Apple releases iOS 5.1.1

iOS 5.1.1 was released today. It isn't a major upgrade, as it just is a bug fix release. Here's what it addresses:

• Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut
• Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks
• Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances
• Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List
• Fixes an issue where 'Unable to purchase' alert could be displayed after successful purchase

It also addresses three critical Safari vulnerabilities:

• A maliciously crafted website may be able to spoof the address in the location bar
• Visiting a maliciously crafted website may lead to a cross-site scripting attack
• Visiting a maliciously crafted website may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution

More information about this update can be found on Apple's website or on the security page for the iOS 5.1.1 update.

iOS 5.1

Along with the new iPad, iOS 5.1 was released today. It contains several improvements for iOS 5, including battery bug fixes, and Siri support for Japanese. iOS 5.1 has been in beta for a couple months now, so it's no surprise that Apple released iOS 5.1 with the new iPad. This is a milestone update, because it is the first update that iOS users can receive "over the air". iOS 5.1 will not require a computer to install, unlike all previous updates.

Other features of iOS 5.1 include:

•   Genius Mixes and playlist for subscribers of iTunes Match
•   Optimized audio for movie playback via the iPad
•   Podcast controls and 30-second rewind button for the iPad
•   Updated AT&T network indicator
•   A fix for audio dropping for outgoing calls