Apple recently announced iOS 6, the latest update to their iOS software. This update saw many new features in excess of 200 (although some minor). We have got our hands on our developer copy of this and have been trawling through the many features that have been shared. And I have to say we are impressed.
The following are our top features:-
New Maps App
One of the biggest feature in iOS 6 is that apple have disposed of there support of Google maps in favor of there own open source maps. This also features a new fly over mode which allows you to flyover the maps as if in your own private air worthy vehicle. Some of the major cities and landmarks have been rendered in full 3D so you can fly around the Sydney opera house and take in the sites of apples campus at Cupertino should you wish. Although flying over our office is less exciting as it is not yet (please apple!) rendered in 3D. One thing that has been removed is the ability to do street view, as this was a Google feature.
Turn by turn Navigation
This is one feature we have been waiting a while for, Apple now uses turn by turn voice commands for directions through there maps app, this feature is powered by Tom-tom the industry leaders on maps and traffic information. This also provides users with realtime traffic updates as you drive. Apple uses all of their iOS devices to track the flow of traffic and gathers this info and passes onto users. Users can also report problems such as road works and traffic accidents. Although many people have a satnav already, having this in the palm of your hands is great. Now I just need to find a dock for my car.
Facetime over 3G
Facetime over Wi-Fi is great, whether its calling your friends, family or colleagues it’s always great to see the person you are actually speaking to.
Facetime over 3G is fantastic, now with iOS 6 you can show people what you are seeing. I’m sure at some point we have all phoned someone who we know while at a gig or festival, when a song is on that they know or love. Now we can actually show them what we are seeing and hearing in real-time so they can soak up the atmosphere and immerse themselves in the action. With the recent announcement from Three that they are offering Unlimited data in the EU for £5 a day http://www.techweekeurope.co.uk/news/three-unlimited-data-eu-82271, Facetime will be used more than ever over 3G.
Passbook
Passbook is your coupons, tickets, gift cards and much more. This new app allows app developers to integrate their apps with passbook and have all your much-needed coupons in one place. We see this as being useful to many of our retail clients with location and time based events. Got a voucher? This will pop up on the lock screen when you enter the shop or at a certain time. The possibilities for this integration are endless. Your iOS 6 device is nearly taking over the job of your wallet, and one day maybe it will.
What are your thoughts on iOS 6 update? are you looking forward to getting your hands on it? And can you see yourself using passbook in the future?
