Apple’s iOS 6 is now available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users worldwide. This new OS is packed with over 200 features that will make anyone’s iPhone experience much smoother.
The most obvious new additions were the new Maps app and the new Passbook app, both designed by Apple.
Apple Maps replaces the Google Maps application that was the default on all devices since the first iPhone was released back in 2007.
Built from the ground up by Apple, this app has many great features, but is lacking in some areas when compared to its previous Google counter piece.
Upon first glance, the bright, vivid colors are a nice change from the old yellow and beige that greeted us before.
You can also get turn-by-turn directions and the traffic function is far more accurate than the Google Maps function, and even displays where there is construction or an accident.
Hitting the 3D button on the bottom left of the screen enables Flyover, a new feature that allows one to see the world in 3D rendering.
However, all of this is not without setbacks. The Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation are only available on the iPhone 4S and 5, which is disappointing for us users that have older devices.
Also, street view and directions via public transit are no longer available in the app. Luckily, there are several third party apps, many of which are free and offer directions for us Chicagoans via CTA.
Outside of the Apple Maps app, there is the new Apple’s Passbook app, which allows you to store all your gift cards, coupons, boarding passes and even movie tickets on your phone.
I’m a fan of this new feature but it’ll really come down to how many third party companies support this function. So far Target, American Airlines, Fandango and Walgreens are a few that are on Apple App Store.
Overall, many default apps such as iTunes, App Store and Music received a striking new user interface that’s sure to make your phone feel new and refreshed.
iOS 6 is another solid update from Apple that’s sure to please even if you don’t have the newest device, the iPhone 5. The pros definitely outweigh the cons and if anything, it’ll make your device feel new again.