iOS6: A Reminder to Think Bigger

If you haven’t caught the latest on Apple’s new operating system features, read on for the breakdown. If you are already aware of the updates, I encourage you to begin thinking beyond the new features, the fancy devices, and start to see the bigger picture of a world on-the-go. “Mobile Strategy” is a phrase that is quickly and overwhelmingly rolling off the tongue in almost every business setting. Small business owners are extending their reach through mobile promotion. Large corporations are streamlining their services through mobile. Associations are driving membership through mobile connections. Art institutions are extending their influence and recognition through mobile campaigns. Campuses are enhancing security and promoting a healthy atmosphere with mobile technology. The challenge to the working class is to look at the mobile resources we have at our disposal, and use them to further our reach, productivity, and overall influence.

But back to iOS6…

Available on:

• iPhone 3GS and later
• iPad 2 and later
• 4th gen iPod touch and later

New features:

Upgraded Siri is now able to:

• Find sports scores, stats, etc.
• Get restaurant recommendations Yelp/Open Table integration
• Get movie info from Rotten Tomatoes integration
• Launch apps
• Update social networks
• Function on the “new iPad” (3rd generation iPad)

Mapping

• Apple to replace Google Maps with their own turn-by-turn navigation and 3D flyover mapping. *Noted Issue: Developers are currently reporting bad map coverage in places (particularly non-US countries) in the beta preview, but data collection is still ongoing.

Other

• Facebook, like Twitter, is now fully integrated into the OS
• Passbook – a ticket/giftcard organizing app which 3rd party apps can take advantage of
• Users are immediately notified when an app is attempting to access Calendars, Reminders, Contacts, and Photos
• Built in ability to receive government alerts during an emergency or disaster
• New mode: Do not disturb
• Face-Time without Wi-fi
• Accessibility updates
• Pull-to-refresh mail update

This summer is proving to be quite the breeding ground for a full-on mobile war. Apple is releasing a feature-heavy OS and likely the iPhone 5; Microsoft is entering the tablet market; BlackBerry 10 is in the works for release during Q4; there is even a concept for a Facebook phone. We all have our points of criticism on specific devices and operating systems, but we can’t ignore the bigger picture. As the devices themselves are harboring more advanced features, we will see a whole new set of possibilities in application development and content management. So, remember to think bigger and better as we continue to see these roll-outs.