At their special media event, Apple today has announced the final availability iOS 6. Having first been given the once-over at WWDC ’12, Apple has presented us with a full-on showcase of its brand-new mobile operating system, known as iOS 6. As well as the features we’ve already seen, there were other new and exciting implementations on show, and here, we take a moment to sum up some of the most exciting of them.
Scott Forstall, Apple’s Senior Vice President of iOS, was on-hand as usual to deliver the news, and rounding up features old and new, here’s a roundup of iOS 6.
Passbook
First seen at WWDC, Passbook is exclusive to the iPhone and iPod touch, acting as a one-stop for all of your vouchers and coupons. Having a pocket full of shredded paper is never an organized way to live, and even if you like to keep things tidily in a wallet or purse, Passbook’s digital nature will ensure you never lose another important pass or ticket again.
As well as keeping everything safe, utilizing them will be a lot simpler. For example, when entering an airport, checking in with Passbook will be a matter of tapping the screen as opposed to queuing and partaking in the tedious waiting game. Moreover, if your flight is delayed or gate changed, Passbook will recognize this and notify you accordingly, so not only is your data safely digitized, but it’s more informative and useful than a paper ticket ever could be.
Siri
With iOS 6, Siri learns a number of new tricks. You can now use to Siri to check for latest sports updates, movies running in the theatres nearby, ability to tweet on Twitter, update Facebook status and lots more. Siri is now also supported on the third-generation iPad.
New Maps
One of the earliest implementations revealed of iOS 6 was the new, in-house Maps feature from Apple, and with 3D mapping and turn-by-turn directions available optionally, it’s no wonder Apple has been hasty in removing Google’s reliable Maps offering from iOS finally.
Facebook Integration
Facebook is the world’s number one social network, and following on from the Twitter integration with iOS 5, Zuck’s company has finally gotten its own intertwined system within the makeup of iOS 6. If you’ve familiarized yourself with the Twitter integration then this is pretty standard stuff, and you’ll find day-to-day tasks like updating your status or logging in to be stress-free and simple.
Safari iCloud Tabs
Apple has put a great portion of its resources into plugging and improving iCloud, and although Apple’s service is already pivotal to a handful of apps, iCloud is certainly at the heartbeat of iOS 6.
Among a slew of iCloud-based new features, Safari now has iCloud Tabs, allowing you to begin browsing sites on one iDevice (or indeed, a Mac), and continue on another iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac.
Revamped Calling System
Apple has finally realized that not everybody wants to answer every received call, but iOS 6 has amended the entire structure. Now, if you’re not in the mood to talk, you needn’t just decline, since you can reply with an SMS, or simply create yourself a call-back prompt for later on in the day.
Additionally, the Do Not Disturb option means you can enjoy using your device uninterrupted, and if you so wish, you can easily whitelist some contacts exempt from the rules.
Other features:
- VIP Mail
- Guided Access
- Photo Stream Sharing
- Redesigned Stores
- Support for Baidu Search
Availability
iOS 6 will be available for all the supported devices: iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 5/4, iPad 3, iPad 2, and Apple TV – on September 19th. A GM seed has been released on the developer portal. Download iOS 6 GM from here.
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