What Is New With iOS 6 ?
A lot of people, Apple fans and regular people alike waited for the release of iOS 6. Wouldn’t you want to know what new features the new Apple operating system brings? We made a list just for you, a list that contains the most important ones. To update to the new iOS 6 you first have to open up the Settings app and go to General and then Software Update. The device should update through WiFi, but if it fails you can always connect it to iTunes via an USB cable and update it from there. You can also use Google to search for “DeviceName iOS 6 iPSW”, or just head to our dedicated Download Page, get the iOS 6 firmware update and double-click on it or go to iTunes and hod down the Option key on your Mac or Shift key on your PC and select Restore.
The new update supports the following devices. The iPhone 5 has all the features the operating system has to offer. The iPhone 4S also has all the features the operating system has to offer. The iPhone 4 has the same features but without 3D flyover in Maps and turn by turn navigation. It also lacks the new Panorama Mode of the camera. The iPhone 3GS has the same features but without 3D flyover in Maps and turn by turn navigation. It also lacks the new Panorama Mode of the camera, FaceTime over 3G and Offline Reading List. It also lacks a VIP Inbox.
The 3rd generation iPad has all the features but lacks Panorama Mode. The same is true for the iPad 2. The 5th generation iPod Touch has all the features and the 4th generation iPod Touch lacks 3D Maps and turn by turn navigations and the Panorama Mode on the Camera.
If your device is jailbroken you won’t be able to use all the features. This is the case of the iPhone 4S, but it’s still worth upgrading because you will have more features than the ones currently in your firmware.
If you’re planning an update do note that you will have to save SHS blobs for your firmware by using TinyUmbrella or Redsn0w. Just in case you want to later downgrade because you are unsatisfied with the update. Be aware that the iPhone 4S and the iPad 3 cannot be downgraded once iOS 6 has been installed.
So where are the new features?
Panorama Mode
This is built-in in the Camera app. It allows one to create high-res panorama images that fit into one another almost perfectly. If you see a beautiful landscape you would like to immortalize, use this new iOS 6 feature with confidence.
Integrating Facebook
You now have the option to sync your Facebook contacts. Applications now have a better Facebook integration.
Shared Photo Streams
Every time you add a photo to your publicly shared photo albums, a notification will be sent to your group of people that have access to them.
New Maps App
Apple got rid of Google’s Maps application and instead decided to use it’s own Maps app with the launch of iOS 6. This new Maps application has a 3D view and turn by turn navigation. It’s based on vector images and thus is highly scalable. Many users complained about this new app, partly because they were used to the old App, partly because this new one lacks several features Google implemented already in their own app.
Pay With Passbook
This is a new payment system for mobile devices. You can now make all of your purchases via iOS 6.
New Clock App for the iPad
The iPad got a new native Clock app with iOS 6 that can display alarms, timers, weather and the global time.
Do Not Disturb
The new Do not disturb feature is a highly appreciated and very awaited iOS 6 feature. It allows one to reject calls from certain people during certain parts of the day. It also silences all notifications while it uses this feature and you can find a use for it whenever you are in a meeting an you only want to allow colleagues and co-workers to contact you.
Selective Control of Privacy
Now you can selectively set privacy controls for each of the following built-in applications: Facebook, Twitter, Contacts, Calendars, Bluetooth Sharing, Photos, Remainders and Location Services.
Improved Siri
Siri can now post to Facebook in your place, can take verbal notes and update them whenever you wish and do all sorts of amazing things.
New Design For The App Store
The App Store got a faceover and also has better sharing features. It’s also been optimized.
Browser Features
Safari also got improved and it includes Offline Reading Lists, integrated photo and video uploads, landscape mode in fullscreen for the iPod Touch and Iphone and it also has a faster JavaScript engine.
VIP Inbox
There’s a new VIP Inbox in the Mail App and you can now add photos and videos to messages.
Accessibility Features
As of what concerns Accessibility, iOS 6 has a Guided Access mode that lets you share your device with someone else without allowing that person certain features. There are also new features added to AssistiveTouch. VoiceOver has been integrated with even more apps and the Home button click speed can be customized now.
Other Stuff, Plus UI Changes
Compared to iOS 5, the new iOS 6 might not look like much in terms of features, but these are important features nonetheless. There are also slight UI changes and the new Maps app is worthy of notice. You have uploading features in the Safari browser and the Mail app was also enriched with new options.
Use the comment form below to let us know what you think of the new iOS 6 and maybe share with us what other features you liked or missed.
Do you think it’s worth to upgrade or stick to iOS 5 for now? Leave us a comment!
