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This article was originally posted June 6, 2011, and updated on October 4, 2011.
Apple has unveiled the next iPhoneat long last, and with it comes iOS 5, which we first learned of in June. We got demos of 10 of the 200 additions and enhancements, including the hotly anticipated over-the-air system updates, new message notifications, and group messaging. The iOS 5 update rolls out on October 12.
Deep voice integration through the Siri app (beta) was revealed at the iPhone 4S launch event today. This is the deep voice integration we expected, and in addition to handling text composition and replies, reminders, and meeting requests, it also reaches for a more conversational tone in its voice search. Questions like, “Do I need an umbrella today?” yields results like, “Yes, it sure looks like rain.” A new icon of a microphone will soon join the virtual keyboard.
While all the new features bring happy tidings for Apple fans, many have already existed on Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone operating systems. That’s not necessary a knock on Apple; all the platforms eventually ape each other’s best features, and remember how long it took Apple to enable copy/paste on its original iPhone? What it does reveal is that Android, and even Windows Phone and BlackBerry, are applying real pressure.
Here’s a look at how some of Apple’s major iOS 5 updates line up with those on rival mobile platforms. We’ve included dates and the names of Apple’s new features when available.
| Apple iOS 5 | Android | Windows Phone | BlackBerry OS | |
| Grouped notifications | Notification Center | Notifications pull-down (2008) | Live tile updates (2010) | Notification icons on home screen |
| Group, multimedia messaging (free within ecosystem) | iMessage | Standard messaging; third-party apps (Kik, GroupMe) | Standard messaging; third-party apps | BlackBerry Messenger 5 (2009) |
| Twitter sharing, integration | iOS 5, October 2011 | Sharing an original Android feature; status updates via apps | Coming with Mango update in fall | Twitter photo-sharing available |
| Over-the-air updates | iOS 5, October 2011 | Original feature (2008) | Original feature (2010) | BlackBerry OS 5 (2009) |
| Magazine, RSS subscriptions | Newsstand | Third-party apps | Third-party apps | Third-party apps |
| Reminders lists | iOS 5,October 2011; includes geolocation | Third-party apps | Third-party apps | Third-party apps |
| Browser reading mode | iOS 5, October 2011 | Third-party apps | Third-party apps | Third-party apps |
| Rich text formatting | Mail app | Third-party apps | Office documents | Third-party apps |
| Camera shortcut on a locked phone | iOS 5, October 2011 | HTC Sensation, Pantech Breakout have a Lock screen shortcut | Hold and press shutter from sleep position (Pocket-to-picture; 2010) | Must wake up phone |
| Games recommendations, see achievements | Game Center | Not available | Xbox Live (Achievements; 2010); enhancements with Mango | Not available |
| Voice controls | Siri | Voice actions; third-party apps | Original feature (2010); expanded in Mango September 2011 | Third-party app |
