iOS 7.1 Released: CarPlay and Siri Adjustments Headline the Various Upgrades and Bug Fixes
BySix months after launching the most radically redesigned mobile operating system in its history, Apple has released the first major update to iOS 7.
According to ZDNet, the new update is compatible with any Apple iPhone as recent as the 4, any iPad as recent as the 2 and the iPod Touch. Along with standard bug fixes, iOS 7.1 has introduced CarPlay and updated Siri, iTunes Radio, Touch ID, the calendar and more.
The five main highlights of iOS 7.1 are as follows:
1. CarPlay
"Available on select new cars in 2014, CarPlay takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them on your car's built-in display. Now you have a smarter, safer way to make calls, get directions, or play music from your iPhone while in the car," Apple wrote in a post on its website introducing the update. "Just plug in your iPhone and go."
2. Siri
"Manually control when Siri listens by holding down the Home button while you speak and releasing it when you're done," according to the website.
3. iTunes Radio
According to Apple Insider, users can subscribe to iTunes Match on mobile devices, which eliminates ads on iTunes Radio. Users will also be able to buy albums with one button tap from "Now Playing."
4. Accessibility
ZDNet reported the Reduce Motion feature now applies to the stock messaging and weather apps, as well as the multitasking UI animations. Bold font has also come to the keyboard, calculator and other functions. Users can also control the darkness of their keyboard.
5. Bug Fixes and Other Minor Improvements
These include a new Month View for the calendar app, automatic enabling of HDR camera mode for the iPhone 5S and more. The iPhone 5S' Touch ID fingerprint scanner is now promised to work smoother and the home screen crash glitch has reportedly been worked out.
As is customary for an update, the interface has been tweaked and users will notice a new call screen and small changes to the Face Time and iCloud Keychain features.