iOS 5 preview

iOS 5.0 was announced in Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) 2011. Surprisingly for the first time, no new iPhone hardware is being announced in WWDC. To me, I believe it's due to the Japan's disruption that may have changed Apple's plans in introducing a new iPhone. Oh well, no one will know except for the Steve Jobs.

iOS 5 will be available in the fall of 2011 (September to November 2011). iOS 5 will be available on the same devices as iOS 4. Below is the summary of some of the key new features of iOS 5:

1. Central Notification Centre
   All notifications in one place. Swipe down from the top of the screen to enter Notification Centre. The notifications will also appear in the lock screen.
   
   
2. iMessage
   Free WhatsApp, but it only works for Apple devices. However, it seems that it only works in 3G and Wifi, not 2.5G.
   
   
3. NewsStand
   iBooks for magazine and newspapers app subscriptions
   
   
4. Reminders
   Finally a To-do list for the iPhone. Not only does it have due dates, it also tracks the location. For example, you may want to trigger a reminder when you leave a certain location.
   
   
5. Twitter directly from Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube, or Maps
   
   
6. Camera
   Use your camera directly from the lock screen, using your volume-up button to snap a photo. Use also grid lines, pinch-to-zoom gestures, and single-tap focus and exposure locks to compose a picture on the fly.
   
   
7. Enhanced in-built photo enhancements
   Crop, rotate, enhance, and remove red-eye without leaving the Photos app
   
   
8. Safari Reader and Reading List
   Safari Reader displays web articles sans ads or clutter so you can read without distractions. Reading List lets you save interesting articles to peruse later
   
   
9. Independence for all iOS devices
   You no longer need a computer to own an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Activate and set up your device wirelessly, right out of the box with iCloud.
   
   
10. Format your text in your Mail
    
11. Year view on iPad and Week view on iPhone and iPod touch in your Calendar
    
12. Wi-Fi Sync
    Wirelessly sync your iOS device to your Mac or PC's iTunes over a shared Wi-Fi connection
    
13. Multi-tasking gestures for iPadUsing four or five fingers, swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar, pinch to return to the Home screen, and swipe left or right to switch between apps.

Anyway, it's also not clear what features are not available on the iPhone 3GS. My only gripe. Why the multi-tasking gestures for iPad are not available for the iPhone? :(