Wednesday, the world got to experience IOS 5 for the first time—Apple released iOS 5, which is now available for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
Over 200 features rolled out as part of the release including Notification Center, iMessage, Newsstand, Reminders, and systemwide Twitter integration.
Possibly the most highly-anticipated feature is iMessage, a new messaging service for iOS 5 users. The service allows users to send unlimited text messages via Wi-Fi or 3G from iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to others with those devices.
According to Christian Science Monitor, iMessage features group messaging and allows users to track messages with delivery receipts and optional read receipts, see when someone’s typing, and enjoy secure encryption for text messages.
iMessage is similar to Blackberry’s popular BBM with a free messaging service, Apple reportedly doesn’t charge a fee for this service either—meaning users could save big bucks.
iMessage will show users if is a message has been delivered as well as when the other person is typing, according to ibtimes.com, and with iMessage, the sent messages are blue instead of green where received messages are still white.
Earlier this month, Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S, which will be released Friday. The new iPhone features iOS 5, a new camera, new video recording and Siri, an “intelligent assistant.”
According to Apple, iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5 and also introduces Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking and understands context allowing you to speak naturally. If you ask, “Will I need an umbrella this weekend?” Siri understands you are looking for a weather forecast.
The new iPhone comes a new camera with more advanced optics and can also now record video in full 1080p HD resolution and with the new video image stabilization feature.
iPhone 4S comes in either black or white and will be available in the U.S. this Friday for $199 for the 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB model and $399 for the new 64GB model.
