How does Spotlight Search in iOS 7 work?

Spotlight is the native search utility in iOS. Along with other key features of Apple’s mobile operating system, Spotlight search in iOS 7 has been redefined.

How to access Spotlight in iOS 7?

The chief distinction between Spotlight in iOS 7 and its predecessor in all earlier iOS versions is the way Spotlight search is accessed. To trigger Spotlight search in iOS 7, simply swipe your finger downwards by touching iPhone’s screen anywhere outside the dock and the extreme top.

What does Spotlight search for?

Spotlight in iOS 7 can be your best friend when looking for information on your iPhone. Data readily fed to Spotlight during search comes from:

• Applications
• Contacts
• Music
• Podcasts
• Videos
• Audiobooks
• Notes
• Events
• Mail
• Voice Memos
• Reminders
• Messages

UPDATE: as of iOS 7.0.3, Spotlight Search now includes the ability to search Wikipedia.

Search all your installed iOS apps with a period

This is a quick tip we learned from lifehacker. To list all installed apps on your iOS device simply invoke Spotlight Search and type in a period (“.”). You can now scroll through all apps you installed on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

How to change what Spotlight looks for?

If you are a secretive type and don’t usually lock your iPhone, don’t let Spotlight be your worst nightmare and choose what information Spotlight looks for. You can access Spotlight search display options under Settings > General > Spotlight search.

Spotlight search in iOS 7 remains iPhone’s best way to look for information and hunt for secrets
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source http://www.copytrans.net/blog/how-does-spotlight-search-in-ios-7-work/