Introduction:-
iOS 6 is an operating system for iPhones introduced on June 11, 2012 and will be available for download by September 19, 2012. At a conference held by Apple in San Francisco on September 12, 2012 they showcased the upcoming releases of three latest offerings from Apple namely iPhone 5 and iPod Touch of the fifth generation as well as iOS 6 which will initially support both iPhone 5 and iPod Touch (fifth generation). Later iOS 6 will support Apple devices such as iPad 2 and advanced models, iPod Touch (generation four) and advanced models, iPhone 3GS and advanced models. Let’s glimpse at a few amongst the 200 odd features offered by iOS 6:-
Siri:-
A voice assistant which helps the users by predicting the weather, answering questions, reminding meetings, providing latest statistics and score, giving information regarding movies, restaurants locations and reviews, flight information, games, social networking, etc. But most importantly now Siri can be used in any application which is launched by the user. It provides an additional support to multiple languages such as Mandarin, Italian, Korean, Spanish, etc..
Maps:-
Navigating through maps will change the way of looking at the world. The elements present in it, i.e. text and graphics, are detailed and with vector graphics. This results in an incredible zooming, panning, rotating and tilting to view places, streets and areas. Real time updates of traffic are available through voice and visual navigation. The bird eye’s view will show your exact positioning and will guide you to your destination. Through Siri, voice directions can be achieved without touching the phone.
FaceTime:-
With this application, calls related to FaceTime can be through Wi-Fi as well as the cellular networks. Thus, FaceTime can be used any time in order to emote expressions related to an eye, smile, air kisses, wink, etc. and will be available only with latest versions of the iPhone and the iPad.
Call Features:-
iOS 6 adds multiple features of calling. It reminds the user by giving a call back reminder or a message in case the incoming phone is rejected. When «Do Not Disturb» facility is turned on then you won’t be receiving calls from anyone except the ones who have not been barred from the contact list.
Email:-
Email service in iOS 6 lets users create a VIP list where important messages from selected people are not missed. It is also easier to add videos and photos to email messages and with just a single swipe, mailbox could be refreshed anytime.
Passbook:-
With this application, electronic versions of loyalty cards, retail coupons, movie tickets, boarding passes, admission tickets, etc. can be accessed and stored easily. Scanning could be performed in case you want to redeem these whenever required. Passbook also alerts the user regarding the change in information regarding admission, boarding, movie, coupons or cards, etc. and even displays automatically at the right place at the right time even when the lock screen is kept on.
Facebook Integration:-
Social network interaction will now be much easier with Facebook integration with other applications and services. This means that Facebook comes integrated with the Camera, Maps, Game Center, Siri, Calendar, Contacts, etc. Only thing required in this case is your logging into the Facebook and then your updates will automatically be posted on it. Also changing information of your friends will be reflected automatically in your Facebook friends list.
Shared Photo Streaming:-
Photos can now be shared with only a few selected people using iOS 6 devices or Mountain Lion based devices. Just select photos from Photosapp, click Share button and choose contact with whom you want to share. Streams of shared photos can also be seen on Apple TV and people without Apple devices can see it on the web. It lets you share unlimited photos over the cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
Safari:-
With the new advanced Apple’s own Safari browser, now users can view a full screen sized web page using Landscape mode, save a web page for later offline reading, and can even share streams of the photo. iCloud Tab helps users to start from the same web page where they discontinued last and continue from there onwards on other Apple devices.
Accessibility:-
iOS 6 have various features meant for physically disabled people related to mobility, learning, hearing and vision. Guided Access allows an administrator, teacher or a parent to limit iOS device to only one application by turning off the home button and also restriction is implemented for touching areas of the screen randomly. Voice-over, a screen reader, is meant for low vision or blind people which is integrated with Zoom, Assistive Touch and Maps. In addition, Apple is working on manufacturing hearing aids specifically made for the iPhone which will deliver an audio experience high in digital quality and efficient power saving as well.
Find My iPhone:-
With this application, your iPhone can be tracked in case of having lost or misplaced it. You are able to check into the application on another iPhone with the same application. Also you can immediately lock your iPhone using a 4 digit password using this application on other iPhone and also send a message on your iPhone to inform back on the number being in use to locate.
Find My Friends:-
With this application you can share locations with family and friends. When locations are being shared then the people associated with it can easily see the current position of each other on the maps and also get location based alerts regarding the same.
Revamped Stores:-
The best of books, applications, shows, movies, music can be seen using iBook Store, App Store and iTunes Store. All these are present on the homepage and only swiping is required to browse through it. History and product collection can be traced and shopping can continue from in across Apple devices using iCloud.
Conclusion:-
iOS 6 adds a whole lot of new features to the iPhone but what’s disappointing is that iOS 6 is not compatible with every Apple device. However, we can expect evolutions to take place at regular intervals.
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