Apple iOS 6 – the Bad and the Good

Bad things about iOS 6

1. Cramped App Store

Although the Apple App Store’s makeover is an improvement in aesthetics, search results are limited to one at a time via the iPhone, so you have to do a lot more scrolling. In theory, it’s smart to highlight quality over quantity, but it doesn’t always hit the mark. Plus, the layout is a bit cramped.

2. Maps Apps

Apple’s new Maps app has been perhaps the most discussed — and most griped about — new feature on iOS 6 so far. In addition to the app omitting transit directions, users discovered that mapping imagery included a confusing cluster of broken roads, misplaced clouds and national monuments all out of whack.

3. YouTube App

Although everyone has been buzzing about the missing the Google Maps app, the Google-owned YouTube app is gone too. However, unlike Google Maps, a new Although everyone has been buzzing about the missing the Google Maps app, the Google-owned YouTube app is gone too. However, unlike Google Maps, a new (superior) version is downloadable via the Apple App Store.

4. Too Much Facebook

When Apple opened up social integration to Facebook, which will be key for allowing users to share pictures and post status updates without having to log into the app, it also merged your Facebook contacts and calendar automatically. The good news is that it’s possible to turn off the default function if you feel overwhelmed with information. (superior) version is downloadable via the Apple App Store.

Good things about iOS 6

1. 3G FaceTime

FaceTime has long been a great way to video chat with friends and family, but both parties needed to be on a Wi-Fi network in order for it to work. Now, FaceTime works over cellular and you can even take calls on your iPad using your phone number.

2. Passbook

Passbook may not be a digital wallet, but it’s certainly warming the public up to what could be the next big wave in mobile payments. It allows you to store anything from movie tickets to gift cards and boarding passes for flights.

What’s even better is an option that senses when you are in the area of the movie theater or airport and reveals your ticket on the lock screen, so you don’t even need to open up the app. Starbucks, Walgreens, Fandango and various airlines have already signed on to support Passbook functionality.

3.VIP Email

Inundated by junk email and miss the important ones? Set up aVIPlist, so you’ll never miss emails from your boss, best friend or loved one.

4. Maps App

Although the new Maps app doesn’t include routing and transit directions — which is perhaps the biggest overall gripe among iOS 6 users so far — it still touts some impressive features. For example, by accessing the satellite view in Maps for cities such as New York, San Francisco and London, users are treated to 3D imagery. Attention to detail is so spot on that it almost looks like you’re flying through streets as though you were in a video game. In addition, zooming intoMashable’s New York City headquarters in the Flatiron District reveals a movie poster that was being painted on a nearby building.

5. Facebook Integration

Apple has opened up social integration to Facebook, allowing users to share pictures and post status updates without having to log into the app. You can also merge your Facebook contacts and calendar with your iOS calendar, so you no longer have an excuse if you forget a friend’s birthday.

Article first posted on Mashable.com September 21, 2012 by Samantha Murphy