This past month, Apple released the iOS 7.1 update. The very first thing I noticed was how different the app transitions appeared with Reduce Motion activated. With iOS 7.1, there is more of a dissolving effect when launching or quitting an app, and less playfulness when scrolling. Secondly, my iPhone 5s has not crashed once since the update, and I had previously experienced a good deal of system crashes while multitasking.
Another detail that jumped out right away was the ‘end’ button while on a phone call. Like a few other commands on iOS 7, this used to be a rectangular strip along the bottom of the display. Now it is replaced with a simple, circular button in the very center. This may be a more precise way to end a call, and matches the size and shape of all the other Phone app commands.
The last, and possibly most appreciated new feature I will mention, is that Siri now allows you to hold-to-talk. Previously, you had to activate Siri, dictate your message, and hope she assumes correctly when you’re finished speaking. This became frustrating when you would dictate a longer text message or email, and pause mid-sentence. Siri would take that pause as a conclusion to your dictation, and move on. Now, all you have to do is hold down the home button, speak to Siri, and release the home button when you are finished speaking.
As we all know, iOS software requires fine tuning for optimal use. Overall, I was always happy with iOS 7, but with a few minor adjustments, its become a lot more useable.
To update, connect your device to iTunes and you’ll be prompted to go to iOS 7.1. Make sure to back up beforehand!