iOS 5 is the next version of Apple's iOS, the operating system that runs the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), iOS 5 will debut in Fall on all supported devices. Among the major features of iOS 5 is iCloud, a new cloud-based iTunes service, and enhancements to mail and messaging, including Twitter integration into the operating system.
iOS 5 Features
- Twitter Integration. Users will now be able to send pictures via Twitter and easily tweet from Safari and YouTube.
- iMessage Center. This new messaging center will work with all devices, send messages over 3G or Wi-Fi, and includes popular messaging features such as delivery notification.
- Newsstand. An app store interface for newspapers and magazines, this app will not only help organize magazines and newspapers, it will also automatically update the content.
- AirPlay Mirroring. The iPad 2 allows display mirroring via the Digital AV Adapter, but in iOS 5, we'll be able to do display mirroring wirelessly via AirPlay, so those with Apple TV are in for a real treat.
- Safari Reader. The Safari web browser is getting several updates, including making the text more legible, but the biggest update is with the Safari Reader, which will allow for easier reading of long articles.
- Push Notification Center. Rather than interrupting what you are doing with a pop-up window for push notification, the new Notification Center will allow you to see all updates by swiping down with your finger.
- Mail. The inbox is getting a number of new features, including support for rich text formatting and the ability to search the inbox.
- Split Keyboard. Many people are so used to thumb typing that using all five fingers of each hand on the iPad can actually slow them down. For these people, Apple is adding a split keyboard that will allow for thumb typing.
- Wireless Activation. The requirement to plug your new iDevice into a computer vanishes, with iOS 5 supporting wireless activation of devices.
