Today, Apple revealed monumental updates to their consumer software and hardware (live coverage and updates from the event can be found here). Aside from announcing new features for the unreleased OS X Mountain Lion and revealing minor upgrades to the MacBook Air and a completely redesigned MacBook Pro, Apple also announced iOS 6.
While a plethora of additions to iOS 6 were demonstrated at today’s keynote presentation, the key features include an in-house mapping service, Siri and FaceTime improvements, as well as Apple’s new Passbook app.
Foremost, Siri will make an appearance on the big screen; the new-third generation iPad’s screen that is! Once released, iOS 6 will bring complete Siri functionality to the new iPad. Additionally, Siri will understand more languages and work in more countries for devices on iOS 6. Also, sports fans, movie-goers and food fanatics will have their questions answered and receive detailed information. More interesting though, is the introduction of app launching via Siri. With iOS 6, users will be able to ask Siri to open specific apps and have the app open almost instantly – provided the device has a strong signal.
Aside from Siri enhancements, Apple’s upcoming in-house mapping solution is arguably the main upgrade for iOS 6. With turn-by-turn directions, voice guidance, live traffic data and gorgeous “flyover” 3D views, Apple has successfully eliminated iOS’ reliance on Google Maps.
Of course those aren’t the only additions and changes in iOS 6, here’s a list of all major changes (from Apple):
iOS 6, “the world’s most advanced mobile operating system” will be available this fall for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 4th-generation, iPad 2 and the new iPad – it will presumably be available for public download in addition to the announcement of the new iPhone this fall. Stay tuned for full coverage on iOS 6 and Apple’s upcoming next-generation iPhone!
