When Apple first delivered iOS 5, the company brought about a host of revolutionary changes to the mobile platform. New features, at that time, included wireless syncing over Wi-Fi, Twitter integration, Maps app with alternate routes, and revamped iMessages to name a few.
On Sept. 19, the company rolled out its latest mobile operating system, iOS 6. Users owning the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, new iPad 3, and the fourth-generation iPod touch are all eligible for the update,.
Here's a look at the new features and improvements that the iOS 6 packs in vis-avis the iOS 5.
FaceTime
FaceTime first arrived with iOS 5 when users were allowed to make video calls over Wi-Fi. What's more, by integrating the app with other communication techniques, FaceTime calls could be started from iMessages and standard phone calls.
With the introduction of iOS 6, however, the process has become simpler. iOS 6 now allows users to FaceTime over cellular service, with Wi-Fi no longer being needed for video calls. However, per reports, different carriers are establishing different rules via the provided data plans. While Sprint and Verizon will offer FaceTime to customers on all data packages, Verizon customers opting for an iPhone 5 will have to pay full price for the handset to attain the unlimited data plan. On the other hand, AT&T has implemented shared data plans for customers wanting to FaceTime over its network.
Maps
Maps is probably one of the most controversial new features to arrive with iOS 6. Apple decided that the company will have nothing to do with Google or its products and, therefore, the decision to yank Google Maps from the iOS' system. Although the new Maps feature from Apple has drawn plent of flak in its initial days, the new feature still offers a few notable characteristics.
When Google Maps was introduced in iOS 5, users, for the first time, were provided access to alternate routes. This feature helped users in choosing from more than one available route and allowed them to avoid traffic snarls. However, the turn-by-turn spoken directions were not mentioned, which came as a major downer, especially when compared to features Android and Windows Phone maps apps offer.
With iOS 6, Apple's Map feature now provides spoken directions, along with remarkable 3D photography that enables users to pan and zoom in. However, the Street View feature of Google Maps is no longer available.
Photo Management
With iOS 6, users will not only be able to integrate their photos with Facebook, iPhone owners will also have the option to show them via Shared Photo Streams. Alternately, iOS 6 or OS X Mountain Lion users can have the photos delivered directly to their Photos app or iPhoto. Apple also stated that the photo sharing and storage will not take up the user's prearranged space on iCloud.
On the other hand, iOS 5 allowed users to tweet or email their pictures. Moreover, the iCloud integration was not even close to what iOS 6 is currently offering.
Passbook
Passbook is a new feature from Apple, along with iOS 6. Basically, the Passbook app tracks and stores all the important documents like movie tickets, loyalty cards, admission passes, airline boarding passes, tickets etc.
With Passbook on board, the iPhone will now automatically display relevant passes on the lock screen with the help of location tracking to know which will be needed where. By contrast, when iOS 5 was introduced, such coupon and ticket tracking processes were only limited to third-party apps.
Siri
Siri's IQ in iOS 6 is now up by a notch. It will now be possible for users to give voice commands in a more personal manner (Siri did have some problems understanding the user's accent, previously). Siri was introduced in 2011 with iPhone 4S, and will not be available for devices that did not have Siri from the outset.
Safari Web Browser
Safari in iOS 5 had some good updates. Apart from the better HTML 5 support, iOS 5 also had the option of private, history-free browsing to mobile devices, with a tabbed browsing option for the iPad.
Now with iOS 6, the introduction of iCloud Tabs seems like a bonus. The iCloud Tab will keep the user connected across all iDevices and Mountain Lion Macs that are associated with a single iCloud account. This feature means that if a user is reading something on his/her iPod touch or iPhone, they can, at the same time, have access to the same content from their MacBook.
The newly updated Safari will also allow users to post pictures and videos without leaving the browser. The web browsing experience is also edge-to-edge now.
Facebook
iOS 6 allows users to directly share and post updates without even opening the Facebook app. Now a picture can be directly shared from the camera app and Siri can be used to post status messages.
iOS 5 allowed users to make use of the Twitter integration to the iPhone and let them tweet links directly from Safari and YouTube apps.
