Leaked iOS 5.1 Update Reveals New Features

The next iOS5.1 update that’s rumored to happen around March 9^th (give or take a few days) will have some new capabilities as found out via BlogdoiPhone, a Portuguese-language blog that got their hands on a Pre GM build of the upcoming update. (GM refers to the “Golden Master” version of the software that’s typically the final production version). They’ve discovered that the camera will have more functionality from a locked screen and instead of having to double-tap the home screen, you’ll be able to access your camera easier so that you don’t have to lose precious time to get those spontaneous, impromptu pictures.

But in the update, the camera icon is there at all times, but instead of a button, it’s a slider. This new way is supposed to be quicker than the existing solution, which actually requires the Camera app to be launched. There’s also updates to Siri, who will now speak Japanese. Apple has been providing developers with version of iOS 5.1 beta for a while now, with the last release being January 9th. Many think Apple is waiting to  launch the new iOS 5.1 when they announce the new iPad, which is expected to be on March 7th.