10 new features in Apple's new iOS 6

By NDTV Correspondent | Updated: 20 September 2012 20:16 IST

Apple has released the iOS 6 update earlier today. The update is available for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, new iPad, iPad 2, iPod Touch 4th generation and iPod Touch 5th generation. According to the Cupertino-based company, the new OS brings over 200 new features to iOS devices.

The new features range from brand-new maps, Facebook integration to Passbook and FaceTime over cellular. Here's a look at 10 new features that you will get as part of iOS 6.

1. Maps
Perhaps the biggest change for a normal iOS user. Apple has ditched Google provided maps in iOS 6 and has introduced its own maps. The maps bring turn-by-turn navigation, 3D maps, real-time traffic information and more, however not all the maps features will be available in every market.

One of the interesting features of new maps app on iOS 6 is Flyover. With Flyover you can see select major metro areas from the air with photo-realistic, interactive 3D views.

2. Improved Siri
Siri has been on iPhone 4S for last one year, but now it is reaching more devices and with more features. With iOS 6, Siri understand more languages and can give answers to your movie, sports and restaurants related queries as well. It can also now post to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

A new interesting addition to Siri is Eyes free, Apple is working with car manufacturers to integrate Siri into select voice control systems. Through the voice command button on your steering wheel, you'll be able to ask Siri questions without taking your eyes off the road.

3. Facebook Integration
Similar to the Twitter integration in iOS, Apple has also Facebook in iOS 6. With this integration in place, you will be able share a photo to Facebook right from camera app or post your location directly from maps. Facebook events also get integrated to your device calendar and same is the case with contact information from Facebook.

You will have sign in Facebook only once and then you can use also these features and more from any app without signing in again.

4. Shared Photo Streams
With shared photo streams, you can selectively share photos with a bunch of people. All you have to do is select photos from Photos app, tap the Share button, choose the people with whom you want to share these photos and you are done. If your friends and family are using Photos app or iPhoto, they will get the shared photos instantly in the apps, while the non-iOS/ Mac device users will be able to see them on web.

5. FaceTime over cellular
Along with Wi-Fi networks, you can also use FaceTime over cellular networks now. You can also make and receive FaceTime calls on your iPad using your phone number.

Apple has enhanced FaceTime so that you can receive FaceTime alerts across all of your devices. That means you can use FaceTime wherever you are, on any device. And never miss another FaceTime call.

6. Safari & Mail improvements
Apple has further enhanced the web browsing experience on iOS devices with iOS 6. A new feature called iCloud Tab keeps track of which web pages you have open on your devices, so even you if switch devices, you can just pick up from where you left on the other device. Safari can also save the full web pages now for reading later or offline access. The full screen support is finally present, all you have to do is turn your iOS device in landscape mode and just tap the full-screen button. Safari also gets the ability to upload photos via a form.

Mail is also improved with new features like VIP lists. You can now designate certain contacts as VIPs and chose to be notified when they email, even when email notifications are off. The VIP lists are cloud-enabled, so your boss or mom will still be VIP no matter which iCloud-enabled device you are using. Also included is swipe to refresh and an improved way to add videos or photos to email messages.

7. Panoramic photos
iOS 6 users using iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, or iPod touch (5th gen.) will benefit from the all new camera app that adds a panorama view. Until now you had to use third-party apps to get panoramic photos, but now with one simple motion you can shoot up to 240 degrees of view and watch the software weave its magic.

8. Better App Store
Apple has revamped the App Store interface on iOS devices. You will now have access to more information about each app and you will no longer have to enter a password for the free app updates. The company has also made changes to way the search results and Genius recommendations are displayed.

9. Phone & DND
What is a smartphone without a phone and in order to make calling cooler, Apple has made some changes in the Phone app in iOS6. Now when you decline an incoming call on iPhone, you can instantly reply with a text message or set a call-back reminder. With iOS 6, you will also be able to turn on Do Not Disturb to suppress all incoming calls and notifications except for the VIP contacts.

10. Passbook
If you are tired of managing all the passes or loyalty cards, Apple's new Passbook is to your rescue. With Passbook, you can store your boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons, loyalty cards, and more in one place. With the app, you will be able to just scan your iPhone or iPod touch to check in for a flight, get into a movie, and redeem a coupon. Apart from all this, Passbook will tell you when your coupons are expiring or balance left on your cards.

While Apple has introduced some really nice features in iOS 6, not all users will be able benefit as some of them don't work in all markets. Read our previous report on which iOS 6 feature work and don't work in India.

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