Apple’s just released a new beta of iOS 7.1 for developers, Beta 5, which fixes some small bugs and adds some minor feature enhancements. With previous reports stating that the final version of 7.1 was slated for a public release in March, these early leaks are indications that the final will be released in the following weeks, shortly after the Golden Master version hits developers.
Update: iOS 7.1 Released to the Public (3/10/14)
The final version of iOS 7.1 was released to everyone. To see what’s new for all, check out our What You Need to Know About iOS 7.1 guide.
What’s New in iOS 7.1 Beta 5
With that in mind, here’s a sneak peak at all the new features packed in the 5th beta build of Apple’s iOS 7.1.
The Shift & Delete Keys Look Better
With redesigned shift and delete keys in the 3rd beta of iOS 7.1, Apple has gone back and tweaked them a bit, due to the fact that the new design was confusing as hell and unpopular with developers. The two keys now become black, with a white background to show that they are enabled.
For example, after typing in the first letter in a message, the Shift key becomes grey, indicating that it is now inactive.
You Can Buy Albums Straight from iTunes Radio Now
Apple has now made it easier to purchase the music you enjoy listening to on iTunes Radio by adding a “Buy Album” icon at the top of the application.
Siri’s Voice Was Improved
Siri’s voices for English (Australia, United Kingdom), Chinese (Mandarin – China), and Japanese are enhanced and sound a bit more natural than before.
The New “Motion” Option in Wallpapers Got a Name Change
In the 3rd beta, Apple introduced a “Motion” feature, allowing you to turn off parallax for wallpapers directly from your wallpaper preview. In the 5th beta, they’ve changed the name of the feature to “Perspective Zoom” for a less confusing sound.
The Calendar’s Toggle List View Is Easier to See
The button to toggle list view in the Calendar app (introduced in the 2nd beta) is now bolder, so it’s easier to see.
Current Issues with iOS 7.1 Beta 5
As with all beta builds, not everything works perfectly. In this newest version of iOS 7.1, Airdrop is having trouble finding other users easily and severely lags when sending files. Another issue, which only pertains to those that are jailbroken, is that Apple has patched evasi0n’s iOS 7 jailbreak exploit in the 5th beta.
What do you think about Apple’s improvements and/or bugs in the newest beta version? Have any suggestions for how they can make them better? Let us know in the comments below!
For more iOS 7.1 fun, check out our past coverage of Beta 1, Beta 2, Beta 3, Beta 4.
Just updated your iPhone? You’ll find new emoji, enhanced security, podcast transcripts, Apple Cash virtual numbers, and other useful features. There are even new additions hidden within Safari. Find out what’s new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 17.4 update.
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