As part of the recent iPhone 5 media event, Apple demonstrated and reviewed their next operating system update, iOS 6, for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The iOS 6 update will be available for download on September 19, followed by the sale of the new iPhone on September 21st. The 5th generation iPod touch will go on sale in October.

The vice president of iOS software, Scott Forstall, gave a basic overview of the new release which will include changes and enhancements to all the built-apps for iOS devices, including Siri, Maps, Music, FaceTime, Messages, Safari, AirPlay, and Game Center. The iOS 6 update will be free and will run on all iOS devices including and since the iPhone 3GS. Here are a few highlights.

Siri will be able to answer sports related questions, provide movie showtimes and facts, play trailers, make restaurant reservations, and more.

Maps will replace the traditional Google Maps and offer its own turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, and interactive 3D views of selected metro areas.

Photo Stream will allow you to share photos using iCloud to the people you select. Your photos will appear on their iOS 6 supported devices. The new update will also include web sharing of iOS-generated photos.

Passbook is a new app in iOS 6. It enables you to keep and use all boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons, etc. in one place.

Other features include FaceTime capabilities over cellular networks, reply and remind me later messages for phone calls, and a VIP list for Mail — a feature already available in Lion OS for the Mac.

Source: Macworld

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