- Read our in-depth Android Jelly Bean review
iOS 7 brings in a raft of changes to the camera app. There isn't a whole load of changes deep down, these being limited more to photo effects; varying lens shapes and live photo filters giving you the Instagram look, without having to use the app. Elsewhere, the interface has become more swipe-friendly.
The Gallery app has also had a few tweaks, meaning that photo's are arranged by location, being titled 'moments'. Pinching to zoom will re-draw your library, highlighting days out or holidays. Pinching further shows an overview of the year's photos, complete with location tags.
Android's camera app is one that gets a lick of paint with each UI that is placed over the top. Also, with the incredible variation in Android devices, each camera is different, the HTC One being most notable for camera tech with UltraPixel and HTC Zoe, or there is Samsung with Burst Mode found on the Galaxy S3 or S4.
That said, there is an underlying theme that graces Android's camera and gallery app. Photo filters are common place, even the basic Android devices offer Sepia, Monochrome and Negative effects. Gallery apps are a little more varied, however most can pull down images from the cloud, from Picasa/Google+ web albums, with some going so far as Facebook albums too.
Being a unified OS across all devices, Windows Phone 8 camera settings are common. Pinch to zoom has been brought in, and the ability to take photos by tapping the screen making the app feel a little more natural. There is also the idea of 'lenses', that allow you to use camera tools that you have downloaded, rather than via a separate app.
BlackBerry was keen to show off their camera at the BB10 launch. The reason for this is something that the Canadians are terming 'Time Shift'. This is a nifty piece of tech that, if selected, allows you to go 'back in time' to find the perfect smile. It even works on multiple faces, however needs good lighting.
BB10's other features include standard scene and shooting modes, as well as the ability to use the volume keys as a shutter button.
Media, Apps and Storage
The original iPhone launch in 2007 put media on phones very much back in the spotlight. iOS7 continues that, given that it will be available on the 5th gen iPod Touch, as well as later iPad versions.
iOS 7 now incorporates your iCloud stored media, allowing you to see all your tracks in one place, with a wall of album art in Landscape mode adding a nice look to things.
The biggest revolution it brings is iTunes Radio, Apple's much rumoured and talked about music streaming service, previously dubbed iRadio. We are unable to comment on the exact release, with availability confirmed for 'this fall' in the US, with the rest of the world left waiting for news. We can say that there will be both a free (ad-funded) and premium service, though.
- Read our in-depth Windows Phone 8 review
As for apps, Apple's App Store is by far the most famous of all app stores/markets across all OS'. iOS7 brings in some updates, such as being able to search for apps based on age range, or the 'Apps near me' feature, which shows you the most popular apps in your location. Apps can also update in the background.
Storing all this media, and all your apps is done in true Apple fashion, with varying sizes of internal storage available. MicroSD is still unsupported, although we never expected, nor ever expect that to change.
Playing catch up in the media department, Google has launched its Play Books, Play Magazines, Play Movies and Play Music apps. Whilst nowhere near as popular as the iTunes version, media downloading is now a lot easier on Android devices.
