Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
(Image source: Apple)
BY JIM FLINK
The newest gadget unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference or WWDC is Apple's new
operating system: iOS7. From a new "flat" design to iTunes Radio to full Siri integration
in your car — it's a whole new world. Apple's Tim Cook calls it...
"... the biggest change to iOS since the introduction of the iPhone." (Via San Jose
Mercury News)
Hype? Maybe. Let's start -- with that "flat" description.
Over the past few weeks, sneak peeks of the new interface showed Apple senior designer
Jony Ive ditched the 3D and realism elements of past ios's. (Via 9to5Mac)
ComputerWorld describes flat design, saying: ".... the consensus seems to be a reduction in the
three-dimensionality of icons and other actionable elements ... that make them stand out from
the background."
For the non-designers out there, flat is totally in right now.
According to VentureBeat: "The new icons are cleaner and aim for minimalism, compared to
the detailed and colorful icons we've seen on the OS so far." (Via VentureBeat)
Designmodo even tweeted the new icons aren't flat enough. Guess you can't please everyone.
But that's only what ios7 looks like. How about what it does?
New features include: • A new control center
• Multitasking and auto-updates for all apps
• A faster Safari with tons of tabs • Photostreaming from multiple cameras..
And that's just a start....
"What if you could get iOS on the screen
that is built into your car. So you could get phone calls, play music, go to maps, get
your i-messages right on the screen in your car." (Via Apple)
This iOS is intended to go where you go -- seamlessly. Translation -- Siri everywhere. And we might
have to stop calling Siri a she. The Verge notes, Siri now gives you voice options....
• Male and female voices • Multiple languages (French, German)
• Integrated Twitter, Bing and Wikipedia
Yes, Apple is now playing more with others, even while seemingly making fun of them. One
Apple presenters also made fun of the company itself -- noting it has lost the old look
of fake wood, fake leather and green felt. Apple also unveiled a new desktop OS, called
Maverick, and iTunes Radio, to rival Spotify and Pandora.