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Roundup of iOS 6 Launch Day News and Reviews

Wow... so much hate on Maps. I like the look and feel of the iOS Maps better, and I'm sure they'll continually improve the map data. This was a major step for them to ween themselves from Google. As long as they were with Google, it prohibited any further integration into Siri, 3rd party apps, etc.. An integrated maps application is at the core of smartphone, and they could not innovate by having Google in the middle of it. Plus, iOS would at best be the same as Android for maps. While there are some losses with this move, the net will be more innovation in this critical part of iOS and 3rd party apps.

So for all those saying they can't move without Google Maps, I have to really wonder why? I personally have never relied on one mapping application in iOS since day one. I used CoPilot most of the time for navigation until recently, and just started using Waze a lot. I have a couple others, and of course had Google Maps. I am going to use Siri a lot more with it being integrated with Maps and Yelp.

Give it some time people... and if you aren't in love with it now, then pick up another mapping app to help fill the gap. I have no doubt that Google will release an app for iOS because they will want to keep their hooks into iOS customers.
 
Spanky Deluxe said:
I haven't installe iOS 6 on my iPhone yet but seeing as I'll hopefully be upgrading to a 5 tomorrow, I'll end up being forced into using 6.

I've got iOS 6 on my iPad and love nearly everything about it. Apart from the maps application. The 3D is a nice gimmick but it is slow and juddery - this is on an iPad 3 connected to a 75mbps internet connection.

I use Streetview and Google Maps on my phone all the time, this is a significant downgrade for me. I know Google said they would be releasing their own native maps app for iOS but obviously they're going to hold off on it while they bask in the glory of this negative PR for Apple.
Click to expand...

As a Londoner you won't be impressed. I particularly like the way Oxford Street (the most visited road in the most visited city on Earth) is shown as a minor street. Presumably because it doesn't allow public cars and is therefore low on TomTom's priorities.

It's not always a good idea to use data from a car navigation firm to draw maps for any type of user...
 
cfc said:
Developers have been hoping for that for the last 3 months!
Click to expand...

Not what I wanted to hear......sigh......:(

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convergent said:
Wow... so much hate on Maps. I like the look and feel of the iOS Maps better, and I'm sure they'll continually improve the map data. This was a major step for them to ween themselves from Google. As long as they were with Google, it prohibited any further integration into Siri, 3rd party apps, etc.. An integrated maps application is at the core of smartphone, and they could not innovate by having Google in the middle of it. Plus, iOS would at best be the same as Android for maps. While there are some losses with this move, the net will be more innovation in this critical part of iOS and 3rd party apps.

So for all those saying they can't move without Google Maps, I have to really wonder why? I personally have never relied on one mapping application in iOS since day one. I used CoPilot most of the time for navigation until recently, and just started using Waze a lot. I have a couple others, and of course had Google Maps. I am going to use Siri a lot more with it being integrated with Maps and Yelp.

Give it some time people... and if you aren't in love with it now, then pick up another mapping app to help fill the gap. I have no doubt that Google will release an app for iOS because they will want to keep their hooks into iOS customers.
Click to expand...

I agree with you, but it's not just about a LOT of missing data, it's about it being buggy to the point of frustration! On an iPhone 4s it shows me jumping from one spot to another all over the map, and I'm sitting in my office not moving! It's just disappointing, but hey, love the other things in iOS 6, and yes, there are other options we can use until Apple fixes the mapping issues!
 
Someone needs to start a thread for just the messed up maps screen shots. Cause most of the ones posted are just too funny.
 
So far, the main improvement I've noticed is Siri.

I used to only use her for reminders, but with iOS6 it seems like she is much more responsive. I don't feel like I can attribute this to better connection (although Apple may have tweaked the software to improve cellular connectivity) - I feel like Siri really has finally arrived.

Obviously this is a somewhat limited usage trial BUT I would normally never use her to look things up on the internet because it would simply take too long to communicate with her servers. Now, even with complex sentences, she responds within a matter of a couple seconds.

So far I'm loving iOS6. Used passbook last night to hit up the movies and am looking forward to the development of this app as well!

EDIT: I took a flyover of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and Cowboys Stadium last night on my iPad and I was impressed with the level of detail and quality. I would bet these map problems are somewhat isolated to different areas as I have yet to have any issues. Does seem like the map data is between 1 - 2 years old though......still about the same as the navigation system in my 1 year old Hyundai. My wife and I just moved to a new neighborhood and our neighbors have been there for about a year - you can see their house on Maps (where I get my data age estimate).
 
jrswizzle said:
So far, the main improvement I've noticed is Siri.

