Apple iOS6 Feature Wrap Up

This fall Apple will release the latest version of its mobile operating system. This release will be compatible with the following devices: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iTouch (4th generation), iPad 2, and the new iPad (iPad 3). Any new phones or tablets released this fall will also have the updated operating system. Unfortunately, only certain features are available for different models.  For instance, iPhone 4 users will not receive the updated Maps app with turn-by-turn functionality. To view a list of the supported features check out OSXDaily's supported devices article. It provides a simple grid breaking down the top features by device. The following sections cover the new and updated functionality coming to iOS6 (as of beta 3 beta 4):


App Changes

• Maps   IMPORTANT 
• Check out a full review here
• The app has been redesigned and the maps are generated by Apple instead of Google
• Turn-by-turn navigation has been added
• The volume of Siri's turn-by-turn voice is controllable
• 3D Mode with fly-over for maps is now available
• Traffic and construction details are available
• Distances can be displayed in miles or kilometers
• All labels on the maps can be converted to the local language
• Two size options are avaiable for labels on the maps
• Passbook
• Check out a full review here
• This app is a digital wallet for tickets, boarding passes, store loyalty cards, gift cards, and coupons
• Music
• New 15 second forward and reverse buttons are available
• Audiobooks receive the 15 second buttons by default instead of the skip chapter buttons
• Mail   IMPORTANT 
• A new virtual "VIP" mailbox allows only emails from specified users to be displayed
• The refresh button has been replaced with the swipe down found in other apps such as Facebook
• The "Flag" functionality has been moved to the bottom button bar
• Pictures and videos can be added quickly by double-tapping the body of an email
• Phone
• Instead of answering a phone call, a user can "reply with message" or "remind me later"
• FaceTime will be avaiable on 3G (celluar networks)
• App Store
• If Facebook integration is set up, a user can "like" apps in the App Store
• Apps show the status of their installation
• Apps already loaded on the device can be opened from store
• Newly installed apps receive a "new" banner over their icon
• Notification Center
• Upcoming calendar events display the end times along with the start times
• If Facebook integration is set up, "Tap to Post" is available
• Safari
• "Add to reading list" is available for offline reviewing of web pages
• When in landscape mode, full screen mode is available, which hides the browser container
• iCloud Tabs provides the ability to start viewing a web page on one device and finish on another
• If a website has an app, Safari can notify the user with a small banner
• For developers, the debug console has been replaced with the Web Inspector
• Photos
• Ability to share photo streams with individuals or the world (must be turned on in the settings)
• Photo streams have "like" and comment capabilities. The streams are also available on icloud.com.
• Find My iPhone
• "Lost Mode" allows a remote passcode to be placed on a device. It also allows for a phone number and short message to be displayed on the lost device.
• Clock App
• Alarms can be set to play a song versus a ringtone
• You Tube
• Apple has removed this app. Google stated it will build a replacement.

Settings

• The bluetooth option has moved from the General section to the main screen
• Brightness and wallpaper have been combined into a single section
• A new Privacy section aggregates all user data permissions, including location services
• A new section called Bluetooth Sharing allows management of apps that share data over Bluetooth
• iTunes match provides options to download or stream songs
• Vibrate has been separated into "on Ring" and "on Silent"
• The data for iCloud Documents, iTunes, FaceTime, and Reading List can be limited over cellular networks
• Passlock contains new options to use Passbook and reply to messages without unlocking the device
• The speed to perform double and triple tapping of the home button can be adjusted
• The Wi-Fi Plus Cellular option allows apps to use a device's cellular connection when it is having trouble with Wi-Fi

Graphical Facelifts

• Music app
• The "keypad" tab in the Phone app
• App Store
• iTunes Store
• Books Store
• Camera app
• Weather app

Do Not Disturb   IMPORTANT 

• Allows the silence of all communications on a device
• Can be scheduled for a specific time of the day or night
• An "All Calls From" list is available to bypass "do not disturb" for specific people
• A "Repeated Calls" option is available to allow repeat calls to bypass "do not disturb"

 Guided Access

• Check out a full review here
• Triple tapping the home button allows for guided access to be activated
• It has the ability to open an app and prevent closing without a passcode
• Sections of an app can be disabled through a drawing tool
• The sleep/stand-by mode is disabled by default but can be configured to function
• Touch and Motion sensativitiy can be disabled, respectively

Facebook Integration  IMPORTANT 

• Similar to the existing Twitter integration
• Chat and Message Alerts can vibrate or play sounds
• HD video recording can be turned on for posts
• "Tap to Post" is available on the Notification Center
• Facebook events can be sync'd to the Calendar app
• Facebook pictures and names can be sync'd to the device's contacts

Siri   IMPORTANT 

• Siri is now available on the new iPad (iPad 3) (Sorry, iPad 2 users)
• Sports scores and sports statistics are available
• Movie theater listings and movie statistics are available
• Restaurant reviews are available
• Siri has the ability to open other apps on a device
• Siri can post to Facebook, if it has been configured

Is there anything missing? Questions? Feel free to contribute.