By adding new maps and more FaceTime, iOS 6 hits major marks (updated)

Scott Forstall, SVP of iOS software demos iOS 6 at today's event.

(Credit:
Screenshot by James Martin/CNET)

Editors’ note:This First Take was originally posted on June 11, 2012, at the time of the WWDC Keynote. We are updating this post with changes to the iOS announced today at the Apple event.

During the Apple event today, the company announced the latest version of the operating system that powers its popular mobile devices. Scott Forstall, Apple’s SVP of iOS, promises that iOS 6 will bring 200 new features, including tighter Facebook integration, an empowered Siri voice assistant, and the capability to conduct FaceTime calls over a cellular network.

Yet, it’s Apple’s new Maps app that was easily the star of the show. Created by the company, the app finally adds turn-by-turn directions along with info cards for businesses, a “flyover mode” when searching for an address, and a full 3D satellite view that displays buildings, terrain, and landmarks. There will be much more, of course, but even at this early point it’s clear that Apple has filled a few gaping holes on our iOS wish list.

iOS 6 will become available on September … [Read more]

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