Apple’s much awaited mobile operating system iOS5 has been finally released for everyone. This update includes more than 200 new features.
iOS 5 also brings support to iCloud, Apple’s new synchronization and backup system that promises to deliver your music and documents across all devices, as well as replace iTunes on the desktop as the hub of the digital ecosystem. All iOS 5 users – as well as those running OS X Lion on their Macs – will get 5GB of free iCloud storage, with more available at a fee. You can access the iCloud web-based login at icloud.com.
The iOS 5 update is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 (GSM and CDMA), iPod touch 3rd/4th generation, and the iPad/iPad 2. It’ll also come preloaded on the iPhone 4S.
Its feature includes
- iCloud: Apple’s cloud-based content/data syncing service. Backs up your content, photos, etc. in the cloud for safe keeping, provides one-click access to redownloading all the apps you’ve ever purchased, etc.
- iMessage: Apple’s free iOS-to-iOS messaging solution. SMS dies today.
- Notification Center: Apple has completely overhauled their old, antiquated alerts system. You now drag down from the top of the screen to see a drawer with all notifications.
- Newstand: Bundles all of your e-magazine/newspaper subscriptions into one smart folder
- Reminders: a new to-do/reminder system, complete with location-based alerts
- Twitter Integration
- Much improved Camera UX (You can access the camera with a double tap of the home button on the homescreen, and use the volume up key to take a photo)
- Crazy simple photo editing (Cropping, rotating, red-eye reduction) within the Photo app
- Over-the-air updates and PC-less device activation
