iOS 5 beta 3 brings many hidden changes

The release of iOS 5 beta 3 has brought a large number of superficially hidden but significant extras. The new release finally lets users set a custom sound for an SMS, whether from Apple's presets or custom sounds. The feature has been common to most phone platforms but wasn't an official option until now.

Location rights have also been given a higher priority in the new test version. Anyone setting up a device for the first time can disable location services entirely during setup. Delving into settings now lets users turn off even OS-level features that use location to target their services, such as triangulating the cellular network, diagnostics, and traffic in Maps. Apple's control over iAds also lets users turn off localized ads when they appear.

The Assistive Touch feature has also been given a new control panel feature to help those who need access to basic phone controls without having to use the home button or navigate either the task switcher or the settings menus. Tapping a customizable hot corner brings up an overlay with a high-contrast, black and white interface for things such as volume or even shaking the device.

It's now possible to turn off voice call roaming separately from data for those who want to have Internet access but not incur phone call costs.

Other additions include a direct link to the iTunes Store from the music app when browsing, moving all videos over to the Videos app, finer-grained Safari control that includes cookie deletion and a more advanced menu, and the option of adding a new mailbox from within Mail instead of creating it from the desktop or a server. Performance as a whole has improved and suggests Apple is getting closer to a final release. [via It's All Tech and Mac Rumors]

By Electronista Staff