Apple has started rolling out the latest software update to its iPhones, iPads and iPod touch devices and added a slew of new features that users will find helpful. There are now a new set of emoji to depict more diverse characters, professions and expressions along with significant improvements to existing features.
Apple has also followed the Narendra Modi government's mandate to add an emergency SOS feature in all smartphones and tablets by rolling out the SOS or panic button option in the latest iOS 10.2 update. This will allow people to make emergency calls to 112 simply by pressing the power buttons for a set number of times.
Starting January 1, 2017, India will make 112 as the new single emergency number. Following the update, iOS device owners can personalise SOS settings by navigating into the phone's settings. Also, the update will automatically save 112 in your phone's directory as distress number, but you can also add other numbers as emergency contacts from the Health app.
While this feature is exclusively available for Indian users, there are several other features meant for the rest of the world. The new set of emoji characters is one of the biggest highlights of iOS 10.2, welcoming new expressions like face palm, shrug and fingers crossed; new professions like scientist, teacher and firefighter and more to represent sports, food and animals. A total of over 100 new Unicode 9.0 emojis have been added.
Apple also made another exclusive update to users of iOS devices in the US. The company's recently announced TV app is updated to show recommendations for new movies and TV shows in Watch Now, new apps in iTunes, integrated access to the Library and updated Up Next to show the content you're currently watching and pick up where you left off.
In addition to all this, Apple also updated its Camera app to preserve the last setting you used to shoot and re-launch the app with the same. Finally, the company's HomeKit accessories such as window coverings, motion, smoke, carbon monoxide and water leak sensors get notification support.
As usual, Apple has squashed several bugs that altered the performance of certain apps such as Messages, Music, News, Mail, Bluetooth, FaceTime, Safari, Siri, VoiceOver and Switch Control.
How to download and install iOS 10.2 on iPhones, iPads and iPod touch devices?
Apple has rolled out the iOS 10.2 update over-the-air, which means it doesn't get any simpler. Make sure you are connected to a secure Wi-Fi network. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install the latest firmware.
Users can also update via PC using iTunes. Ensure the device is backed up before the upgrade and has at least 50 percent battery charge left. The software is available only for iPhone 5, iPad 4th generation and iPod touch 6th generation and succeeding devices.
