Gwyn D’Mello
Apple Inc has just launched a new public beta version of iOS 9. While the OS has been available to developers for a while now, anyone can download this version and try it out. Though one has to be careful as Apple has said that this is a beta version and not just a preview, in the sense that it has quite a few bugs yet to be worked out. So you might want to install this on a secondary device if you really want to try it out. SO lets get into the new additions.
A lot of these updates were announced at Apple's WWDC earlier this year, and that includes their News app. This puts an icon on your home page that launches the app. You can personalise it with sources of your choice, so you can stay up to date, share stodies and even save them to read offline.
Another change is in the Notes app, for Apple announced a *ahem* revolutionary tweak at WWDC, wherein you can now create checklists in your notes. You can also pin a photo, map location, URL or sketch to your note, and add a note from within any other app.
The new Maps app has a "Nearby" function, that shws you places of interest around your location and travel route, including restaurants and tourist spots. It also has new support for public transit systems, to include subway stations and bus stops (in the US).
Another "new" feature introduced was split screen for the iPad, letting you run two apps in side by side windows. Maybe that took so long because Apple needed the right kind of font and display format? Maybe? It also has a slide over feature so you can open an app running in the background and use it without leaving the app you're currently in and also picture in picture tohave your Facetime chat or Youtube video open in the corner.
Siri also has a few updates to her, with a "deep search" that you can run from the search bar to open something within an app from your phone (if it supports it) as well as predictive suggestions. Your search page is also populated with regular contacts, locations of interest near where you are, as well as apps suggested according to your usage times and location.
There's also a few tweaks to the optimization, allowing your device to go into a low power state when it detects it hasn't been moved in a while, allowing you to gain an extra hour of battery life. iOS 9 has also been built to stream updates more effectively, meaning you'll need less free space for your OS.
And the pièce de résistance, Apple has now made it easier to move from Android to iOS (hint hint). There's a special app called "Move to iOS" that you can download on your Android phone which then securely transfers all your photos, contacts, messages, bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars and wallpapers. Your free apps are suggested for download and your paid apps are marked on your iTunes wishlist.
