The Social Life: Phone feels just like new

Apple has released iOS7; the new update for its mobile devices.

It feels like I have a new phone. I went to bed last night with a cranky iPhone, sometimes slow to respond and the icons were looking a bit outdated.

This morning, my phone (and the work iPad) is more responsive, it has colourful, fancy-looking icons and, without having spent a cent, I can do so much more.

So what is it? In case you've not heard about it, Apple has released iOS7; the new update for its mobile devices.

It has been an update that has divided some Apple fans, with users either loving or hating it.

Apple says it's been designed to create an experience that was simpler, more useful and more enjoyable. And they have made it beautiful and crisp at the same time - at least that's my opinion. Not everyone would agree.

Mashable.com has a list of the 11 worst things about iOS, featuring unnecessary movement and battery issues. These include more battery suck (and if anyone else is like me, you already have to plug your phone in at least once during the day - I choose to recharge overnight).

There is also the pop-up note that tells you the cheap battery charger you bought isn't an authorised Apple product and won't work anymore.

But as there are those online reviewers who hate it, you equally find those who love it.

Theverge.com has listed some of the hidden features that it rates, including time-stamps on your message, custom vibration menu and searching with Siri.

In fact, Verge has listed 15 features you might not be aware that you have, as I said, it's a lot like having a new phone, but without the costly upgrade.

I tend to stick to versions of upgrades that I like - I'm forever putting off the upgrade of my iTunes to whatever double digit it is at now. I think I have iTunes 10 on the go, it took me too long to adjust to the upgrade the last time I let it do its thing that I don't want to jinx myself. Or maybe I will get a version I actually like?

That's the thing with technology, you can read as many reviews and talk to as many other people you know who have upgraded their systems, but until you take that leap and click update, you will never know if it will be a hit or a miss.

But then, new updates are always on the horizon so you won't have to wait forever and a day to change again.

Have you upgraded your settings? Let us know on facebook at www.facebook.com/RotoruaDailyPost