Apple's iOS 6: What's New and What's Missing

As was the case with every iOS release before it, Apple is promising some fairly major enhancements and new features with iOS 6. iOS 5 was a major release in its own right, bringing Siri -- a voice-controlled assistant -- to the mix and yet again raising the bar in mobile operating systems. It also introduced a drop-down Notification shade, similar to that which was already a part of Android. But a year has come and gone, and at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco this past week, the veil was removed from iOS 6. The beta version actually became available for devs to download a few days ago, getting the new code into the hands of those that produce the apps in the jam-packed App Store.

Apple apparently has a thing for offering "200 new features" in their operating systems; iOS 6 seems to be following Mountain Lion in that regard. 200 tweaks may sound like a lot (and it is), but there are a few key additions, updates and changes with iOS 6 that deserve a closer look. Let's dive into the biggest upcoming changes that could have even Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone loyalists thinking twice about Apple's iPhone.

Apple and Google have been friction-filled partners for years, with Google's map data populating iOS throughout. But all of that changes with iOS 6. A Googlefied version of its mapping system will surely still be available in the App Store, but the default option will be one cooked up by Apple. Here's what you need to know:

• iOS 6 Maps uses TomTom mapping and traffic data
• Siri will hook into these maps, and turn-by-turn vehicle navigation is included for free
• Crowd-sourced information will enable traffic alerts to be near-real time
• No mass transit or walking options were listed in the beta
• No offline mode was talked about, though Google's Maps for iOS will include offline mapping in the coming weeks
• 3D "Flyover" maps will add a new dimension, but will only work on the iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and the new iPad; older models won't support the advanced graphics
• Maps will work even in the lock screen; perfect for use in car mounts

Facebook Integration

Just as Twitter became integrated into the fabric of iOS 5, Apple is doing likewise with Facebook in iOS 6. Everything you can do now with Twitter, you'll be able to do with Facebook as well in iOS 6. Sign-ins will be more seamless, Siri can handle status updates, and you'll be able to share a photo to Facebook right from the Camera or Photos apps. There's no Google+ integration in Android either so there's not reason to expect Apple to blaze that trail, especially since Apple is pulling other Google services out of iOS in favor of their solutions.

Enhanced FaceTime 

FaceTime will finally support video chatting over cellular networks with iOS 6. But be warned: these chats run through around 3MB per minute, which will murder your LTE data plan in short order. Just because it's possible doesn't mean it's advisable. 

New Phone Dialer Features - 

Yes, the dialer. Some people still use iPhones to call people -- crazy, right? Apple is adding some much needed calling features here -- stuff that has been on other platforms already. Now, when you decline an incoming call, you can reply with a text message or set a callback reminder. There's also a Do Not Disturb setting that'll bypass calls, except for those from callers you put on a VIP list.

Mail

Speaking of VIPs, your new inbox will have a VIP label that'll make sifting through messages easier. Of course, if you use Sparrow or Gmail, this is useless.

Safari

Talk about a good way to get people to actually use the Safari browser on the desktop. iCloud Tabs keeps track of which pages you have open on your devices, so you can start browsing on one device and pick up right where you left off on whatever device is handy. Safari now saves web pages — not just links — in your Reading List, so you can catch up on your reading even when you can’t connect to the Internet. 

Guided Access

Apple really doesn't get enough credit for this, but the company is working hard to bring iOS to those with disabilities. Guided Access helps students with disabilities 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, a screen reader technology for blind and low-vision users, is now integrated with Maps, AssistiveTouch, and Zoom. 

Posted in: Future Technology, Tech News