Apple announces drastic redesign of popular operating system, iOS

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Apple CEO Tim Cook announced Apple’s new mobile operating system, iOS 7, at its annual conference for software developers on Monday, June 10.

While Apple’s iPhone operating system has changed over the last five years, Cook called iOS 7 “the biggest change to iOS since the introduction of the iPhone.”

Several top executives took turns announcing some of the new features of iOS 7.

Some of the biggest changes are aesthetic, including a thinner typography and a new color scheme.

Aside from the aesthetic changes, the new operating system will sport many new features and updates to existing apps.

The new iO7 system will be made available in the fall. (Courtesy Apple)
The new iO7 system will be made available in the fall of 2013. (Courtesy Apple)

Apple’s Safari Internet browser for the iPhone has been redesigned. Users can view their windows as tabs and use the swipe gesture to switch between them.

According to the Apple website, the camera app will now organize photos based on location. These organizations are known as “Moments.” In addition, the app features nine different filters that allow users to edit a photo before or after taking it.

Apple also announced iTunes Radio, a free music streaming service. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of internet software and services, announced some of the components of the new service.

“iTunes Radio is an incredible way to listen to personalized radio stations, which have been created just for you,” Cue said.

The songs that iTunes Radio plays will become more personalized as the user listens more frequently. This service will not be limited to one device.

“Another great feature of iTunes Radio is that it keeps track of all the songs you’re listening to across all your devices,” Cue said.

With iOS 7, Apple’s voice-automated assistant, Siri, will use more realistic speech in either a male or female voice. Siri’s features have been improved to include more extensive searches and faster performance.

The upgraded operating system will also include additional security features. Find My iPhone is an existing app that helps users to identify a lost iPhone. With iOS 7, an Apple ID and password will be required to erase the contents of the phone or turn off Find My iPhone. A lost iPhone will display a custom message with the owner’s phone number.

“We think this is going to be a great theft deterrent,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president for software engineering.

Apple iOS 7 will be available in the fall of 2013 via a free upgrade and will be compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPod touch 16GB, iPod touch 32GB/64GB, iPad 2, iPad mini,and the iPad with Retina display.

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