iOS 11 is coming, clear road!(6)

Other notes
The new one-handed keyboard mode could easily be my favorite new feature of iOS 11 and could make me reconsider my choice to stick with the non-Plus iPhone.

The new "smart invert" is a nicer version of the "dark mode" Apple introduced in iOS 10. It inverts colors in the display while preserving images and media files. At least in theory — so far this only seems to be the case in Apple's stock apps, though this will no doubt be ironed out in subsequent releases.

The new Wi-Fi sharing feature means you can let guests onto your network without giving out your password.

As someone who's always hated the Notification Center, I like the more minimalist approach in iOS 11. The ugly pull-down tray with days of redundant notifications is finally gone. Now, swiping down from the top activates your lock screen, where you can view recent push notifications (the "today" screen with your widgets is still one swipe over as it was in iOS 10).

A new SOS feature allows you to easily call 911 (or your local emergency services number) without opening the phone app or asking Siri.

The new QR code-scanning feature in the Camera app is super fast and easy. And, with QR codes suddenly en vogue again, you'll likely be using this more than you think.

And Siri has a new and improved voice — one that's supposed to sound more natural. I didn't find the new voice to be vastly different, but it's definitely noticeable.

A win for getting things done

While still far from perfect, the first public beta for iOS 11 proves that Apple can still make significant improvements without drastically changing the look and feel of iOS.

The emphasis on improving everyday actions — like typing, joining a Wi-Fi network, or jumping into your settings — makes the whole operating system feel smoother and easier to use. Likewise, the improved Notes app, Markup features and storage optimizations are additions that feel like they should have always been a part of iOS.

Each one of these on their own may not seem like a big feature, but taken as a whole, the update makes you feel like you might actually be able to use your phone for real work — not just basic tasks, like messaging.

The end

Content and pictures from:http://mashable.com/2017/06/26/ios-11-public-beta-preview-iphone/