I used to only use her for reminders, but with iOS6 it seems like she is much more responsive. I don't feel like I can attribute this to better connection (although Apple may have tweaked the software to improve cellular connectivity) - I feel like Siri really has finally arrived.

Obviously this is a somewhat limited usage trial BUT I would normally never use her to look things up on the internet because it would simply take too long to communicate with her servers. Now, even with complex sentences, she responds within a matter of a couple seconds.

So far I'm loving iOS6. Used passbook last night to hit up the movies and am looking forward to the development of this app as well!

EDIT: I took a flyover of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and Cowboys Stadium last night on my iPad and I was impressed with the level of detail and quality. I would bet these map problems are somewhat isolated to different areas as I have yet to have any issues. Does seem like the map data is between 1 - 2 years old though......still about the same as the navigation system in my 1 year old Hyundai.
Click to expand...

Siri is both better and faster for me. I'm seeing improvements even from the beta stages.
PhotoStream is one of my favorite features! It's gonna be a great tool for families and friends.
 
VSMacOne said:
Depends on where you live, and what features you use. For me, it's a visual and performance improvement over Google.
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Visually the maps are lovely. And the vector-based drawing makes them very smooth to use. The problem is that these factors are more than outweighed for most users by the sheer lack of usability.

It looks like Apple have concentrated on the US because there seem to be fewer complaints from there, but the rest of the world seems awful, presumably because they haven't been tested by local users. Apple should have staggered the release internationally, as developers such as myself have been suggesting.
 
So ithought SIRI was comming to the iphone 4??? What gives

Look at the title.......


I like the maps....in 3d seems like it is easier to navigate....My $0.02
 
cfc said:
Visually the maps are lovely. And the vector-based drawing makes them very smooth to use. The problem is that these factors are more than outweighed for most users by the sheer lack of usability.

It looks like Apple have concentrated on the US because there seem to be fewer complaints from there, but the rest of the world seems awful, presumably because they haven't been tested by local users. Apple should have staggered the release internationally, as developers such as myself have been suggesting.
Click to expand...

Imagine, a US company which concentrates first on its customers in the US, then on the rest of the world....the audacity! :rolleyes:
 
a0me said:
I did that the moment I heard that iOS 6 was dropping Google Maps and while it sort of works, it's painfully slow compared to the native app.

Another thing is, will Google be allowed to create a Map app for iOS? A Google Maps app would most likely duplicate Apple's app functionality.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, the web version of Google Maps, when accessed from the home page to the Safari browser is expected to run a bit slower. Another possible trick is to use another speedier browser instead of Safari, and then 'bookmark' Google Maps onto the home page, if possible. But that trick works fine with me as I'm able to use Google Maps as my alternative. It only takes a few more seconds, that's all. If you want faster, you can use wi-fi.

I have to agree with many angry users here that Apple's Maps program is severely lacking since I'm using the ip4 model. When I look at Google's map, it is so robust that you can literally see every building label. For instance, I live in a small college town and I can view each building (in 2D format) on that college campus with accuracy (disclaimer: I'm not a student there). Apple's version has NONE of it.

I can see why Apple preferred 'vectorizing' the maps to speed up the process, but to me, it was very rushed. I don't like Tom Tom and use my Garmin GPS strictly for driving around as I never use the iphone for this. I can see why they went this route as a GPS tool, but for street navigation or guiding visitors who ask where to go, having building labels and links is extremely important.

Just yesterday, a middle aged couple approached me asking for directions where one could buy a glass of wine at. This would've been useful but considering the small town's nature, it was easy to find. But in a larger city setting, they would need a detailed map especially if it's a business/academic/medical complex or compound to get around on.

It's going to take Apple a very long time to catch up to the level of detail for the building labels. I've a feeling they were in a hurry to drop Google out of the iphone, acting like a bunch of schoolgirls.

What's most ironic is Apple's focus on hardware is very strong, but when it comes to software, they fall short on. For instance, in Sparrow's Mail app, I could delete all SENT mails in one button while in Apple's Mail, you have to individually delete each one of them, in order to cut down on junk. Especially when I used a Blackberry in the past, it's email app was tops because I could delete junk mail remotely from my device or unwanted email, and when that happens, it disappears from the server.

On Apple's Mail, it keeps copying over to my devices when I have to delete them again (not iCloud). It's a pain in the a$$.

Why does'nt Apple THINK of little nuances like this? They need to beef up on the UI for Mail and Maps big time.
 
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koruki said:
Apple is as good in writing maps as Google is at writing a smartphone OS :cool:
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Hardly. Android works. Google Maps on Android works. Apple Maps is a total embarrassment.

