iOS 7 is packed with a whole lot of hidden
features and new tricks that enables you to make the most out of your iOS 7
devices, and in some cases bring back a taste of some of your favorite iOS 6
features. Belo are some hidden features you can try:
Use FaceTime Audio Calls to Save Money
iOS 7 now allows you to make audio-only
FaceTime calls by simply tapping the phone icon instead of the video icon in
the FaceTime app. You can make FaceTime Audio calls from your iPhone, iPad, and
iPod touch, essentially turning the iPad and iPod touch into a phone.
Furthermore, FaceTime Audio calls use Wi-Fi or Cellular Data (LTE or 3G), which
allows you to save money especially when you use it for international calls.
Close Multiple Apps at the Same Time Through
Multitasking
With the new iOS 7, you can see all the apps
that you have recently used and it allows you to see what is happening inside
an app. In addition, you can quit running apps by tapping the Home button twice
and swiping the app you want to quit upwards. Not only that, you can also quit
multiple apps using multiple fingers all at the same time.
Block Calls and Messages
In some instances, there will be a need for
you to block certain individuals from contacting you. Blocking a contact is now possible with your iOS 7. All you need to do is go to Contacts, then scroll down to the contact you want to
block, and then tap Block This Caller to refuse incoming calls, messages (SMS and
MMS), and FaceTime calls.
Zoom While Shooting Video
Another hidden iOS 7 camera feature is for
video recording, which iPhone 5 users can benefit from. You can now zoom in on
your subject while recording a video with a pinch to zoom gesture. To do this,
pinch on the video while recording or while setting up your shot.
NOTE: This hidden
feature is not available to iPhone 4s and later, as well as on iPad.
Actual Clock on the Clock Icon
The Clock app on the new iOS 7 is now an
actual clock with a working second hand and not just a static icon.
Message TimeStamp
With the new iOS 7, you can now see the exact
time a message has been sent and received by swiping the screen from right to
left.
Delete Messages in Thread
Deleting the entire message thread is straight
forward. All you have to do is go to the Messages app, tap Edit and select the thread you want to delete.
However, deleting individual messages within the thread is not possible until
iOS 7 came about.
To delete individual messages within a thread,
go to the Messages app, then open the message thread, and then
tap and hold a message until you see the option More. Mark the messages you want to delete, and
then tap the small Trash Can icon at the bottom left of your screen.
Use Night Mode in Apple Maps
The iPhone screen glow can be nearly blinding
especially when you are driving late at night as you try to use the Maps app.
With the new iOS 7, it displays a darker interface at certain times, which is
much more pleasing to the eyes when navigating at night.
Access .com Key
One of the things most people miss after
upgrading to iOS 7 is the absence of the .com key inside Safari. But do not fret, you can
still access the .com key by simply pressing and holding the . (period) key, which will display .com,.net, .org, .us, and .edu keys.
Peek at the Message and Mail List
You can take a peek at the message list by
slightly swiping to the right whether you are checking your email on the Mail
app or viewing a conversation in iMessage.
Swipe to Go Back to Almost Anywhere
In previous iOS versions, you will need to tap
on the back icon or tap in the upper left to go back in Settings and Apple apps. Now with the new iOS 7, all
you have to do is swipe in from the left edge of the screen.
This swipe gesture works in iMessages, Settings, Notes and many other apps. When used in Safari, it
will go back a page and will go forward a page when swiped in the opposite
direction.
Swipe Up to Hide Notifications
When you receive a new notification, you can
swipe to the right to open the appropriate app, or swipe up to hide the
notification.
Use Compass as a Level
The Compass app can be used as a level tool. Just launch
the app to display the familiar dots at the bottom of the screen that indicates
a second screen. Swipe from right to left to display the spirit level.
Make Text Size Easier to Read
The new skinnier font in iOS 7 can be very
difficult to read for some people. Because of this, Apple has added the Dynamic
Type mode that will make the text larger and easier to read on supported apps.
To adjust the setting, go to Settings>General>Text Size. Adjust the text size by moving the slider to
your preference. You may also go to Settings>General>Accessibility, then toggle Bold Text to turn it on to make the font bold.
NOTE: Not all apps
support the Dynamic Type mode.
Shake to Undo Deleting Email
If you are using the default Mail app to check your emails, it is now easy to
restore accidentally deleted emails by simply shaking the iPhone right after
deleting the message. This gesture will bring back the email to your Inbox.
This hidden feature is similar to the Shake to Undo typing option to clear out
what you have typed in the text box.
Create Custom Vibrations for Contacts
With the new iOS 7, you can now create a
custom vibration for your contacts that can be used for phone calls and
messages. This is a handy feature to help you identify the caller or sender of
the message without having to take out your phone, especially if it is in Silent
mode.
To create custom vibrations, go to Settings>Sounds>Ringtone>Vibration>Custom>Create New Vibration then follow the on-screen instructions.
Teach Siri a Lesson
The new iOS 7 allows you to correct Siri's
pronunciation by simply saying "Siri that's not how you pronounce
that." Siri will then ask you to say it again to better pronounce the
word.
Control Your iOS Device Through Head Gestures
iOS 7 can use the front-facing camera to
detect head movements to control your device.
To control your iOS device through head
gestures, go to Settings>General>Accessibility. Toggle Switch
Control to
on, then tap Switches to add physical gestures to control your iOS
device.
Create Calendar Events Within the Messages App
With iOS 7, you can now create a calendar
event while in Messages app. Just tap on the underlined text within
the message and select Create Event.
