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iOS 11 Beta released this week by Apple

IOS 11 was pre-released by Apple this week. The first public beta version of the software is now available for anybody to download, free of charge. This doesn’t mean there isn’t a hidden cost, however. The purpose of the beta […]

IOS 11 was pre-released by Apple this week. The first public beta version of the software is now available for anybody to download, free of charge. This doesn’t mean there isn’t a hidden cost, however. The purpose of the beta release is for Apple to test their software on a group of users and identify and alter any issues which may arise.

For this reason, it is important to avoid installing an iOS beta on your primary Apple device, because some things may not work, or your device may crash completely. Back up your data using iCloud, or even a manual media transfer to iTunes, so that if something goes wrong, you can restore your device.

The updated iOS is significantly different to its previous versions. The user interface is completely different. The connectedness between different apps is much more fluid; Apple have seemingly made multitasking the focus of their new design.

“With iOS 11, iPhone and iPad are the most powerful, personal and intelligent devices they’ve ever been” – Apple Inc.

iOS 11: New Features

  • ARKit: a framework which has made possible augmented reality in apps. Developers are already working on applications which will weld digital objects with the physical environment of a user to create smartphone experiences we have never had access to before.
  • Apple Pay: allows you to send and receive money easily and securely in Messages.
iOS 11 contains new features such as drawing and notebook.
iOS 11 allows you to take notes and get creative! (image: Apple Inc)
  • Photos: New filters will give your photos a professional tone. Additionally, compression technology has ensures that photos can be taken and stored at half the file size as before.
  • Siri: Our favourite artificial intelligence friend can now translate phrases in Chinese, Italian, French, German and Spanish.
  • AirPlay 2: You can control all of your speakers (the volume and song choice) in your home from your Apple device.
  • Do Not Disturb when Driving: iPhones can now sense when a user is driving. Your phone can block notifications and automatically notify people who attempt to contact you that you’re driving.
  • Indoor Maps: It’s now easier to navigate shopping centres and airports.
dock
The dock allows for quick and easy switching between apps (image: TechCrunch)
  • Dock: Similar to a Mac computer, the dock holds frequently used apps, which makes it simple for the user to switch between screens.
  • Apple Pencil: Combined with Instant Notes, you can draw and write as you would with a pen and paper.
  • Quick-Type Keyboard: all symbols are on one keyboard now, so no more annoying switching back and forth!
  • Scan, sign and send off documents.

There’s no doubt that these changes will continue to radicalise our relationship with technology. You can sign up to test Apple iOS11 on this website.