iOS 5 To Release On October 12th

 The much awaited iOS 5 will be available on October 12th. Users will be routed to download the free upgrade via a text message. The notifications feature is one of the 200 new additions featured in the upgrade. It will display notifications such as SMS, Tweets, and Facebook updates among other things on your Lock screen. Users can also view these notifications by sliding down the notification bar on the Home screen, just like it's done on the Android OS. For example, on receiving a new Tweet or a Facebook update, the notification bar will drop down momentarily without interfering with your full screen application.

Apple users no longer have to envy the BlackBerry Messenger as the iOS 5 will include iMessage. This is the first instant messaging service supporting the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. This service will allow the transfer of text, photos, and videos, in addition to delivery reports and message read status. iMessage will work on 3G as well as Wi-Fi connectivity.

Reminders is another feature to be added to the iOS 5. This service will let users keep a tab of all their important schedules, which will be delivered as pop-up notifications.

Twitter will be integrated into the OS, therefore one will not have to endure the trouble of downloading a separate app. Additionally, users will be able to directly tweet pictures and map locations on their Twitter account.

The update will enable users to quickly access their cameras by double-tapping on the Home button. The camera will include auto-focus, grid view for pictures, as well as pinch-to-zoom options.

Browsing options on iPad devices will also be revamped. Now users will finally be able to create new tabs in Safari. iOS 5 will be available for most iOS devices such as iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPad 2, and iPod Touch (3rd and 4th generation).