So I’ve been using the beta of iOS 7 for a few days now, and I have to say I’m impressed.  Let me just first start by saying that I understand that this is a beta version of the software, and I understand the risks of that.  Not everything is going to work as it’s supposed to, and while I’ll report some of the bugs I’ve found so far I am by no means complaining.  This has been one of the best “beta” versions of software I’ve ever used.

First and foremost, I love the new design.  I find it simple, easy to understand, and just very pleasing to use throughout the day.  To me, it just feels like a much more mature and professional design for this OS.  Sure, some of the icons still need some work (like the FaceTime app in my opinion), but those are things that Apple is continuing to work on and improve.  They are definitely headed in the right direction on all of these design fronts.

As you know however the improvements in iOS 7 are more than just eye candy, they’ve also made a lot of changes in functionality.  The Notification Center is much improved.  I really like that I can swipe down to open the Notification Center and easily see the current date, time, weather, and any appointments that I have for today.  The new “Control Panel” is also a much needed improvement.  This obviously reminds me of many of the control panels and toggle switches available on many Android phones.  But it is so convenient to have these controls at the tip of my fingers in iOS.  The overall improved functionality is something that I think most will enjoy.

Bugs

I understand that different phones will experience different bugs but here’s what I’ve found so far.  Sometimes the music controls don’t work on the lock screen or from the control panel.  I’ve mostly experienced this using Audible so it may just be a matter of them needing to update their app for the new OS.  The Ebay app doesn’t work and simply crashes on launch.  Poor battery life is a standard complaint with beta software and this iOS 7 beta is no exception.  I’ve experienced a few random reboot’s and the call quality seems to be worse than usual but that’s really about all that I can recall right now.  I haven’t experienced any of the lag that some others have reported but that might be hardware issues as I’m running this on an iPhone 5.

What are your thoughts?

So have you been one of the brave ones to try this new beta on for size?  What are your thoughts?  If not, what do you think of the design so far?  Tell me in the comments below.