I Feel Substantially Underwhelmed by iOS 5

[Blues003]

If you watch the keynote, you would see many of them. They put up a couple of slides near the end of the OS X and iOS5 presentations showing other new features and APIs that they were not able to go over in the limited time they had to present. I really don't feel like going through the video and finding them and then attaching it here but maybe someone else will.

I would also note that they do this at pretty much every OS presentation too for the past few years at least. There's a slide showing a bunch of new features in different text sizes that they did not get around to discussing.

I am not saying there are not other features. There are a lot of features already found. If you read my post carefully you'll even see I mentioned a few.

However, as I said, UI Customization is a big one. If it existed, it's VERY likely Apple would've talked about it. I mean, seriously: A camera button in the lockscreen? Do you think that gave more "WOW" in a Keynote than a hypothetical explanation of UI customization? They sure showed off wallpapers in the iOS 4 keynote.

So yes, I find it reasonable to assume that there will be no UI customization. As do many others. If you have any sort of concrete information otherwise - as you seemed so sure of yourself in the first reply you had -, then please spread it. I'd enjoy reading it, and as already said, I'd thank you and apologize to the MR community.


EDIT (to reply to your edit and the following post): Yes, I have read the other topic. And I have also seen the picture posted after you. See any UI customization in there?

 

[Brother Esau]

well, after having iOS-5 installed for 3 days I am back on 4.3.3

As much as I enjoy my iPhone I do believe that I will probably be switching to Open Source for my Smart Phone vs staying with iPhone as the freedom of choice is pretty much non existant on the iPhone and is rapidly diminishing completely where you will have absolutely no choice or choices left at all.

Also I see this iCloud feature as a serious security risk and major security concern! I do not need to be spoon fed nor do I need to have back ups performed for me. I choose to be directly involved and in complete control of what goes on with my personal data in my life and I most certainly don't want my data hanging out in cloud storage with the possibility of it ever being accessed without my direct consent or knowledge!

Sorry, but I do believe it is time to jump ship off of the Apple band wagon because I do not feel that a computer should be a set it and forget it device such as a microwave. I am quite sure the majority will have no problems giving up their personal freedoms and liberties in the name of convenience and in order to remain ignorant on the subject of computer science but for me personally I am not willing to grant anyone access to my personal data for the sake of laziness or simplicity.

I have 4 - 2TB Drives Running in Raid 6 on my Areca 1231 Raid Controller Backing up all of my Data on my Server at my house and a Raid 1 Array Making Backups of my Raid 6 Array so as you can see I have no need what so ever for Cloud Storage and the plethora of Security Risks involved in using such.

 

[newagemac]

Here you go...

Image

Yep, that's it. The actual keynote video itself shows more of the new features than that pic shows though. And I think there were two slides with one showing the new features and one showing the new APIs.

 

[El3ctronics]

Yep, that's it. The actual keynote video itself shows more of the new features than that pic shows though. And I think there were two slides with one showing the new features and one showing the new APIs.

No, the other slide you're thinking about (below) is actually talking about the new developer tools. That's where the "customize UI" is found...not on the front end for users.

 

[newagemac]

I am not saying there are not other features. There are a lot of features already found. If you read my post carefully you'll even see I mentioned a few.

However, as I said, UI Customization is a big one. If it existed, it's VERY likely Apple would've talked about it. I mean, seriously: A camera button in the lockscreen? Do you think that gave more "WOW" in a Keynote than a hypothetical explanation of UI customization? They sure showed off wallpapers in the iOS 4 keynote.

So yes, I find it reasonable to assume that there will be no UI customization. As do many others. If you have any sort of concrete information otherwise - as you seemed so sure of yourself in the first reply you had -, then please spread it. I'd enjoy reading it, and as already said, I'd thank you and apologize to the MR community.


EDIT (to reply to your edit and the following post): Yes, I have read the other topic. And I have also seen the picture posted after you. See any UI customization in there?

