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Apple releases iOS 9.3 beta 1 to public: Night Shift, multi-user mode for iPad

The new beta can intelligently schedule blue light display reduction and brings multiple account support to iPads in classrooms.
Written by Kevin Tofel, Contributor

Those that want a cutting edge look at Apple's latest iOS software can start their downloads: Apple released the first public beta of iOS 9.3 for iPhones and iPads on Thursday.

Developers got a bit of a head start as they gained access to the new software earlier this week.

Aside from adding a way to track cellular data usage through the iOS Wi-Fi assist feature, Apple has added a number of other changes to its mobile software platform. One notable feature is specific to iPads and aimed at the education market: iOS 9.3 brings the multi-user account access to Apple's tablet.

Also in the new release is what Apple calls Night Shift.

It reduces blue light exposure at the appropriate times based on your location around the world if you choose to enable the scheduling feature. As day becomes night, Night Shift shifts the display color to a warmer shade. You can also manually reduce the blue light levels.

Amazon introduced a similar feature for its devices prior and the 2014 Asus MemoPad 7 tablet I recently bought also has this in what was originally called "Reading Mode" but is now dubbed "Bluelight Filter."

IOS NightShift.jpg

Version 9.3 brings some enhancements to Apple's CarPlay platform, Apple News personalization, the ability to secure Notes through the Touch ID sensor and improvements to the Health app.

I've already installed beta 1 of iOS 9.3 on my iPad Pro without a hitch but I'll dig around and see if there are any other features or hidden gems in the new software.

If you've already signed up for the iOS beta program, you should see the software update available on your device. Want in and haven't signed up yet? You can do so on Apple site.

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