14 DAY TRIAL // A new iOS 7.1 beta is available for download, and already developers are signaling some visible changes in the new build, including a new voice for Siri.
People with access to the latest iOS 7.1 beta are reporting several changes in the UI department, including more prominent sliders (Slide to Unlock / Slide to Power Off), slower animations, “bouncier” scrolling in Messages, and a different way to add a contact when entering a phone number.
Currently, iOS 7 lets you add someone new to your Address Book by typing in the number and then tapping “Add to Contacts.” iOS 7.1 Beta 4 changes all that by adding a small + (plus) sign next to the number.
It remains to be seen whether this option is more intuitive than the previous method, but one immediate benefit is already visible: the screen has less clutter when adding a new number.
A new Siri voice is available for UK customers, according to developers.
iOS 7.1 seems mainly focused on visual tweaks, rather than bug fixes or new feature additions. As predicted, iOS 7’s complete redesign has been hard to stomach for some users, prompting Apple to re-tweak the interface.
One major problem is the inconsistency of icon placement throughout the OS, while some users are having problems distinguishing the functions behind some buttons.
Apple is likely to include more visual tweaks in the following betas, as it prepares to launch the final version of the software in March. Two more betas are scheduled to roll out until then.
Developers with a paid subscription can download iOS 7.1 Beta 4 (Build 11D5134c) from the iOS Dev Center immediately. Apple also released a new Xcode beta and a new Apple TV Software beta for testing AirPlay.