Since you are apparently too lazy to watch the keynote yourself, here it is. In the top left corner it says Customize UI but we don't really know what that is because they didn't talk about it. Nor did they talk about many of the other things you see in those screens. But anyone can clearly see even from the limited two little slides they put up that the other 190 new features aren't nearly as "insignificant" as you claim. And it doesn't take a developer to understand that.

 

[xAnthony]

Delete-

 

[newagemac]

And let me clarify something else for you. They actually added 1500 new APIs in iOS5. You may not understand the significance of that but developers do. Those APIs are what makes the apps in the iOS App Store so superior to what you find in Android's Marketplace. The Apps themselves are what are most important to end users. Not some skin for kids to play around with that actually does nothing. If you are looking for Apple to get rid of its industry leading UI "just because" then you might need to go find a different OS that puts "level of boredomeness" above usability, productivity, and design.

The iPhone did not become popular because it was a new way of different things. It became popular because it was a better way of doing things. Think about that difference for a second whenever you think they need to change something just because you are bored with how it looks. There is a significant difference there.

This is why Apple will probably never change the "grid of icons" which is what most people are referring to when they say they are bored with how it looks. I have the apps on my home screen that I use regularly. Please explain a faster, more productive way to access those apps than having the icon for the app directly accessible. I'll be waiting to hear. And if you can come up with a faster way, I think Apple will be interested in hearing as well.

 

[kasakka]

Those who are underwhelmed, what exactly were you hoping for? To me iOS5 seems great. It adds a bunch of useful apps, it fixes the notification issue and adds many little things.

To me operating systems should be something that let you do things without getting in the way. iOS has a good operating paradigm for phones, but IMO they could improve the experience on the iPad.

 

[iFiend]

Since you are apparently too lazy to watch the keynote yourself, here it is. In the top left corner it says Customize UI but we don't really know what that is because they didn't talk about it. Nor did they talk about many of the other things you see in those screens. But anyone can clearly see even from the limited two little slides they put up that the other 190 new features aren't nearly as "insignificant" as you claim. And it doesn't take a developer to understand that.

I do not see anything in either picture that mentions UI customization

 

[-LikesMac-]

Well...let me say something.

iOS is unique compared to Android or WP7 because it runs on smartphone (iPhone), tablet/pad (iPad), and normal media player (iPod Touch). The other 2 OSes aren't nearly as prevalent on all 3 (maybe Android has its tablets but...)

The UI Apple has right now is simply the easiest to use. I also find the UI to be the best looking.

Lots of customers (non-techies) too use iOS. If there was a radical redesign, a lot of people may be alienated from iOS. Of course, that isn't to say that iOS still can get a lot more features.

I don't think Apple has trouble with getting certain features in at all.
There shouldn't be change just for the sake of change.

 

[Grimes]

Those who are underwhelmed, what exactly were you hoping for? To me iOS5 seems great. It adds a bunch of useful apps, it fixes the notification issue and adds many little things.

To me operating systems should be something that let you do things without getting in the way. iOS has a good operating paradigm for phones, but IMO they could improve the experience on the iPad.

Agreed. Great stuff for the iPhone. And also agree with the sentiment on the iPad, seems like they could have done more to improve the tablet experience. The split keyboard is very nice, and a welcomed addition, but to me, iOS is heavily geared towards the phone market.

 

[El3ctronics]

I do not see anything in either picture that mentions UI customization

Look again for "Customize UI"...it's kind of like playing "Where's Waldo"

 

[xAnthony]

I'm amazed at how the 3GS is still supported. A two year old device and now it's going to feel like it's brand new. That is quite amazing if you think about it. I originally ran it on iOS 3... Then handed it down when the iPhone 4 came out. A family member used iOS 4 perfectly on it, and now they're going to have the brand new iOS 5 on it in a few months. Now that is an investment, and that's why Android never stood a chance against Apple. Sure the Android devices may be faster and have more features, but what Android OS still supports a 2 year old device? Usually their phones become obsolete after a few months.

