Apple releases iOS 7.1 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with new features, visual tweaks and more

Shawn Knight

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As expected, Apple has released an updated version of its mobile operating system just one day before the annual iTunes Festival kicks off for the first time ever at SXSW. iOS 7.1 includes a number of new features, interface tweaks and bug fixes for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as outlined below.

Arriving roughly six months after the launch of iOS 7, the first major update includes support for CarPlay. Formerly known as the iOS in the car initiative, Apple unveiled CarPlay a week ago during the Geneva Motor Show with support from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

Apple also improved the Touch ID fingerprint recognition system found on the iPhone 5s. Elsewhere, users can now control how long Siri listens for voice commands by simply holding down the Home button as you speak. The personal assistant also received improved voices in Mandarin Chinese, Australian English, UK English and Japanese which are said to sound more natural.

New accessibility options include a bold font option for the keyboard, calculator and many icons, the ability to reduce motion in Weather, Messages and multitasking UI animations and the ability to darken app colors and reduce white point.

In a somewhat rare move for the Cupertino-based company, they’ve published a full page that outlines all of the new features in iOS 7.1 that can be seen by clicking here.

iOS 7.1 is compatible with the iPhone 4 and newer as well as the iPad 2 and later and the 5th generation iPod touch. To grab the update over-the-air, simply navigate to “Software Update” under the “General” section in the setting’s menu. For direct download links please go here: iPhone | iPad | iPod

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Good news with the new iDevices bad news with the older ones. their updates seems to make old device very slow, just my two cents.
 
Actually, this update has noticeably improved performance on my iPhone 4. Nice work Apple.
 
LOL, skipmark IOS has always been better than android. If you want a big screen, Androids are better.
 
Android = better ability to do what you want

apple = easier and less prone to issues;

one is not better than the other... just preference.
 
"Android = better ability to do what you want"


That bitcoin dude proved that hackers are smarter than normal people, no thanks.
 
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