Today, at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, Apple took center stage and introduced the next version of its mobile operating system, iOS 5, and a new online cloud storage service called iCloud. On top of all that, Apple also announced its next Mac OSX, Lion.
iOS 5
During the company’s 2011 Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple introduced the next version of its mobile operating system, iOS 5. Apple had promised 200 new features for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, and iPod Touch.
Of the new features, we get to see the long-rumored improvement to the notifications system and we also get wireless software updates. Apparently, users will be able to access their notifications from the new Notification Center, which aims to combine messages, missed calls, app updates, stock ticker, and weather in one easy place. All you have to do is swipe your finger downward from the top of the screen (Android users will laugh after reading this).
Several other new features include a Newsstand app that aims to combine all your magazines in one place. iOS 5 also has Twitter integration, so users will not have to leave their camera or gallery to upload images to twitter. the iPad will get tabbed browsing in Safari. Users will also get to use a better camera, a reminders feature, and a game center. iOS 5 will also introduce the iMessage, which is pretty much like the BlackBerry Messenger service, since it allows you to exchange unlimited text messages, photos, and videos with your friends and family.
Developers were able to get their dirty hands on iOS 5 today during the conference, while customers will receive this update this fall. Head over to Apple’s iOS page for more details and images.
Apple has a video on their website for the iOS detailing its features.
iCloud
During the conference, Apple also announced an online cloud storage service called iCloud. This new service allows a user to share music, email, photos, calendars, and other data between different iOS devices and desktop computers with ease. This new service utilizes cloud computing for home users.
iCloud is obviously a direct competitor to Google’d cloud based services such as Gmail, Calendar, Picasa, and Google Docs. Expect to see this service in action this fall.
Apple has also released an iTunes 10.3 update that includes iTunes in the Cloud (beta). Download here.
Mac OSX Lion
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, which is set for release next month, is priced at $29.99. This new OS will introduces a big shift toward centralizing all your content, whether it’s on your desktop, your iOS device, or in the newly launched iCloud. You can read more about the OS here.
