WWDC was held in last June in San Francisco. There Apple introduced their net version of iOS which is iOS 6. It is major upgrade to core of OS and comes with many new features. They promoted it with the tagline “World’s most advanced Mobile operating system”. iOS came a long way with in 5 years setting many trends in Smartphone world and it’s under Notes of Genius Spotlight today.
Features Highlight
Maps
Due to various reasons such as limited API calls Apple decided to stop using Google maps anymore. Instead they developed their own version of Maps with better features. It’s having all the basic features such as 2D maps, Traffic details and turn by turn navigation with voice. The most interesting feature here is fly over mode. It’s giving photorealistic view of 3D buildings and I have never seen such in any other map application.
Apple stated that this Map application is developed in house from scratch. Geographic data they have used is purchased from TomTom, a very popular navigation device manufacture. In addition they have acquired map data from Open Street maps as well.
Siri
Siri is getting smarter down the time. Now she can launch applications as well. Further she is getting smarter and more human. Usage of location based data is improved and optimizing the response accordingly.
Facebook Integration
Previously there was no direct Facebook integration for iOS. Now you can enjoy seamless Facebook integration with iOS 6. You can enable synchronization for contact and event. Once you join an event it will be displayed in iPhone’s calendar. On configuration all Facebook contact will be displayed in iPhone’s contact list.
Phone
In a Smartphone, phone is just an application. Whenever you want to make a call you have to open it. In iOS 6 phone application is improved in several ways. Just think that you are receiving a call and you are busy. What you can do with new features is, you can send SMS or reject the call and tell the phone to remind later to call back.
There is a Do not disturb mode and once it enabled it won’t notify you for call or SMS. You can enable this in a given time or for given group of contacts.
Applications
There are several application comes in built with iOS 6 such as Passbook, Email, FaceTime and Safari Browser.
Passbook is letting you to store all your cards and other documents and get alerts when you can user them. On proper configuration you can get location based alert when you visit department store reminding you to use your customer loyalty card.
Email application is improved and now it’s letting you to attach video and images very easily. In addition there is a new feature called VIP inbox to categorize important emails. Entire emails you are getting and receiving will be sync with iCloud as usual.
FaceTime is now capable of utilizing mobile data connection to make video calls and send receive files during a conversation. Safari browser also tightly integrated with iCloud and having full screen landscape mode and offline reading.
Wrapping Up
iOS, the world most advanced mobile operating system according to Apples promotions, but I seriously doubt it. Yes, it was the most advanced mobile OS but not anymore. If you are an android user you must be enjoying almost all of the new features in iOS 6 for years. Only interesting thing you will find in iOS is Siri and its advanced voice recognition.
Even if you take a closer look in to new map application, it need lot more polishing up, specially for performance. When you are trying fly over view there is a huge lag. Further it’s not giving detailed maps of all countries like Google maps.
Personally I believe Apple should work harder to present some hot cake to their fans like they always did for last 4 years rather than introducing features which are already there in other products.
Tags: #Apple #iOS