The new iOS 7, available September 18, is the most significant redesign to date of the iPhone and iPad operating system.

We've been reading up and trying it out (and redesigning our own app in the process). Here are seven awesome tips that will make your transition to iOS 7 a breeze.

The Notification Center has been redesigned and renamed Today View. Swipe down from the top center on any screen for an overview of today's date, weather forecast, reminders, and agenda.

Spotlight Search gives you instant access to the search box and keyboard--just swipe down from any home screen. You can quickly search email, contacts, messages, music, podcasts, and apps -- or customize your search settings from Settings > General > Spotlight Search.

In iOS 7 you still double-click the Home button for multitasking, but now you'll see a sleek preview screen above each app icon.

iOS 7 makes closing apps more efficient. No need to press and hold on an icon to get it to "wiggle," and then tap the x for a force quit -- simply swipe up over an app preview to close it and keep things running smoothly.

To access Apple's new Control Center in iOS 7, swipe up from the center bottom on any screen.

From here you have quick access to:
- Camera
- Music and volume controls
- Brightness controls
- Timer
- Airplane Mode
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- AirPlay
- Do Not Disturb
- Lock Orientation

When Apple launched their Maps app in iOS 6, you could set the volume of voiced directions, choose miles or kilometers, and set map labels to Always English or not. With iOS 7, you can also specify whether you'd like Driving or Walking directions by default in Settings > Maps > Preferred Directions.

You can now set panoramas as your lock screen image *and* your wallpaper.

Your panoramic image will display in full size. Tilt your device to see the whole image dynamically move across the screen.

Go to Settings > Wallpapers & Brightness > Choose Wallpaper.

Just when we thought Siri couldn't get any better, it's now possible to ask Siri to toggle all your device settings and more. If you ask her to turn on Wi-Fi or open your Facebook app, Siri will make it happen!

And it doesn't just stop there. If you want to go deeper into the Settings app and into your Mail settings, for example, it will take you to that exact section.

More great tips and information about the new iOS 7 here:

http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/ios-7-tips-and-tricks-a-simple-guide...

http://www.cultofmac.com/234551/six-surprising-tips-tricks-for-ios-7-beta/#...

{Make your own cool Haiku Deck by downloading the free iPad app, completely redesigned for iOS 7, here: http://www.appstore.com/haikudeck.}