Apple has just seeded iOS 6.1.1 beta 1 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It is available for download now for developers registered on the iOS Dev Center.
The release of the Evasi0n jailbreak earlier this week proved there is still much to be said for the cat and mouse battle between Apple and those looking to exploit its firmware. No sooner, however, does the jailbreak emerge, than does the Cupertino begin to take steps to plug it, although it is not confirmed as yet on whether the just seeded 6.1.1 beta 1 patches the exploit used by Evasi0n.
Apple’s Maps app has been a slated ad nauseam in the blogosphere, and with very good reason, but following Tim Cook’s apology following the initial release of iOS 6, things have steadily improved. Much of Europe and the United States has seen improvement in the native mapping capabilities, and next on the agenda, it would seem, is Japan.
With iOS 6.1.1 beta 1, the Japanese iteration of Maps includes better pronunciation of roads when using the new turn-by-turn facility, improved optimization of directions which now shows bias of highways over narrow, oft dangerous country lanes, and will also notify drivers of upcoming ones when using turn-by-turn.
In addition, there are more labels for junctions, interchanges, on-ramps, off-ramps, and intersections, as well as indicators for transit station buildings, traffic lights and subway lines.
The icons system has also been given an overhaul, and although the beta won’t have much of an effect on those outside of Japan, the lucrative Asian market is one Apple is looking to corner over the next few years, with a major push towards the likes of Japan and China having been on Tim Cook’s favorite to-do list app for some time.
Although it perhaps goes without saying, you absolutely must avoid this release if you wish to continue using your jailbreak, or wish to jailbreak in the near future. Apple will undoubtedly take the opportunity to plug the userland exploits which made Evasi0n possible, so unless one of the trusted developers confirm it is safe to do so, all jailbreak fans must stick to iOS 6.1 or lower.
iOS 6.1.1 beta 1 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, is only accessible to those on Apple’s Developer program, and can be downloaded via the iOS Dev Center. And as always, don’t go downloading IPSWs of any betas from unmarked sources – Apple has a habit of coming down hard on individuals found to be doing so.
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