Apple unveiled its iPhone 5 last week and the next-gen smartphone will arrive on customers doorsteps and in stores by Friday. Tomorrow, however, Apple is making its highly anticipated iOS6 available for download.
The new operating system will have support for the iPhone 4s, iPhone 4, iPhone 3Gs, iPad 2, iPad 3 and 4th generation iPod Touch on Wednesday. It will be available on the iPhone 5 on Friday and will be incorporated into the 5th generation iPod Touch in October.
The iOS 6 will have a ton of new upgrades for all Apple devices. Some of them are as follows:
Siri will now be available for the iPad. In addition, she has learned new languages and works in new countries. She will now help users get sports updates, make restaurant reservations, watch movie trailers & offer showtimes, launch apps by voice, Tweet and post to Facebook. While on the subject, according to reports Facebook will integrate with the new operating system in a similar way to how Twitter integrates with the iOS 5.1.1.
iOS 6 has a number of new features for iPhone users. There will be a new "Do Not Disturb" option so "you won't be bothered by anyone," Apple says on its Web site. Also, when users decline an incoming call they will now have the option to instantly reply to the caller with a text message or set a callback reminder.
iCloud Tabs will now enable all iCloud-connected devices to allow users to switch between their various devices with the same Safari Internet tabs open on each one.
Apple is no longer utilizing Google Maps in its iOS 6. The company has partnered with TomTom to make available detailed graphics and text, high-resolution cityscapes and will have visual and spoken turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates.
FaceTime will now be enabled over 3G networks as well as WiFi on the iOS 6 and users will be able to make and receive FaceTime calls on their iPads using their phone numbers. "That means you can use FaceTime wherever you are, on any device. And never miss another wink, smile, air kiss, or eye roll," Apple says.
With Passbook, iPhone users will now be able to use their handsets as a "digital wallet." The app will let iPhones store and make available for use digital coupons, tickets and customer loyalty cards.
"With Passbook, you can scan your iPhone or iPod Touch to check in for a flight, get into a movie and redeem a coupon. You can also see when your coupons expire, where your concert seats are, and the balance left on that all-important coffee bar card," Apple boasts on its Web site.
How to Upgrade:
Upgrading to the new iOS 6 should be simple and quick.
Tap on the "Settings" icon on your iPhone, iPad or iPod and then select the "General" tab. The "Software Update" will appear and after you select it, your device will automatically download the upgrade.
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