The World's Most Advanced Mobile Operating System: iOS 6

Although there were no hints as to hardware for the next iPhone, Apple did however, announce a lot of updates in their new iOS, iOS 6. Looking to give users more functionality with less hassle and inconvenience, iOS 6 definitely looks promising. With new updates and additional features, it is ready to move our generation into the post-PC era.

Siri has been rather underwhelming since her release, rarely being used except for the occasional funny response she gives when asked obscene questions. For a lot of us, Siri was just not that useful. As she was released as a beta, we shouldn’t expect too much. Now, Apple announced that they plan to give Siri an update, improving her accuracy at both responding and understanding what you want. She will be integrated with a number of apps including Yelp, Facebook, and sports news. Facebook integration will be available as well, allowing you to post right onto your profile similar to Twitter’s integration. Apple is also working with popular car companies such as Toyota, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and others to have a “Eyes Free” feature that activates Siri with a push of a button, similar to that of Bluetooth’s “Hands-free” feature.

A major change involves Apple’s Map app, which is currently supported through Google. Wanting to break away from relying on other companies, Apple created their own in-house app that features 3D maps. Going along with its 3D functions will be GPS functionality with turn-by-turn directions. The other entirely new App iOS 6 plans to offer is Passbook, an app to store all of your tickets and information for travel so you have all of your information in one place and prevents the risk of losing any important documents.

iOS 6 will greatly improve your iOS device and will be compatible with the iPhone 3GS and later as well as the iPad 2 and new iPad. Apple plans to release iOS 6 sometime in the Fall, most likely concurrently with their new iPhone. 

Apple Making Google Maps Competitor?

This could be a possibilty as Apple just bought the Canadian mapping company Poly9. Poly9 makes several products but the most interesting is Poly9 Globe, which is a browser based, 3D globe which can be used on all Platforms. The interactive software allows 3D rendering of the Earth in the 3 axis. 

Poly9 was apparently purchased "recently" by Apple, but there hasn't been any official confirmation of the purchase. It was also said that Apple asked Poly9 employees to not discuss the matter. But if it is true, the purchase of Poly9 would be the second mapping related purchase for Apple. Last year, it was revealed that the company had purchased Placebase, a direct Google Maps competitor. 

Because of these purchases, some people have wondered that Apple is going to create its own mapping service on its mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad which would replace the current Google Maps on its iOS devices.

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Source AppleInsider | Gizmodo