While the phones -- 5C certainly -- did add a lot of colour to Apple, it’s iOS 7 which actually brightens the lives of iPhone users.
It took just 90 minutes to upgrade to iOS 7, and while the waiting was frustrating, it’s actually worth it. On the first glance, it looks like it is a much bolder, brighter and colourful interface and it certainly looks more vibrant.
The signal bars have been replaced by five dots, the keypad has a funky retro look and feel to it and the contacts too appear more neatly than the old block-letter eyesore.
Even the lock screen ‘swipe to unlock’ message has a more animated feel to it.
Earlier, you had to swipe on the unlock message only to get to the main menu, now you can swipe anywhere on the screen.
Apple users had gotten used to the more sober look and feel compared to Android, and frankly there were a few envious glances cast towards Android in the last couple of years.
With iOS 7, however, Apple has tried its best to give a more lively interface and provide a better experience to the users.
New wallpapers, colour schemes have been added and there are newer -- not better though -- ringtones.
So you can finally hear anything but ‘Marimba’ or ‘Strum’ tones ringing from an iPhone nearby.
There aren’t many functional changes as such and at the core it still remains the same software but has added a lot of utilitarian value.
For instance, the Control Centre is an excellent addition to iOS 7.
Earlier you had to go all the way into the Settings option to turn on Bluetooth, Wi-fi or the Do Not Disturb feature. Now all of it is just a swipe away in the Control Centre.
It also gives you easy access to a flashlight, calculator and the camera. Flashlight is now a standard feature on the iPhone (earlier you had to install an app).
The Air Drop is another great feature about the iOS 7.
It allows users to transfer data -- photos, videos, contacts --
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