iOS 6 is out now, adding a fistful of features to your iPhone 5, iPad or iPod touch — and taking a few away too. Here’s what you’ve been saying about the new Apple software.
CNET UK reader Kyle Cartmill is impressed: “Like the VIP in mail. Also the ‘can’t answer call’ text message idea. Siri is great now too, I asked it ‘who is the top goal scorer in the league?’ and it came back with the correct answer.”
It’s not just features added to iOS 6. Jamie Lawrence is hopeful: “Battery seems better now? My battery was awful on iOS 5.1.1.”
But, as with most software updates, there are some bugs. Wise Omodiagbe tells us, “Passbook not responding, text messages disappearing from my iPhone 4S.” And another commenter reckons they’ve spotted a “crack in Apple’s armour? Check out the updated Find My iPhone app. Totally different look, font and feel to any other Apple app. In fact looks a throwback to the eighties!”
The size of the download also causes concern. Lily Powell says, “Tried to download iOS 6 onto my 4th gen iPod touch, but couldn’t because I had to have at least 2.3GB of available storage! I will not be deleting any of my music in order to update!”
But the big bugbear is the much-vaunted new Maps app. Apple’s own-brand cartographic app, powered by TomTom location data, replaces Google Maps — but it’s far from perfect. Reader Luke White points out, “Maps isn’t complete yet but looks good. It’s an improvement. Not massive but better.”
Not everyone is so charitable, however. James Braithwaite reports, “Satellite view on Maps is awful. Zoom feature is very poor as is the picture quality.” And spare a thought for blurry Brummie Elliot Allen-Jones, who says, “Wow, according to the new Maps app I live in the huge blurry expanse outside of Birmingham. Granted, it’s not the best area but at least it’s in focus.”
We’re comparing the new Apple Maps app with Google Maps on Android phones right now, so stay tuned to see how the two compare. Here’s a sneaky tip in advance: don’t bet on Apple.
Suraj Sharma sums things up — he’s “hating the new App Store and Maps app… they are kinda useless now it’s hard to find stuff. The other small improvements in iOS 6 are good, however iOS 6 is a massive disappointment compared to the impressive iOS 4 and iOS 5 updates.”
To make up your own mind, download the update to your iPhone 4S, 4, or 3GS; new iPad or iPad 2; or iPod touch fourth generation. Or check out our handy video:
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iOS 6 Maps and new features
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What do you think of iOS 6? What’s the best part of the update — and which bits have you wishing you stuck with iOS 5? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.