By NICHOLAS BYRNE – Broadcast Staff
On Sept. 18, Apple released its completely redesigned mobile operating system, iOS 7, to the public.
The development of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS, has been very slow on the surface since its initial release in 2007. The six following iterations to the original iOS look, were for the most part, identical. With Android recently surpassing Apple in mobile market share, Apple had to step up its game to remain competitive.
On June 10 Apple unveiled the next generation of its mobile software: iOS 7, available for the fifth generation iPod Touch, iPhone 4 and newer and iPad 2 and newer.
The most apparent change is the new appearance of the lock and home screens. It looks like iOS, but with a fresh new skin. Apple has a lot to thank to Jony Ive, the newly positioned Senior Vice President of Design, for this revamped system. All design aspects of the operating system have received a complete overhaul. iOS’s design no longer attempts to imitate designs from reality (skeuomorphism), but instead gives more emphasis to beautiful gradients and a more cohesive performance. Everything about the experience feels light and smooth.
New features of iOS include a new keyboard, complete with a new ultra thin font used throughout the operating system. The control center can be accessed at anytime by swiping up from the bottom of the screen for access to quick toggles for system settings. Formerly, these could only be changed by going through the dedicated settings app. Airplane mode, Wifi and screen orientation lock no longer require a maze of menus to enable.
iTunes Radio, Apple’s own internet radio service can be found in the music app. Apple took many tips from the Pandora Radio service, but has implemented a unique music choosing algorithm. A new “card” multitasking interface reminiscent of previous Android releases has replaced the tired icon view. The new App Store also finally features automatic app updates, making updates from app developers seamless..
iOS 7 is more than an incremental update. It truly changes the experience of Apple’s mobile ecosystem.
