The Wait is finally over. Apple has revealed the features of iOS 6 with a tentative fall release. The World’s most advanced mobile and tablet operating system just got better. I will cover up all the major features, most of which we had already reported in the past few days.
Maps
Apple has said bye-bye to Google and is debuting its own Maps App in the iOS 6. The App has been completely redesigned using a vector-based engine which keeps the ext crisp, graphics clear, and panning and zooming smooth and responsive. What it means is you get fluid user-experience. What the previous Maps app missed was turn by turn voice navigation. Apple has answered the prayers and in trademark Apple style. As the user approaches a turn, Map speaks the direction so that he can concentrate on the road ahead and also the screen turns into a 3D perspective of the road ahead. The App is smart enough calculate the duration of the journey and uses clear and large arrows to show the correct direction. While turning the arrows change their direction to show which way to go and in the event of a wrong turn, the app automatically reroutes itself. Remarkably the app also provides details on traffic, that too in real-time so that you know whats creating the huge jam.
With Siri now being introduced in the New iPad along with iPhone 4s, you can now simply ask Siri for a particular address. It automatically opens the Maps App and gives the direction. The FlyOver feature lets you enjoy high-resolution aerial pictures of all the landmarks in a city. You can pinch,zoom and rotate the pictures as well.
Facebook Integration
This would bring a big smile on the faces of all those who love to stay connected with their friends and family via world’s most powerful social networking tool – Facebook. After Twitter, Apple has done a really great job with integrating Facebook deep into the iOS. Users can now directly upload their Photos and Videos right from the Photos App without ever leaving the app. It also allows users to post their scores and achievements right from GameCenter. The most neat of all additions is that you can now ask Siri to post ‘Whats on your mind’.
Facebook also integrates Friends Profile into the Contacts App. So now whenever anyone updates their email address or phone number it automatically gets updated in Contacts. Also you will never forget any birthdays or any event you wanted to attend. All the friends birthdays or any Facebook event you are attending will be stored in the Calender App automatically. Facebook integration can be found even in the different stores.You can now directly ‘like’ any app in the AppStore or any song in the iTunesStore and also what your friends have liked and commented. We definitely ‘Like’ this.
Shared Photo-Stream
Till now you could only upload your Photos in iCloud and it would appear on all your iDevices. But with iOS 6 you can share your select photos with your friends directly. Simply choose the photos in the CameraRoll and select the contacts and it will on their respective iDevice using iCloud on iOS 6 or their Mac using Mountain Lion immediately.For those who don’t have and iDevice can view the like and comment on the images on the Web. The photos don’t take the iCloud Storage and also works both over Wi-fi and Cellular Data.
PassBook
The best management tool for all your passes such as Boarding pass, Movie tickets coupons etc is now right in your Pocket, Yes PassBook lets you scan your iPhone or iPod touch to check in for a flight, get into a movie, and redeem a coupon.
Passbook automatically displays your passes on your Lock Screen based on a specific time or location, so when you walk into your favorite coffee shop your loyalty card appears and you can scan it to buy a coffee or check your balance. Passbook can even alert you to last-minute gate changes or flight delays at the airport.
FaceTime Breaks Free
FaceTime is a great way to communicate with friends. But it was always limited to Wi-fi connectivity. This stopped many of us from being able to call some one special and share the event as it is happening due to non-availability of Wi-fi network. But iOS 6 lets you break free. You can now call anyone from anywhere using your Cellular Netwok. What more iPad users can use their data sim number to make FaceTime calls. It just keeps getting better and better.
Siri – More responsive , more information and on more DEVICES
Yes , the worlds best mobile assistant is no more a iPhone 4s exclusive. iOS 6 will also let the New iPad users ask about restaurants, movies, weather, directions and even make Facebook updates in more languages than ever. iOS 6 now includes language support for English, French, German and Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese
Upgraded Phone App
The Phone app has also been updated in iOS 6. Now when you decline an incoming call, the phone gives you an option to instantly reply with a text message or an iMessage. You can also choose from a range of presets. Moreover you can set a callback reminder which might be time-based or location-based.
Do Not Disturb is a great new feature which keeps the world from disturbing you when you are in the middle of something important, but lets those who matter to you get in touch with you. Its suppresses all incoming calls and notifications when turned on but allows your favourite contacts or specific contact group to call you.
Accessibility
iOS 6 comes with even more features to make it easier for people with vision, hearing, learning, and mobility disabilities to get the most from their iOS devices. Guided Access helps students with disabilities such as autism remain on task and focused on content. It allows a parent, teacher, or administrator to limit an iOS device to one app by disabling the Home button, as well as restrict touch input on certain areas of the screen. VoiceOver, the revolutionary screen reader for blind and low-vision users, is now integrated with Maps, AssistiveTouch, and Zoom. And Apple is working with top manufacturers to introduce Made for iPhone hearing aids that will deliver a power-efficient, high-quality digital audio experience.
Mail, Safari and other features
Mail has been streamlined and lets you create a VIP list to reduce chances of missing an important mail. It also lets you easily mail you photos and videos.
iOS 6 redefines how browsing can be done on a mobile and tablet OS. iCloudTab keeps a tab on the webpages open so that you can start browsing on whichever device which is available from the point you left. Moreover Reading list is also enhanced and it now saves the whole Web Page instead of links and lets you read the content even when offline. Safari also lets you choose photos and videos right from the CameraRoll without ever leaving Safari while posting on eBay or Craigslist etc.
Find My iPhone and Find My Friend do what their names suggest. Find my Phone lets you remotely lock your phone and erase all data on your lost or stolen phone.Immediately lock your missing iPhone with a four-digit pass code and send it a message displaying a contact number. That way a good Samaritan can call you from your Lock screen without accessing the rest of the information on your iPhone. And while in Lost mode, your device will keep track of where it’s been and report back to you any time you check in with the Find My iPhone app.
Find My Friend lets you post your location and also check out where your friends are at. All the contacts appear on a map so you know exactly where a person is.
Remodeled Stores
OS 6 brings a new kind of shopping experience to the redesigned iTunes Store, App Store, and iBookstore. See the best of what’s new in music, movies, TV shows, apps, and books at the top of each store’s home page. Browse with a swipe of your finger and tap to learn more. Keep track of the music, movies, and TV shows you previewed by tapping the History button, and when you’re ready, tap Buy to add something to your collection. With iCloud, your preview history is always up to date on all your devices. So you can start shopping on your iPhone and continue on your iPad. And now you can buy your favorite music, apps, and more without leaving the app you’re in.
So folks that was a cover-up of the major features iOS 6 has to offer. Let us know your favorite addition in the comment section. Also do let us know if you believe Apple could have introduced any other feature.