14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released a new beta of iOS 5 alongside new versions of iTunes and Xcode to developers. Developers enrolled with the company’s $99-a-year program can download the goods freely through the company’s Developer channels.
Compatible with all iDevices that have been confirmed as iOS 5-supported, the new beta contains a ton of changes, according to those with early access to the build.
Developers are reporting that iOS 5 Beta 3 is faster and less buggy, according to Cultofmac.
Users will be getting new ringtones, a new icon for the Reminders app, a new Location Services screen at start-up, opening logo animation on iPhone 3GS, the ability to set custom text tones, new Location Services in Settings, a more reliable iTunes Sync, and more.
We’re leaving one key addition for last on purpose, as it’s arguably the most impressive new feature added to iOS 5 since the betas started rolling out.
We’re talking about a new Assistive Touch function (pictured left) that allows you to bring up a translucent menu on any page to access / toggle functions like Rotate Screen, Lock Screen, Volume Up, Volume Down, Shake, and Unlocked Restriction.
We’re hearing that this new feature works only on the iPad. It’s accessible from the tray just beneath the dock once the user double clicks the Home button.
As noted above, Apple also seeded Xcode 4.2 Preview 3 to developers. Xcode 4.1 has reached GM (Golden Master) status, and is being prepped for its final release in the Mac App Store.
A new beta of iTunes is being made available for download as well. All these apps needed to be updated individually in order to be compatible with the new iOS 5 beta and the various changes it features.
Developers can visit Apple here to log in with their developer ID and access the new software immediately.
