Not an entirely satisfactory iOS update, but could be worse
On the scale of 0 to 10 I'd rate this update
5 or so.
Here's why:
- No Swype / SwiftKey Flow -like input interface.
Ideally, I'd like a number of optional keyboards, incl. Swype / SwiftKey Flow & Fleksy, implemented on a system level. The user would be able to switch between these, if enabled, on the fly (from the drop-down menu / Notification Centre, for instance). The lack of a superior keyboard is my gripe # 1. I find hard to believe that Apple is [still] perfectly content with their 6-year old, alpha-stage keyboard tech! And no - flat, non-tactile surfaces aren't intended for stab-typing - capacitative touchscreens are most suitable for "swipetyping" is.
- This may be a hardware-centric issue, but why no 3G on/off toggle in the Notification Centre? After a few minutes of internet activity (other than mail, I suppose), most particularly, watching a YouTube video, the 3G signal will override WiFi connection, regardless of the proximity of the WiFi access point. One, obviously, shouldn't have to switch 3G off when near a WiFi to avoid this issue, but as things stand, one is compelled to do so (or to start the Mail.app to re-establish the WiFi connection). At any rate, I hope, this issue is resolved in iOS7: if so, a 3G toggle in the Notification Centre won't be necessary.
- I do like the font (Helvetica Neue Ultra Light). I like some of the GUI modifications in iOS7, as well. Some, but not all: certain visual elements appear to me like raw blueprints. Also, some icons (particularly, the black ones, such as that of the Compass and Stocks apps) are somewhat ugly. Lack of texture in the GUI doesn't strike as particularly polished, either. Mr. Ive may be one of the finest industrial designers in the world, but software visuals apparently aren't entirely his strong suit (at least, not in the same extent as hardware).
- Siri needs more languages: Dutch, Armenian, Russian
And - again - one should be able to switch between languages on the fly. Obviously, the Siri "enhancements" announced are no enhancements at all, much like with the current OS when introduced last year (who cares for redneck sports scores for goodness' sake!).
The extra security properties in iOS 7, the extended synergy between the iOS, iCloud & OS X, as well as a slew of trivial features I sure do appreciate.
As for OS X, I've much less to complain about the OS X Mavericks features. As much as I like the ridiculously expensive (but otherwise quite excellent) 1Password, the DefaultFolder X, the occasionally crashing (but so far free of charge, and very nice) XtraFinder (or TotalFinder / PathFinder / ForkLift), I am glad all of the features announced today will be natively incorporated into OS X. High time! The Maps app, improved Safari, enhanced Notifications & Calendar, iCloud KeyChain & performance-boosting features.
Now, who has the patience to wait till mid-Autumn?
