Apple has released iOS 7.1, the first major update to its mobile operation system. The new iOS 7.1 software features a number of major changes including new CarPlay feature, user interface refinements, bug fixes and more. iPhone 4 users will enjoy improved responsiveness and performance; and the accuracy of the TouchID fingerprint scanner has also been improved for iPhone 5S users.
The CarPlay is available on select new cars in 2014, it features Siri voice control and is specially designed for driving scenarios. It lets drivers control features like navigation, the phone, music and messages using Siri voice control, an in-car touchscreen display, and the usual buttons and knobs built into cars.
Other upgrades include an additional way to activate Siri. You can now hold down the Home button and start speaking, letting go when you're done bossing it around. Without the upgrade, you must wait for Siri to detect when you are done speaking.
The update is available for iOS device owners with an iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina display, iPad mini, iPad (third and fourth generations), iPad 2, and iPad touch (fifth generation).
To download iOS 7.1, users can head to their Settings app, tap "General" and then "Software Update." They can also connect their compatible iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices to iTunes, and upgrade by selecting the "Check for Upgrade" button in their device's summary window. Or, users can download the software bundle (.IPSW) files from Apple's website for offline installations.
Apple has patched up the jailbreak exploit with the iOS 7.1 update, users of jailbroken iPhones are advised to stay away from the update because once you update to iOS 7.1, you can't downgrade it again. Currently iOS 7.1 is not supported by any jailbreak software and the development team behind the jailbreak claims that their might just focus on a jailbreak for iOS 8 instead of iOS 7.1.
The iOS updates on iTunes would also include the Restore feature, restoring your jailbroken iPhone will delete the jailbreak and update it to iOS 7.1. If you want to know how to restore your phone without losing the jailbreak, Gottamemobile has some good tips for you.
