Impressions of the new iOS7

I arrived back from a 2-week overseas trip and downloaded the new software while trying to put order back into my life and establish a routine AND unpack my case and organize my laundry. So resetting my phone with new software was perhaps not the best way to re-establish order and may influence my thoughts here, but I am going with my gut, and I am usually ok with that.

I am finding it hard to like the new changes.

I spend almost 12-14 hours daily working with my iPhone 5 and have gotten used to the “feel” of the operating system – I knew my way around, with hours of my time invested in its use.

But that changed with iOS7.

Sure it’s got a bunch of new features, many of them useful, like the torch in the up-swipe control center. But what a MASSIVE change! Every touch point! Even familiar apps ARE different, including their logos.

It’s like I woke up, and my best friend was switched, and while they may appear similar, they are not – it’s a different person.

I went onto the Apple site and reading through the blurb I felt I was in a meeting being pitched for my account by an advertising firm. Lots of touchy-feely messages, but I am not yet comfortable with much of what has changed.

Just to Google something and find the left swipe access to my search tool for the web and phone has gone (iPhone search only is now in the middle of the home page with a down swipe).

And when you do get into Safari to Google iOS7 to help you find your way around, it’s full of sites with “how to…” blogs, a clear sign that change for the sake of change and “clarity” have not been 100 percent successful.

In my work life, I was taught that managing change was a skill – people find change difficult, they mistrust change and cannot always understand why it’s necessary. I think I have just fallen into that camp.

I’ve lost my reader bar in Safari that lets you read web pages clearly, and I am feeling alienated and lost. I found this such a useful tool. If you find it, can you let me know how, too?