That is just something I love to see.

 

[jmack549]

From my actual use of iOS 5? Read some of the threads in the forums here regarding the new iOS 5 features, and you'll see other users talking about the battery hit as well. Hopefully it's addressed before going final, but I'd think that Apple would have at least thought it out before even developing the feature.

My point was that you said constant tracking will kill your battery in 5-6 hours MAX. I stated that my phone DOES track me contstantly and my battery lasts all day easily. Also, for the record, I also have iOS 5 and the reminders haven't killed my battery any faster than normal (possibly because I'm already being tracked constantly anyways).

 

[iFiend]

Look again for "Customize UI"...it's kind of like playing "Where's Waldo"

Ha I'm a dummy.

Correct me if I am wrong but I think that shot is from the Lion preview, not the iOS 5 preview, because it mentions storyboarding.

 

[Fugue]

Although I am a bit underwhelmed, I understand Apple's position. If they radically change iOS maybe casual users (most people) might be a bit intimidated by it. iOS is simple, which is why a lot of people buy the iPhone. They don't care about notifications.

That been said, I do wish iOS 5 was a bit more than its current state.

With all this in min, however, I will still NEVER go back to Android. The Android Flea Market is a barren wasteland.

 

[El3ctronics]

Ha I'm a dummy.

Correct me if I am wrong but I think that shot is from the Lion preview, not the iOS 5 preview, because it mentions storyboarding.

Nope that's for the new developer tools in iOS 5.

 

[chris975d]

My point was that you said constant tracking will kill your battery in 5-6 hours MAX. I stated that my phone DOES track me contstantly and my battery lasts all day easily. Also, for the record, I also have iOS 5 and the reminders haven't killed my battery any faster than normal (possibly because I'm already being tracked constantly anyways).

That makes sense. You're already using constant tracking, so that's your reference point for battery life. I've never ran any constant location aware app, so it's dramatically cut into my battery life. iOS 5 is already hitting my battery quite hard (again, it's a beta, so I expect bugs). But with my typical usage, even on iOS 4.x, I'm recharging my iPhone 4 (at about 20% remaining) by 3-4PM each workday anyway. So I'm quite hard on a battery. With the location aware Reminders, I'm extremely lucky to make it to lunch-1:00PM before needing to find an outlet (my typical workday starts at 5:30AM).

 

[BigDukeSix]

There is still plenty of time for Apple to work out all the issues with IOs 5 prior to its offical release. It seems like everything thinks the beta version is the final version. Not true...

 

[El3ctronics]

There is still plenty of time for Apple to work out all the issues with IOs 5 prior to its offical release. It seems like everything thinks the beta version is the final version. Not true...

Nobody in this thread is talking about the bugs or issues with iOS5 beta. We're discussing the underwhelming amount of changes and new features. As I said in my initial post, there most likely won't be any substantial new features added to this version of iOS aside from wireless syncing.

 

[DDustiNN]

I see a lot of mention about status bar icons for notifications...

Guys/gals... PLEASE report this to Apple via their Bug Reporting site! That's the only way they will know about it.

I have already created a thread here (https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1166946/) and I saw another one as well. I also created a thread on the official Apple Devleoper forum.

I also agree with another poster about how notifications don't appear on the lockscreen if you ignore them when receiving when the phone is on. And why don't Calendar events show up as notifications??? That is one of my most-wanted features!

LET THEM KNOW!!

 

[El3ctronics]

I see a lot of mention about status bar icons for notifications...

Guys/gals... PLEASE report this to Apple via their Bug Reporting site! That's the only way they will know about it.

I have already created a thread here (https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1166946/) and I saw another one as well. I also created a thread on the official Apple Devleoper forum.

I also agree with another poster about how notifications don't appear on the lockscreen if you ignore them when receiving when the phone is on. And why don't Calendar events show up as notifications??? That is one of my most-wanted features!

LET THEM KNOW!!

