iMessage

Since its debut in 2011 with iOS 5, Apple's iMessage has been a convenient way to message other iOS device users (and only other iOS device users). It allows for unlimited free messaging via Wi-Fi and has additional features such as read receipts. This is all well and good unless you decide to switch to a non-iOS phone, at which point messages start getting lost in the system.

The iMessage system works by intercepting text messages, identifying the recipient (via phone number) and determining whether or not their device operates on iOS. If so, the text is re-routed through Apple's servers and sent as an MMS rather than as a standard SMS through the wireless carrier. The problem arises when someone

iOS 7 changed the way names appear in Messages and the Mail app. First it only displays the first name of a contact in a conversation thread. This can be annoying for users who have more than one person with the same first name listed in their Contacts. You can restore the use of full names by navigating to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Short Name. From here you can disable Short Names by toggling the slider, or you can choose one of the other three options: First Name & Last Initial, First Initial & Last Name, Last Name Only.

iOS 7 also sometimes displays the nickname listed on a user's contact card. Most people gave themselves nicknames when Siri and the iPhone 4s were originally launched. If you told Siri to call you something ridiculous you may want to change your nickname by opening the Contacts app and locating your info. You can then tap Edit and change or remove your nickname.

Apple has acknowledged a bug in iOS 7 that is causing some people to have problems with their iMessage app. Users have been reporting that they are unable to send messages, or are being forced to send messages twice. Others are receiving an alert after a message has been sent using the app.

“We are aware of an issue that affects a fraction of a percent of our iMessage users, and we will have a fix available in an upcoming software update,” Apple said in a statement. “In the meantime, we encourage any users having problems to reference our troubleshooting documents or contact AppleCare to help resolve their issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes impacted users.”

iMessage Spam, we all get it, and we all think it is annoying. Luckily Apple is tired of it too, and has established a way for iPhone users to report it. iPhone owners can now take a screenshot of unwanted spam, and email them to imessage.spam@icloud.com. You must include the full email address or phone number of the spammer, and the date and time that you received the message. It's unknown what Apple plans to do with the information, but hopefully they're planning to do something to slow down the amount of iMessage spam iPhone owners receive.

Apple is also adding the ability to block unwanted callers with iOS 7. Users will be able to add specific contacts to a "Block Contact" list after the new firmware is released. Previously you needed a jailbroken device to block unwanted calls.

Developers keep discovering more and more new features in the iOS 7 beta everyday. Here are few new discoveries since Apple released the third beta on July 8th.

Previously iOS users could only make video calls while using FaceTime, but Apple has added the ability to have audio-only voice chats when using the video conferencing feature. To make an audio call using FaceTime, just locate and tap the person's name you want to contact, then tap the new telephone icon to place the call. You will be able to perform other tasks like muting the microphone or switching to a video chat once the call is connected.