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Apple’s Mobile Operating System – iOS

Overview

Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS, previously known as iPhone OS, is an operating system for iPhone, iPad and iTouch. It is the world’s most advanced mobile platform, which redefines what can be done with a mobile device. The operating system was first released in June 2007. At that time, Apple did not specify the name; they stated simply that “iPhone uses OS X”. Initially, third-party applications were not supported by this operating system. On October 17, 2007, Apple announced that they are developing a native SDK and will be given to developers in February.

Apple released the first beta version on March 6, 2008 along with a new name for the operating system, iPhone OS. On January 27, 2010, Apple announced the iPad, designed for reading iBooks, media consumption and web browsing, and featuring a larger screen than the iPod and iPhone touch. Apple rebranded iPhone OS as iOS in June 2010.

Version 4

Version 4 was announced in April, 2010 with features like threaded e-mail, multitasking and several business oriented features.

  • iOS 4 – It was released on June 21, 2010, three days before the launch of iPhone4. It was the first version of the OS to be a free upgrade on the iPod touch.
  • iOS 4.0.1 – It was released on July 15, 2010, which includes a fix to the reception signal strength indicator.
  • iOS 4.0.2 – It was released on August 11, 2010 to fix a pair of security vulnerabilities for iPhone and iPod.
  • iOS 4.1 – It was released for the iPhone and iPod Touch on September 8, 2010 with new features like initial support for Apple TV 2G and the iPod Touch 4th Generation, and also the Game Center that allo`ws gamers to multi-play, unlock achievements and upload scores.
  • iOS 4.2 – It was released on November 8, 2010 only for developers, since WiFi bug was found during the limited release. It was never released to the public.
  • iOS 4.2.1 – It was launched on November 22, 2010 with support for all Apple A4 devices, 2nd and 3rd generation devices. It also alters the multitasking animation and contains minor changes to the YouTube application.

Features

  • Game Center – It is an online multiplayer social gaming network developed by Apple, which allows users to start a multiplayer game, invite friends to play a game, track their achievements, and compare and upload high scores.
  • Multitasking – Apple introduces a whole new way of multitasking, so that user can run third-party applications and switch between them instantaneously without slowing down the performance of the foreground applications.

Multitasking is supported through seven background –

  • Fast app Switching
  • Task finishing
  • Local notifications
  • Push notifications
  • Background location
  • Voice Over IP
  • Background Audio
  • Folders – You can take an application and drop it on top of another to create a folder. The folder will then appear as a square with tiny icons of the included applications inside. Title for the folder is automatically selected by the type of applications inside (you can also edit the name manually).
  • Home Screen – The home screen with application icons and a dock at the bottom of the screen is presented whenever the home button is pressed or the device is turned on.
  • Included Applications – There are more than 1,500 new applications such as, Calendar Access, Quick Lock, Video Playback and Capture, In-App SMS, Map Kit Improvements, Photo Library Access, Automated Testing, Performance and Power Analysis, etc.