On Monday, Apple released iOS 5.1.1, the latest iOS update since 5.1 which brought a number of bug fixes and battery life fix for the iPhone 4S. The latest free software update is only an incremental upgrade and as expected, brings a number of bug fixes and performance enhancements for the iPhone, iPad, and the iPod touch. The exact details of the update from the Apple website are as follows:

This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

• Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut
• Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks
• Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances
• Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List
• Fixes an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

Perhaps one of the biggest bugs in iOS that was fixed by this update was the bug that prevented the iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks, which could cause either the user to experience very slow data speeds or would force them to shut off 3G and turn it back on in order to bring the network back up.

It’s interesting to note that Apple picks up on minor bugs in iOS and pushes out fixes as quickly as they do. This is likely why iOS is one of more stable mobile operating systems out on the market, tightly controlled by Apple’s ecosystem and managed very well. iOS 5.1.1 is now available and can be downloaded via iTunes or the OTA (Over The Air) feature on all iOS devices running iOS 5 or later.

{via iMore}

Apple announced the future of iOS today with iOS 5, introducing the biggest part, a revamped notification system, the biggest change to the OS since iOS 3. The new system is called Notification Center and is accessed similar to Android when swiped down from the top of the screen.

Notification Center aggregates all the notifications in one spot and allows for easy access to all at one time instead of clicking each one individually. This is the first Pull Down menus we have seen in iOS and could be included to a number of features throughout. Notifications are also now on the lock screen, allowing easy access to calendar events as well as missed phone calls. Apple, aside from the major change of notifications has introduced Newsstand which allows newspapers and books to be found in one place. Other features in iOS 5 are:

Twitter Integration

Twitter integrates (as rumored) within iOS which tweets messages and you location through iOS. Integrated with many apps, including Camera and Photos. Just tap the action button, hit “Tweet” and it’s attached. This is done through Single sign-on. Simply, go into Settings, add in your details, and you’re configured for Twitter. These details are saved and can be used with any application.

Safari in iOS 5

Safari now has Reader capability, allowing for newspapers and articles to be read in a clutter free view. Apple also introduced something called Reading List, (basically InstaPaper), which allows articles to be saved for reading later and across devices. Other features include:

• Tabbed browsing
• Twitter integration (as do all other apps)
• Reminders (lists of things, assign a reminder to any dates, and you can even assign a location)

Camera Updates

• Camera button on lock screen for easy access
• Volume up button allows picture taking
• pinch-to-zoom as well as hold and tap exposure
• Photo editing directly on device (You can crop, rotate, reduce red-eye, and you can do a one click enhance)

Mail Updates

• Rich-text formatting, indentation control, draggable addresses (from To: to Cc: or Bcc:), flagging so you can mark them as unread, and now you can search the entire contents of messages.
• S/MIME is being added for added security
• built-in dictionary (also a service across iOS)
• New keyboard (grab it with thumbs and the keyboard splits in two

PC Free

A computer is no longer necessary for syncing the device. It can be set up directly, when turned on, the screen displays a welcome message, allowing setup and activation right on the device.

iMessage

New messaging service for all iOS users, regardless of device and features delivery receipts, read receipts, and real-time typing notification (which is pushed to all of your devices)
– Allows access to photo albums
– Sends notification when message arrives

AirPlay

AirPlay mirroring, letting you mirror your entire iPad right to the TV — wirelessly.

Apple is allowing developers to receive a seed for the SDK, today and briefly talked about device compatibility. Basically, any device from the iPhone 3GS on will work on iOS 5. iOS 5 will be released to users this coming Fall, possibly after the release of new hardware for the iPhone iPod touch and iPad.

{Image: Engadget}

Creator of Instapaper, Marco Arment said he wouldn’t call the new feature a competitor to his service until it syncs with iOS devices. With Instapaper’s big draw being its ability to stay in sync across multiple platforms, this was a reasonable statement to make. Problem is, that cross-platform syncing is now part of Reading List too.

A tipster has told 9to5Mac that Macs running the latest developer preview of Lion does actually sync with iOS’ Mobile Safari thanks to MobileMe bookmark syncing and, presumably, bookmark syncing through iTunes.

Using the new developer preview of Lion and an iPad the tipster discovered a new bookmark folder labelled Com.Apple.ReadingList. Inside are the contents of, you guessed it, Safari’s Reading List on the Mac.

What this means for Instapaper in the long run remains to be seen, though Arment has recently begun adding a social element to the service, presumably to stave off any competition that would arrive.

He probably didn’t expect it to come from Apple, or via Safari.