iOS 6 announced

[haven]

Here's an outline of the new iOS 6 for iPhones and tablets.

announced at Apple's World Wide Developers Conference 11 June 2012

coming late Summer 2012 [Update: available September 19, no charge)

iOS6 will run on
-- iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S
-- iPad 2 and current iPad
-- 4th generation iPod Touch

new features:

Apple Maps app replaces Google Maps
-- new effort, not OpenStreetMaps
-- turn by turn navigation
-- uses crowd-sourced real time updates to identify traffic problems
-- suggests new routes when a problem is detected
-- integration w/ Siri for local search
-- Flyover 3D model of cities

Issues with Apple Maps
-- offline maps not available at release
-- nothing like Google's Street View
-- no transit maps, no biking or walking directions

Siri updated
-- better local search, sports, Yelp, movie reviews
-- Siri now OK to run on 2nd and 3rd generation iPads

Facebook integrated into iOS and Apple apps
-- like, share from within the apps
-- Birthdays, phone numbers and contact info will be integrated in iOS apps
…..e.g., birthdays of your Facebook "friends" will appear in your iPhone calendar
…..(there better be a way to turn this off!)

FaceTime video conferencing permitted on 3G cell networks

Passbook app
-- today, organize tickets, coupons, store gift cards and credits
-- likely tomorrow, mobile payments

Do Not Disturb feature silences push notifications
-- white list for continued notification from specified accounts

new Eyes Free partnerships with auto manufacturers
-- will add button on steering wheel that activates Siri for voice command
-- Audi, BMW, Honda, Land Rover, Toyota, Honda are participating
-- Ford is sticking with Microsoft

not iOS, but new: second iPad Smart Case model, covering both sides of the iPad

[Honu]

Why did they have to ruin it with facebook integration !

[nwoods]

Why did they have to ruin it with facebook integration !

Lol, it's not like you need to use it! My iOS has something called "twitter " listed in many of the collaboration menus. I've never clicked on it.

[Honu]

I know but still any integration usually causes some headaches !!!

I hope they do have ways to for sure turn off all parts !! last thing I want are all my old high school peoples info in my address book !!! if I wanted them in it I would put them in it

[haven]

Here's a table that shows what features of iOS 6 will run on which devices.

Note that the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 will NOT get the turn by turn navigation or the Facetime over 3G, while the iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and new iPad will.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/12/p...my-device-run/

[haven]

And here's a good article describing some of iOS 6's more obscure features (there are more than 200 new features in all).
http://www.macworld.com/article/1167...ve_missed.html

[BPMOU]

I am pretty excited about this update. Just wish they would announce the new phone. I have an iPhone 4 that has been great, just would like the new hardware for that fancy software.

[haven]

It's possible that Apple will hold the release of iOS 6 until the next iPhone is announced. So maybe "late Summer" means September.

[HillbillyfromAL]

Yeah this update looks to have some really useful features in it. I just hope the Maps app isn't going a step backwards from where their at now. I like the FB integration and hope it makes sharing videos easier. I'm really hoping that Passbook will be as awesome as it looks, and maybe banks will work to get it so you can use your CC with it. It'd be great if shopping at Wal-Mart and Target were like going to the Apple store. Just scan it with your phone and bag it as you put it into the buggy. No more waiting on the person with 3 buggies and 4 different ways to pay.

[haven]

Along with the new iPhone, today Apple announced the release of iOS 6, the system software used by iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad devices. The software will be available for no charge on 19 Sept 2012.

Like all system software updates, it's probably worth delaying the upgrade for a couple of weeks until the first maintenance release (probably called 6.0.1). While iOS 6 has been thoroughly tested, there are always bugs and incompatibilities that appear when software is in its first days of use by the general public.

-------------------------
iOS 6 Major New Features
-------------------------

iOS 6 contains over 200 changes. Here are some of the new features.

SIRI
…SIRI will be available on the iPhone 4S and new iPad only
…adds movie reviews to information about local movies
…adds Yelp ratings to restaurant information
…adds ability to make reservations at restaurants that use a compatible online system
…SIRI can launch apps installed on your device
…integration with in-car nav and entertainment from several auto manufacturers

Maps
…replaces Google Maps with Apple service
…includes support by Tom Tom, Waze and Yelp
…offers turn-by-turn navigation, traffic reports, local search
…turn-by-turn nav works on iPhone 4S and newer, and iPad 2 and newer
…works with SIRI voice control
…the Maps upgrade only works with the new iPhone, iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and new iPad

Facebook integration
…simplifies updates, posting links and photos
…adds location information
…"like" apps in the Apple App Store
…use SIRI to interact w/ Facebook, Twitter

Passbook
…organizes tickets, airline boarding passes, store coupons, store credits
…works with iPhone and iPod Touch, not iPad

Safari
…offline reading of web pages
…offline reading works with iPhone 4 and newer, iPad 2 and newer
…sync tabs through iCloud
…e.g., browse a web page on an iPad, then continue where you left off on your iPhone
…adds full screen view when in landscape mode

Call options
…reply to a call through text message instead of answering the call
…create a call-back reminder for missed calls
…Do Not Disturb option, with exceptions for important contacts

Facetime
...now available for iPad
…works over cellular 3G, 4G service as well as WiFi (but watch your monthly data allocation)
…limited only to iPhone 4S and newer, plus new iPad

Camera
…ability to control focus and exposure
…Photo Stream allows shared image galleries
…adds image stabilization for movies
...adds support for high dynamic range photos

Mail
…adds VIP inbox, where you can view only email from pre-selected contacts
…adds ability to select from multiple signatures based on contact categories (e.g., business, personal, family)


Previously, Apple included YouTube in the group of standard apps offered with all iOS devices. Now that Google and Apple are on the outs, you have to download YouTube from the iTunes store. Here's the link for the iPhone version. An iPad version is expected soon: http://itunes.apple.com/app/youtube/id544007664