iOS 7.1 Released with Home Screen Crash Fix, CarPlay Support and Touch ID Improvements [DOWNLOAD LINKS]

iOS 7.1 can now be installed via OTA or manually using direct download links

Apple has just rolled out the highly-anticipated iOS 7.1 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with a host of user interface tweaks, a fix for home screen crashes, support for the new CarPlay platform as well as a handful of Touch ID improvements.

In addition, iOS 7.1 introduces manual control for Siri voice commands as well as fixes a bug which intermittently crashed the home screen and resulted in random reboot issues.

Siri is now enhanced with a new feature that enables the use of the home button to manually activate or deactivate it. Just hold down the home button to activate Apple's voice controlled personal assistant and release it once you have finished speaking.

Another key feature of the improved Siri are "more natural sounding" voices for Chinese, UK English, Australian English and Japanese.

The new CarPlay feature enables the user to control the phone, music, maps, messages and third-party audio apps via the in-built systems of compatible cars.

iOS 7.1 adds minor updates to iTunes Radio, Calendar and Accessibility, as well as a few fine tweaks to the user interface. iPhone 5s gets new automatic HDR capability, while the iPhone 4 enjoys snappier performance with this new iOS upgrade.

Those who wish to gain the benefits of iOS 7.1 upgrade can do so by downloading the same via OTA or manually using the appropriate download links given below:

iOS 7.1 Download IPSW Links

How to Install iOS 7.1 on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch via OTA

To install this update via over-the-air (OTA), select Software Update under General section of iOS settings or connect the device to iTunes via Mac or Windows PC.

For more information on how to install iOS 7.1 on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, check our detailed step-by-step guide posted here.

iOS 7.1 Changelog

Here is the complete changelog for iOS 7.1 release from Apple:

CarPlay

iOS experience designed for the car
Simply connect your iPhone to a CarPlay enabled vehicle
Supports Phone, Music, Maps, Messages, and 3rd-party audio apps
Control with Siri and the car's touchscreen, knobs, and buttons

Siri

Manually control when Siri listens by holding down the home button while you speak and releasing it when you're done as an alternative to letting Siri automatically notice when you stop talking
New, more natural sounding male and female voices for Mandarin Chinese, UK English, Australian English, and Japanese

iTunes Radio

Search field above Featured Stations to easily create stations based on your favorite artist or song
Buy albums with the tap of a button from Now Playing
Subscribe to iTunes Match on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to enjoy iTunes Radio ad-free

Calendar

iOS 7.1 Released with Home Screen Crash Fix, CarPlay Support and Touch ID Improvements [VIDEO]

Option to display events in month view
Country specific holidays automatically added for many countries

Accessibility

Bold font option now includes the keyboard, calculator, and many icon glyphs
Reduce Motion option now includes Weather, Messages, and multitasking UI animations
New options to display button shapes, darken app colors, and reduce white point

Other

New Camera setting to automatically enable HDR for iPhone 5s
iCloud Keychain support in additional countries
FaceTime call notifications are automatically cleared when you answer a call on another device
Fixes a bug that could occasionally cause a home screen crash
Improves Touch ID fingerprint recognition
Improved performance for iPhone 4
Fixes display of Mail unread badge for numbers greater than 10,000
Continued user interface refinements

Check out the iOS 7.1 feature availability by country/region listed here.

For further information about the newly introduced features and changes in iOS 7.1, check the demo video below (courtesy of iDownloadBlog):