The latest operating system upgrade from Apple adds some exciting new features for iPhone users. The last major update let us create folders for our apps and multi tasking. While the changes on this next iteration of the iOS may not be as big as the last one, there are some interesting ones to note. Here in this post I’m going to break down several key features I found interesting in the latest operating system update.

iMessage

iOS 5 users can now communicate with the new iMessage service. Think of it like an internal message system. When messaging through this platform, messages exchanged won’t count against your text message limits. You can send text, photos, videos, locations and contacts. You can start a conversation on your iPad and then finish it later on your iPhone too.

Notification Center

It was always annoying to have all of these icons on your home screen (or folders) with little numbers next to them. Now the new iOS has gotten rid of that in favor of a notification bar. Similar to the one found on the Android, this bar at the top of the phone will keep all of your alerts (such as missed calls, text messages and game updates) all in one place.

Camera

One thing that always bothered me about the iPhone camera was how long it took to take a picture. I had to first turn on the phone, then slide the bar across, then tap the camera icon and then finally tap the onscreen icon to take a picture. By the time I went through all that the moment had passed. Well, you won’t miss memories anymore after this iOS5 update. You can open up the camera app directly from the lock screen. Then just press the volume-up button to snap your shot.

Computer

Previously you needed to have a computer to own an iPhone. That was the only way to set up the new device. Now you can activate and set up your new iPhone 5 without first connecting it to a computer. Not only that, but you can get all the latest software updates wirelessly as well.

Wifi Sync

You can now wirelessly sync your iPhone to your computer via wi-fi. When you connect your iPhone to a power source it will automatically sync new content to iTunes.

Other updates

There were also improvements made to the Safari browser, photo editing capabilities, as well as various email and calendar improvements. Twitter integration is now built-in, so you can update your status from many of the native apps without needing to first open a Twitter app. The Newsstands app, similar to iBooks, takes care of your magazine subscriptions.

This has been a guest post on behalf of Allstream IT services.