Apple recently released its IOS 4 update on www.apple.com. Downloading the update is free, of course, and it is also extremely simple to do. Apple provides a four-step process for downloading the IOS 4 update that is as follows:
1. Download the latest version of iTunes 9.2 and connect the iPhone to the computer.
2. After opening iTunes, select the iPhone from Devices in the Source List on the left of the screen.
3. Click Check for Update, located in the iPhone Summary pane.
4. Click Download and Install, and wait for the download to finish before disconnecting the iPhone.
After downloading the IOS 4 update, iPhone users will have access to over 100 new features, specifically designed for the iPhone 4. In the words of Apple, “the free iOS 4 Software Update lets you do some amazing things.” The following illustrates just a sample of what the software update will provide:
- Multitasking. Perhaps the biggest improvement that iOS 4 brings is multitasking capacity. The download will allow iPhone users to run third party applications, and switch between them without hindering their iPhone’s performance.
- Folders. With iOS 4, iPhone users will be able to organize their applications into categorized folders. This will make it easier to find applications, and will clean up the appearance of the iPhone. Folders has the capacity to store up to 2,160 applications.
- iBooks. This function is not only an eBook reader, but it is also a virtual marketplace where all of the latest releases can be purchased.
- Home screen wallpaper. With iOS 4, iPhone users will be able to customize the appearance of their iPhone by changing the wallpaper on their iPhone’s home screen.
- Spell check. This download will add a spell check to iPhones, which works in Mail, Notes and many other applications.
- Wireless keyboard support. iOS 4 enables iPhone users to sync a wireless keyboard to their iPhone using Bluetooth technology.
- Faces and Places. iPhoto users will be familiar with this feature, now available on the iPhone, which allows iPhone users to view their photographs based on who is in them.
- Tap to focus video. This feature allows iPhone users to focus their video by simply tapping their display on the subject that they wish to focus on.
- 5x digital zoom. This improved zoom takes photography to a new level from the iPhone.
- Playlists. This feature allows iPhone users to create playlists right from their iPhone.
- Gift apps. It is now possible to purchase apps and send them to friends via the iPhone.
While the release of iOS 4 coincides with the release of the iPhone 4, it also works on the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS. So this is a free download that every iPhone user will want to acquire.
