iOS 7.1 Seeding: Enhanced Performance, UI, Siri and CarPlay

Apple has started rolling out its latest iteration of iOS, namely the version 7.1 for iPhones, iPads and iPods touch. The iPhone and iPad communities have been patiently waiting for the next major OS update and this week; Apple has finally released iOS 7.1, bringing a host of new features. Let’s see what’s new in the latest release of iOS.

Bug fixes

The first and foremost bug that was fixed in this release is the “white screen of death,” as it was nicknamed by the community of users. This one was one of the most aggravating glitches that came along with the iOS 7 roll out and caused random iOS devices go into a soft reset. All of a sudden, the iPhone would display the Apple logo on the blank white screen. Users started complaining about this aggravating glitch since September 2013, and it took Apple staggering six months to finally rollout a fix. It is still unknown why this glitch occurred at all, but obviously the 7.1 update patches the issue.

Unfortunately, iOS 7.1 plastered a huge patch on the evasi0n7 jailbreak. Another problem with displaying large numbers over 10,000 in the unread mail badge has been fixed, too.

Apart from minor bug fixes, iOS 7.1 does not dwell on security holes since the last major security update was released just two weeks ago, in mid-February, after the SSL exploit has been revealed publicly, and Apple was forced to release an urgent patch. Overall, this update is more about user interface and improving usability of applications, rather than patching security holes.

Performance

Cupertino-based company promised iPhone 4 would no longer experience lags, crashes and freezes with new operation systems and Apple has apparently kept its promise because iPhone 4 users report a significant improvement in performance and animation speed. Apple did not go into detail as to how they achieved this result, but we suspect they might’ve changed processor settings to adapt to the new OS, and compensate for the lack of old hardware capacities.

Siri

Perhaps one of the most awaited changes was the improvement of Siri performance. Since the application was in Beta, bugs and lags were normal, but many users complained Siri would not understand when the commands ended, and would interrupt them and cut them off mid-sentence. iOS 7.1 update addresses this issue, and now, you can control Siri by long pressing the home button. As long as you keep it pressed, Siri is listening to your commands without interrupting you.

CarPlay

CarPlay is Apple’s infotainment ecosystem for a slew of iPhone devices, namely iPhone 5s, iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C. The list of the compatible vehicles is not exhaustive though, so by now only a limited number of people can enjoy Apple’s CarPlay in their Ferrari FF, Mercedez-Benz C-Class and Volvo XC90 SUV. However, Cupertino promises to expand car models and manufacturers’ list. CarPlay allows users to use media content from their iPhones, iPads, and iPods touch to bring to the car’s touch screen maps, messages, music, third-party audio apps and use Siri to control them.

Design

No more boxes because flat circles have taken their place improving the overall look and feel of iOS 7.1.

Now, the End call and Answer buttons are red and green circles that are smaller, but better looking. The caller’s photo is also a round icon. The same goes to the power-off slide bar, which is also round. If you hold down the sleep button, you will see a new red and white button instead of the reddish-orange bar of iOS 7. Animations have been significantly sped up, and the change is visibly obvious right after you update.

Touch ID

Fingerprint recognition system has been improved in iOS 7.1 to address the issue of the scanner forgetting user fingerprints.

Camera

The camera app got its tweaks in this iOS 7.1 release and iPhone 5s handsets got a new feature, which enables users to automatically launch HDR photos from the camera App.

Calendar

Finally, you can see you events by month, a feature that is obviously much-needed, but largely ignored in iOS 7.

FaceTime

If you frequently use FaceTime across several devices, you will enjoy the new feature – from now on, if you take a call from a different device, video calling application notifications will be cleared on your iPhone, too.

Music

Now, you can buy albums from iTunes Radio by just tapping on the song that’s currently playing. You also have a convenient search field that allows you to subscribe to iTunes Match via iPod touch, iPad and iPhone. Music app now has repeat and shuffle buttons.

If you still haven’t updated, get that latest iOS 7.1 update now and let us know your impressions in the comments below.