Apple Likes Facebook, Minus One For Google

Day one of WWDC 2012, the annual event from Apple turned out to be a major heartbreak for the search giant. Not that it we didn't see it coming, especially after the acquisitions they made last year, C3 Technologies in particular. The other things expected on day one also turned out to be true. iOS6 was finally introduced with some new and good to use features. Facebook is now integrated more in the system, Siri will be able to more with your commands, a new way to store all your passes and yes there is more ;)

Apple Maps

Lets start with the bad news for Google. Apple has shown the exit sign to Google Maps and replaced it with a map technology developed in-house. This didn't come as a surprise, a) for the growing rivalry between the two giants in the smartphone arena, and b) although Apple is using Google mapping app as of today, Google has kept a few features like turn by turn directions spoken exclusively for Android smartphones. Apple gave it away last year when they acquired C3 Technologies, hinting the new product to be developed in house.

The new mapping technology will have voice navigation, real time traffic details and will offer alternate routes for the user as well. And while Google is still collecting the 3D images of the structures like flyover etc, Apple has already moved ahead with it. With the help of C3 Technologies, Apple has incorporated the 3D view within the new mapping feature. And it gets better as Apple' very own voice assistant, Siri, will now have access to this map feature. So you will be able to ask Siri for directions and there will be 3D maps available for the voice assistant to use for your help!     

While We Are On Siri

And while we are on the topic, Siri has a few enhancements as well. Besides it makes its presence on iPad available now, which would be enough of an excitement for the iPad users.

The virtual assistant that interprets voice command and talks back to the user will now be available in more languages and has learned a lot about movies. If Apple is to be believed on the partnership with Yelp, then Siri should soon start suggesting you the prices and ratings of restaurants when asked about the laces to eat.

The big bonus comes with the fact that Siri is now able to open up more apps, on the devices for you, then it was in the previous versions while its introduction on iPhone4S.

Apple Did Like Facebook 

Rumored to be achieved it iOS4, the Facebook integration finally happens in iOS6. After the Twitter integration in the previous version, this is a much anticipated and welcomed feature by the iOS users.

What this means is that you will now be required to provide your Facebook password just once and use the integration rather seamlessly, as you can like/suggest pages from the safari browser. Or even better, since the integration spans to the app store; you will be able to recommend apps to your friends as well.

And it doesn't stop here, your Facebook events and reminders (including the birthdays) will be available in your phone itself.

FaceTime, Now On 3G

The limitation of FaceTime usage was there for 2 years since it was introduced. Not anymore! You will now be able to use FaceTime over 3G connections apart from the WiFi usage that existed before. This will make the users use the feature more than it was since the start.

Something On Microsoft

Whether Apple is worried about Microsoft sync or not, we will discuss some other time. But for now Apple with a few other players in the game have introduced a feature that they seem to call 'Eyes Free'. They are building a tech that will allow users to use Siri as well their iPhone while driving and without moving their eyes off the road.  Seems interesting!!

It Gets More Smart

iOS6 seems to have more smart feature. So if you were amazed what Galaxy S3 could do, listen to this. iOS6 introduces a new feature called, call when you leave. You set a reminder to call someone when you leave the place (building) and the reminder alerts you as you get out. The phone detects that you are leaving the place!

It also lets you decide what notifications not to receive when you are sleeping for example. This feature prevents the messaging and other notifications to disturb you during the time.

Store your Tickets With Passbook

With this app you could store all type of tickets. t will store your movie tickets, train tickets and airline tickets etc and makes them available digitally with the help of QRCodes and 2D bar-codes. Not a feature anyone expected, but a handy one nonetheless.

MacBook Pro

Apple announced the next generation MacBook Pro model. Less than an inch thick when closed and measuring 15. inch diagonally, it is being termed as the most amazing computer Apple has ever made. Its supposed to have a battery backup of around 7 hrs.

  

Besides, these there was introduction to the new features on Safari and some enhancements made to the Email app. You will now be able to add images and pictures directly to emails from the email app, something that bothered users quite much in the previous versions.

They did mention the Mountain Lion(Mac OS X 10.8), but its features were already let out a few months back. It should rather be on sale by now we think!!