iPhone 5 and iOS 6 features ~ The Path To Riches

The Apple Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) last week brought with it a new operating system version for the iPhone, iPad and iPod devices, iOS 6. That will be released in the Fall and will most likely be the OS that the iPhone 5 comes with.

iOS 6 will be compatible with the iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S, 4th Generation iPod, iPad 2 and new iPad. Without doing manual hacks, Siri, however, will be available only on the iPhone 4S and the third-generation iPad. A few other features, like turn-by-turn navigation, will be on iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and the new iPad only.

Below are feature highlights from this article at iDesigntimes.com and here is the main iOS 6 preview page from Apple.

Answering Calls
One of the best software changes is the way iOS 6 will give iPhone owners more options beyond "Answer" and "Decline." If you're too busy to answer the phone you will have the option to instantly respond with a list of preprogrammed text messages, including "I'll call you later" or "I'm on my way."

iPhone users too busy to respond to the call in real time can even set a reminder to return the call later. A "Do No Disturb" function will also give users the option to choose who they can recieve calls from at certain times of the day.

Apple Maps
Apple is replacing built-in Google Maps software with it's own application which they claim will feature easier step-by-step directions. The new app is vector-based to create detailed graphics and detailed texts even when the map is zoomed all the way in.

The new Apple Maps will also feature visual and spoken navigations, including not only turn-by-turn directions but also real-time traffic updates.

Better Siri
The iPhone electronic personal assistant is getting smarter and more useful. If you ask about sports it will show you live scores and stats. Siri can find restaurants and movie times and even update Facebook for you or turn your voice into Twitter messages.

Apple is also working with car manufacturers to create eyes-free Siri voice-control mode for safer driving.

Facebook Integration
The iOS 6 will make using Facebook with your iPhone easier than ever. Photos and video can be posted straight from the photo reel and your location can be posted straight from Maps.

Additionally, once logged into Facebook, all your events and birthdays will be synched with the iPhone.

Share Photos With Your Friends Through iCloud
iOS 6 will let users share photos with their friends though iCloud to any Mountain Lion Apple devices.

Updated FaceTime
New FaceTime lets you receive video calls through cellular networks and not just Wi-Fi. So now you can use WiFi whenever you want.

Handicapped Accessible
Guided Access with the iOS 6 will make the iPhone easier to use for people with vision, hearing, mobility and learning disabilities.

Mail Gets Redesigned
The Mail application has been redesigned to be more streamlined and easier to use.

What are the items you're most looking forward to? As someone most likely to switch over to the iPhone 5 from Android, Apple maps with turn-by-turn navigation is a key feature that I would want. Also, I think an updated version of Siri would be useful and Facebook integration would be a nice feature as well.