Apple released iOS 5 as a free upgrade for all iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad, iPad 2, and third and fourth-generation iPod Touch devices. It also ships with the iPhone 4S. The new operating system brings some much-needed enhancements, helping iOS play catch-up with competitors in some areas and leapfrog beyond rival platforms in others.
A major pain point in previous versions of iOS was the notifications system. The alerts were obtrusive and obstructive. The new Notification Center is a pull-down drawer that features all of your notifications from each app you select, plus updates on stocks and the local weather. New alerts simply drop down at the very top of your screen, allowing you to continue going about your business or tap into the alert for more details.
The new iOS 5 also introduces iMessage, a messaging service that not only saves you money by eliminating eliminates the need for many text messaging packages, but also lets you communicate without a cellular connection with any other iOS 5 device, including iPad and iPod Touch devices. It's Apple's version of BlackBerry Messenger, and while it doesn't offer the ability to request/deny buddies or have advanced features like group calendar sharing, it's an excellent alternative that seamlessly integrates into the Messages app. By default, Apple will use iMessage -- signified by a blue chat bubble as opposed to a green one -- and allow you to bypass your carrier's paid text message service in favor of Apple's free one.
