The Top 10 Best Features of Apple iOS 6

In a presentation given at the WWDC 2012, Apple’s Scott Forstall unveiled the next version of the Company’s OS for mobile devices, namely iOS 6.

The forthcoming mobile platform, which is slated to release this fall for the iPhone, iPad and iPod comes loaded with over 200 new features, including Apple’s own maps application about which rumors had been ramping up quite a bit during the last several weeks.

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Today we come with the  most prominent features of Apple iOS 6 for our readers. Share your thoughts in our comment section below.

1.Enhanced Siri:

Siri, the digital voice assistant that was first included in iPhone 4S is coming to the iPad as well. There are several improvements that have been pushed into Siri. Users can now inquire about the recent movies with the help of Rotten Tomatoes integration, preview movie trailers, ask about sports summaries, make reservations for restaurants.

Enhanced Siri

Furthermore, it is now available in several new languages, including, Canadian English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Taiwanese, Italian and More. On top of that, Apple has also partnered with Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes etc for a Siri button integrated into the steering wheels of cars throughtout the next 12 months.

2. Maps Application:

We all know this was coming. Apple has for long been working on an in-house mapping solution to rid itself of Google for mapping data. And finally has been able to do so.

Maps Application

The new iOS 6 maps application offers turn-by-turn navigation, integration with Siri, and Point-of-interest searching. It will also feature “flyover” 3d images taken by helicopters to fly over major cities.

3. Do Not Disturb Mode:

A new Do Not Disturb mode has been introduced, which, when enabled will silence all push notifications and incoming calls. So your device won’t vibrate, make a noise or light up.

Basically the device will ignore all calls and messages, but you can view them later as you pull the device out of the Do Not Disturb mode. However, if the user gets a call from the same number about three times in 5 minutes, the feature will reckon it important and indicate the user about it.

4. FaceTime Over Cellular Connection:

Earlier Apple’s FaceTime feature was accessible only via Wi-Fi. The newest update infused in the iOS 6 allows Apple fiends to access FaceTime over 3G cellular network.

FaceTime Over Cellular Connection

It will also combine a user’s Apple ID and phone number which will let them receive calls from FaceTime application on their Mac or iPad.  One of the most exciting features, this was missed by many before.

5. iOS Passbook:

Another handy new app that has been made part of iOS 6 is called Passbook. It will collect all your ticket information, boarding passes, loyalty cards etc and keep them organized and readily available from one place.

iOS Passbook

he interface is really slick, and it integrates with the lock screen so you don’t have to hunt around to find important info. It also supports QR codes and 2-d barcodes.

6. Facebook Integration in Apps:

Just like Apple integrated the popular micro blogging site Twitter into iOS 5, the upcoming iOS 6 will have Facebook Integration as well. So you can post to the social network from several apps, including Photos and Safari. Plus, you can recommend apps within the App Store.

Facebook Integration in Apps

Want to send a quick Facebook update? You can do it either right from the Notification Center window or just speak your mind to Siri.

7.Shared Photo Streams

Although its nice having Facebook integration in iOS 6, Shared Photo Streams makes it easier to share photos with a smaller group of people. You select the images and then your friends, and then they’ll get a push notification to join in.

Shared Photo Streams

From there they’ll be able to see what you post and comment on the photos. Shared photo streams will also work on Macs, the Apple TV and even Windows (though just via a browser).

8. Safari iCloud Tabs:

Safari now has iCloud Tabs. All of your open tabs can now be synced from Safari on an iOS device to Safari on desktop along with offline reading list.

Safari iCloud Tabs

Another key feature is Smart app banners, which will display a banner advertising your mobile app right at the top of the screen. It’s a great tool for discovery, and if you have the app installed already it will let you pick up in the app right where you left off on the web (such as a restaurant review in Yelp). Last but not least is better landscape support in the browser.

9. VIP Email:

This is a useful new feature for users that get a lot of emails. Users can assign VIP email senders.

VIP Email

Which means emails can now be prioritized so that the most important ones aren’t missed out.

10. Guided Access

Apple designed the Guided Access feature of iOS 6 with parents of the disabled in mind, but it’s useful for anyone with a child. You can lock that iPhone or iPad to one app, so pressing the Home button won’t do a thing. You can also restrict touch input to certain areas of the screen, which could be good for avoiding in-app purchases.

Guided Access

Teachers would also find Guided Access handy because they could prevent kids from looking up answers on their iPads and focus the attention just on the quiz app they’re using.

The beta version iOS 6 has already been made available for developers and can be downloaded via Apple’s developer center. For average users, it will start shipping later this year and will be compatible with iPhone 3GS and later, iPad 2nd and 3rd generation, and iPod Touch 4th generation.