By Amelia Kibbe
Contributing Writer
It seems like many of us spend our lives trying to keep up with the newest technology. Every time we turn around, there is a new gadget on the market, and we just have to have it.
Last Wednesday, Apple released its latest update to the iPhone. The old and familiar iOS 6 software was revamped in to the new iOS 7. Although this is not a new gadget, it is a totally new look for the iPhone. In fact, Apple said this is the biggest change of its operating system since the first iOS.
Perhaps the most noticeable difference is the look. The new design features a new palette of colors and a more translucent look. Apple believes this will add to the experience of owning an iPhone.
As well as a new look, there are many other new features to the update. Users can now view more than one page at a time, making it easier to multitask and reference multiple sources. The new software also includes a new set of controls that allow the operator quicker use of common applications, such as the flashlight, camera and calculator. And, in case a female Siri was not to your liking, iOS 7 has capabilities for a male voice.
With all these changes, it may seem like the iPhone is totally redone; the new software a confusing unknown. Apple disagreed with this, instead saying the iOS 7 is “a subtle change that will become instantly familiar, adding to the experience to make it even better.”
Opinions on the new iOS software vary. Many members of the Bonaventure community are excited to learn all the workings and features, while others were content with the old software, believing the new to be unnecessary.
One student who is happy with the change is freshman Spanish major Michelle Vick. Vick has already spent time learning the new look and features.
“I am really pleased with the iOS 7 update,” she said. “I think it has a cleaner look. Apple is always trying to make things easier and more efficient, and the iOS 7 accomplishes this.”
She is also excited about many of the new features, saying many of the ones she’s seen are already proving useful.
“I am most excited about the ability to multitask,” Vick said. “I think this is very useful for a college student, especially when trying to reference something.”
One person who has not updated her iPhone is French professor Marion Blair. She recently bought her first iPhone, and does not believe the change is useful or necessary. Instead, she said she believes the change is an advertising trick by Apple to boost sales.
“I have not yet updated to the new iOS 7. I really feel it’s a manipulative move,” Blair said. “I am not generally paranoid or even cautious about my purchases, but with this one, I’m digging in my heels. That’s why I say no to the new processing system.”
Although she is not overjoyed about the new operating system, she said she is not unwilling to learn its workings. She owns other Apple products, and would be happier to learn the processing on one of those.
“I also have a MacBook and an iPad – both of which I love,” she said. “I will update the MacBook soon. Learning the new processes on the computer rather than a device will be easier for me. I will not, however, update my iPad. It’s an older iPad with only 2G of storage. The iOS 7 takes up a huge chunk of that. If I were to update it, there wouldn’t be enough room.”
According to Apple, iOS 7 is a success. The company had high expectations, and they believe iOS 7 is a clear representation of those goals. The company believes the iOS 7 is capable of defining a whole new direction for Apple.
