complete sharing shutdown so that no one can see where you are. If you need to go to your friend’s location, just ask the app for directions.
The new Find My Friends app lets you share your location with family and friends. When you accept a request from other Find My Friends users to be followed, Find My Friends automatically shares your location. However, it does offer some privacy features including a complete sharing shutdown so that no one can see where you are. If you need to go to your friend’s location, just ask the app for directions.
A new iOS folder type called Newsstand helps you organize your magazine and newspaper app subscriptions all in one place. Also featured: a new store that highlights all the available magazine and newspaper apps that you can purchase and add to your Newsstand on the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.
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