Apple is showcasing iOS 5 at WWDC 2011 in San Francisco. The next-gen mobile OS is loaded with over 200 tricked-out new features, all of which will be rolling out to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners this fall.
For example, the latest and greatest iteration of iOS includes iMessage, which allows you to easily send texts, photos and videos between all iOS devices; Newsstand, a new way to purchase/organize newspaper/magazine subscriptions; and an all-in-one Notification Center.
Perhaps most importantly, iOS 5 offers “PC Free” capabilities, which enables users to activate their iOS device right out of the box and receive over the air software updates.
Apple has also upgraded its trusty Safari browser, which now offers tabbed browsing, automatically removes “clutter,” sets appropriate font sizes, and allows users to save articles across all their iOS devices.
Additional features include:
- Built-in Twitter integration – Sign in once and tweet directly from all Twitter-enabled apps, such as Photos, Camera, Safari, YouTube and Maps with a single tap.
- Reminders – Manage tasks, create and group related tasks together; and set time or location-based reminder alerts, priorities and due dates.
- Upgraded camera and photo capabilities – Offers instant access to the camera right from the lock screen. You can use the volume-up button to quickly snap a photo, while optional grid lines help line up shots and a simple tap locks focus and exposure on one subject.
- Game Center – Add photos to your profile and purchase new games from within the app.
- Mail enhancements – Compose messages using draggable addresses as well as a new formatting bar with bold, italics, underline and indention controls.
- AirPlayMirroring – Wirelessly display everything you do on your iPad 2 right on your HDTV through Apple TV.
The iOS 5 beta software and SDK are available here for iOS Developer Program members, and for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, iPad, iPod touch (third/fourth generations) later this fall.
