How to get the most out of iOS 4: a users’ guide

(Apple)

So you've sat down in front of your computer, plugged in your i-device and waited for the new software to install. What next? This guide will show you what to do and where to go for information about how to get the most out of the new software.

iOS 4, Apple's latest operating system (OS) for iPod and iPhone, (and soon to be released on the iPad) contains more than 100 new features. Among the most important for existing i-product users are folders, threaded mail, digital zoom, tap-to-focus video, creation of on-the-go playlists, face and place photo tagging and spell-checking.

Multitasking is also included, but requires an iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS to run (third party applications will also need to be updated to an iOS 4 version that supports multitasking).

If you haven't updated to iOS 4 yet, make sure you sync your device with iTunes before updating so you don't lose any vital information. You should set aside at least one and a half to two hours for the software download and installation process.

How to:
Use multitasking - when you launch an app that supports multitasking and switch to a second app, the first one will stay running in the background. To switch between the apps, press the home button twice. The applications you are running will appear in a "draw" at the bottom of the screen. Sliding to the right will reveal the iPod and screen lock icons, sliding to the left will show you any additional app icons you have running. To switch to a new app, click on its icon and it will take you right back to the place you were before you left it.

Create application folders - to create a folder hold down an app until they all "wiggle" then drag it on top of another application. To add additional apps to the file, just drag and drop them into the folder (you can hold up to 12 apps in one folder).

Use threaded mail - iOS 4 automatically organizes your mail into threaded conversations. When your inbox is open you will see a small number to the left of an email in gray if there is more than one email message linked to the "conversation." Clicking on the mail message will take you to a new window where all the messages in the conversation are listed. A second tap will take you to the email.

Change your home screen wallpaper - choose the photo you want to use from your library, tap on the arrow icon located at the bottom of the on the left, and choose "Use as Wallpaper." From there choose the "Set Home Screen" button.

Download an e-book with iBooks - you will first need to download the iBooks application from the App store (it's free). From inside the iBooks app, tap on "Store" at the top righthand side of the screen. You will then be able to navigate through the iBooks store in the same way you would in the Apps store. Once you've found a book you like, you can choose to "get sample" or to download it (you will have to sign in using your iTunes account info). Once downloaded, books will appear on your bookshelf in the iBooks app.

Use the digital zoom - when you open the camera app, you will now see a scrolling bar just above the gray bar at the bottom of the screen. To zoom in, drag the marker towards the plus sign, to zoom out drag it towards the minus sign.

Tap to focus when recording video - tap on the object or area you want to be in focus in the same way you would when using the camera application.

For more information about iOS 4, its various features and how to get the most out of the new OS visit these links:
Apple's iOS 4 Software Update page: http://www.apple.com/iphone/softwareupdate/
Apple's iOS 4 Software Update support page: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1058

IGN's guide to iOS 4: http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/110/1101203p1.html
Ars Technica's iOS 4 review: http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2010/06/ars-reviews-ios-4-whats-new-and-notable.ars
Mashable on iOS 4: http://mashable.com/2010/06/07/ios4-iphone/
Apple's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/apple?blend=1&ob=4

If you run into any problems with your installation or want some extra help, visit Apple's support forums here: http://www.apple.com/support/