Already done

 

[Jagardn]

well, after having iOS-5 installed for 3 days I am back on 4.3.3

As much as I enjoy my iPhone I do believe that I will probably be switching to Open Source for my Smart Phone vs staying with iPhone as the freedom of choice is pretty much non existant on the iPhone and is rapidly diminishing completely where you will have absolutely no choice or choices left at all.

Also I see this iCloud feature as a serious security risk and major security concern! I do not need to be spoon fed nor do I need to have back ups performed for me. I choose to be directly involved and in complete control of what goes on with my personal data in my life and I most certainly don't want my data hanging out in cloud storage with the possibility of it ever being accessed without my direct consent or knowledge!

Sorry, but I do believe it is time to jump ship off of the Apple band wagon because I do not feel that a computer should be a set it and forget it device such as a microwave. I am quite sure the majority will have no problems giving up their personal freedoms and liberties in the name of convenience and in order to remain ignorant on the subject of computer science but for me personally I am not willing to grant anyone access to my personal data for the sake of laziness or simplicity.

I have 4 - 2TB Drives Running in Raid 6 on my Areca 1231 Raid Controller Backing up all of my Data on my Server at my house and a Raid 1 Array Making Backups of my Raid 6 Array so as you can see I have no need what so ever for Cloud Storage and the plethora of Security Risks involved in using such.

To each his own, I am an Electronics Engineer and deal with Linux and Windows machines on a daily basis. When it comes to my personal electronics its all Mac, besides a Linux server with RAID. I love the fact that I don't have to think about doing things, they just happen, I'd rather have it that way provided they work well. Not to say I don't do my own backups with rsync scripts.

You don't have to use iCloud, you can turn it off. If your so worried about privacy, you should not even be using a smart phone. All of your Android info will sync to Google, and personally, I'm not putting Banking information in my multimedia that will be on the cloud. I could really care if someone hacks in and gets a few pictures I took with my iphone, I got nothing to hide.

By the sounds of your background, you probably tinkered with jailbreaking at some point.Talk about security risks, Jailbreaking and rooting are the biggest security risk you could ever do on any OS. You are allowing code that some other developer worked on to have administrative access to ALL information on your phone, and every piece of data that goes in/out of it. I have been a Linux user for years now, and I lock my devices down as tight as possible, giving root access to anyone else for anything in my opinion is a BAD idea.

 

[whtrbt7]

iOS5 was always meant to be an incremental upgrade. I think the changes that Apple has made to the newest iOS has been a pretty big step since notifications, iMessage, Twitter integration, Safari rework (it's more like chrome now eh? ), and PC Free features are changing the way people work with iOS in a very big way. I know that for me, I like to work on iOS for 90% of my computing needs. This makes PC Free, Notifications, and iMessage a really easy transition for me since I don't need to tether to a laptop all the time. Now that even Photos got a rework to be a little more iPhoto-like, I don't need 3rd party photo editing applications on the iPad or iPhone in order to do simple picture tweaks. For the general user out there, these are really major OS tweaks. For me, I know that I'll end up saving time using the new features so I'm not overwhelmed by all the changes but at the same time, I think the most necessary tweaks got tweaked while all the newest features for mobile computing are on Android which I think is fine for testing until iOS is ready for the changes.

 

[BlindMellon]

Since you are apparently too lazy to watch the keynote yourself, here it is. In the top left corner it says Customize UI but we don't really know what that is because they didn't talk about it. Nor did they talk about many of the other things you see in those screens. But anyone can clearly see even from the limited two little slides they put up that the other 190 new features aren't nearly as "insignificant" as you claim. And it doesn't take a developer to understand that.

Good points. I would say, though, that iOS5 at this point seems dull. Apple could really blow us out of the water, later though. "customizable UI" seems like themes to me and very exciting.

At this point, though, it seems iOS5 was released (and demo'd) a tad early. Seems like they got a late start on it's development to only muster up "10" things...