iOS 6 Review: What's New?

Every time Apple launches a major update of its mobile operating system, the usual fanfare comes with it. A couple of bells and whistles and over 200 new features come your way.

Is it worth upgrading to iOS 6? Yes, definitely. Moreover, it's free! So let's check out what Apple has in store for us with the latest version of its self-proclaimed "world's most advanced mobile operating system".

Image by Apple

First off, it's compatible with the new iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, the new iPad, and the iPod touch (4th and 5th generation). But don't expect to get all the new features if you own a dated Apple device.

Let's start with the all-new Maps application. So Apple ditched Google Maps and replaced it with its home-brewed Maps application, in partnership with TomTom. While this means less income for Google (minus all those royalties), this is also a big gamble for Apple. Everyone knows that Google Maps is one of the best map applications out there. But let's give Apple a chance as the company said that the new Maps app is a work in progress.

The new app's features such as Flyover (which allows you to see actual images of selected cities from above), Turn by Turn Navigation (which has been a long-time feature of the Google Maps; this one is assisted by Siri), and Traffic (which lets you know traffic conditions, accidents, and whatnot). The new Maps app has clean look to it but still needs a lot of updates and polishing to be at par with Google's offering. Also, if you don't like this Maps app by Apple, Google will soon release the Google Maps app on iOS.

Image by Apple

Let's move on to Siri, which I must say is was a groundbreaking feature of the iPhone 4S. One year had passed and Siri has new tricks up its sleeve. It can now open third-party applications. It now understands more languages and works in more countries. You can also use Siri to post Facebook updates and tweet (via Twitter). More importantly, you can now use Siri to find out the latest scores of your favorite sports teams, reviews to the latest movies in town, and make reservations to your favorite restaurants. While Siri is definitely much better than Samsung's S-Voice, it will definitely face a tough competition with Android's Google Now, which is available in most Android 4.1 Jelly Bean devices.

Image by Apple

Apple has finally joined the bandwagon of mobile operating systems with deep Twitter and now, Facebook integration as well. In iOS 6, you can now easily share, tweet, and post anything you like on Facebook and Twitter. And with Apple's latest mobile operating system, Maps, Camera, Notification Center, Game Center, Safari, etc. are seamlessly connected to Facebook and Twitter.

Image by Apple

Next is Shared Photo Stream, which enables you to easily share photos to people using iDevices on iOS 6 and Macs operating on OS X Mountain Lion. This can all be done through iCloud. This feature is not entirely new as I've seen it on several Android smartphones. But the good thing is that Apple has it now too!

Image by Apple

We now move on to one of iOS 6's coolest features: the Passbook App. While I still don't see it being used outside first-world countries, this app is nevertheless useful. You can now view your boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons, and loyalty cards - all in one place. With the Passbook App, you can also scan your iPhone or iPod touch to check in for a flight, get into a movie, and redeem a coupon. And when you're in the airport and your gate changes after you’ve checked in for your flight, the Passbook App will alert you to make sure you’re not relaxing in the wrong terminal. How cool is that?

Image by Apple

Good news! FaceTime can now be used over a cellular network and not just Wi-Fi. It took Apple this long to enable such a feature but at least, it's here already. You can do video calls as much as you want outside a Wi-Fi network, provided you have a reliable data connection. Aside from FaceTime, you also get new calling features with the iOS 6. You can now decline an incoming call and instantly reply with a text message. And when things are just too hectic, turn on Do Not Disturb and you won’t be bothered by anyone.

Image by Apple

Image by Apple

Image by Apple

Image by Apple

There are other features that iOS 6 has brought to the table such as the Panorama mode on the Camera app, updated Find My iPhone and Find My Friends apps, redesigned App Stores, updated Podcasts and iTunes U apps, and many many more.

While some may argue that these changes are incremental and that Apple is playing catch-up to its rivals, it cannot be denied that the iOS 6 will make iOS users delighted, satisfied, and proud. Some of the features introduced in the iOS 6 have long been features of competitor smartphones but as always, Apple does better in implementation like the Do Not Disturb feature and the Panorama mode.

If you haven't downloaded iOS 6 yet, I suggest you do it now. It takes 2-4 hours to download depending on the speed of your Internet connection and it's about 700 MB in size.

Now I ask you, what is your most favorite feature on the iOS 6? Tell me on the Comments Section below.

Check out my review on the new iPhone 5, the new iPod touch, the new iPod shuffle, the iPad mini, and the new iPod nano.

Images above taken from Apple's website unless stated otherwise.

Til then...

xoxo Nash