It won't affect Apple's bottom line at all, but a few of my friends who rely on the Map app have decided not to get the iPhone 5 until this problem is resolved, so however you want to dress it up Apple Maps has knocked consumer confidence.

I can only hope that Google comes to the rescue and releases a iOS Map app, like they did with YouTube.
 
photographypro said:
I did exactly that for some reason the mobile version has no "Street View", which was so useful if doing sales or business work. Nice to see the neighborhood, parking availability, etc.

Unless there is some trick I'm missing. You can switch to the web version, but that is way too slow.
Click to expand...

Someone said the same thing to my quote so I answered it recently. Yes, the web version will be slower due to the browser unless you use an alternate browser like Dolphin, it might work better.

At least, the Google Maps home page 'bookmark' is a better option than none.

I hate to say it but Apple rushed it out, trying to dump Google. Even using Tom Tom was a big mistake.
 
photographypro said:
Dial *67 before dialing out and your number should be blocked. Works from home and cell phones.
Click to expand...

Thanks but that's not an answer to the issue I was talking about. I was commenting on the fact that its still not possible to block certain numbers for incoming calls on iOS which is a feature on other phones and on Jail-broken iPhones.
 
jrswizzle said:
Imagine, a US company which concentrates first on its customers in the US, then on the rest of the world....the audacity! :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I don't mind Apple concentrating on the US first - in fact I suggested that they roll out to the US first and leave the international release until they had got it in a reasonable state.

What I object to is Apple getting it working for the US only and then forcing it on the whole world despite numerous complaints from international developers telling them to hold fire.

I would be very happy if just the US had Apple's new maps app, and the rest of us still had Google maps until Apple had sorted their international maps out.
 
Well I have iOS 6 on my iPhone 4 and girlfriends iPhone 4. My install was fine, her install gave me a headache! OTA update worked great then hers goes into restore mode for no apparent reason so hook up to iTunes, try to restore and doesn't work then update my Mac, restore her phone which works, restore from backup, then have to add all her music and apps back on... ugh! Apple's slogan of "It just works" didn't really hold up with this release for her iPhone.

Now getting to iOS6, my battery life on my 4 seems to be greatly improved over iOS5. Used it last night for a good 6 hours. This included times of listening to music, browsing over wifi, opening multiple apps to see the new features like maps, passbook, settings, etc. Over the period of 6.5 hours my battery only dropped about 10%. Hopefully it can stay this way. Maps so far here in Ontario seems to work. It's a little off in certain areas but works great when on Satellite mode. Search restaurants and it gives me a huge result list and Yelp does work with the pictures and the hours at the top and everything. However, it likes to leave out all the restaurants in Newmarket, ON which is odd. So far my only complaint with iOS6 is Maps but this is Apple Maps v1.0 so I can give it a break as long as we get updates in the next software update of iOS6.
 
Working fine for me so far. Only grip is (notsurprisingduetocomplaints) when I used Siri to give me directions to my school, she gave me directions to a different one. Keep in mind I tried voicing the school numerous times. She usually understands me, so I don't believe it's my speech. However, manually typing the address worked fine though.
 
jrswizzle said:
Imagine, a US company which concentrates first on its customers in the US, then on the rest of the world....the audacity! :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I suppose then you're also suggesting that Samsung, Nokia, Nintendo, Sony, Toyota, Mercedes, etc should do the same upon releasing products to the US?
 
CalmEnvy said:
Well I have iOS 6 on my iPhone 4 and girlfriends iPhone 4. My install was fine, her install gave me a headache! OTA update worked great then hers goes into restore mode for no apparent reason so hook up to iTunes, try to restore and doesn't work then update my Mac, restore her phone which works, restore from backup, then have to add all her music and apps back on... ugh! Apple's slogan of "It just works" didn't really hold up with this release for her iPhone.

Now getting to iOS6, my battery life on my 4 seems to be greatly improved over iOS5. Used it last night for a good 6 hours. This included times of listening to music, browsing over wifi, opening multiple apps to see the new features like maps, passbook, settings, etc. Over the period of 6.5 hours my battery only dropped about 10%. Hopefully it can stay this way. Maps so far here in Ontario seems to work. It's a little off in certain areas but works great when on Satellite mode. Search restaurants and it gives me a huge result list and Yelp does work with the pictures and the hours at the top and everything. However, it likes to leave out all the restaurants in Newmarket, ON which is odd. So far my only complaint with iOS6 is Maps but this is Apple Maps v1.0 so I can give it a break as long as we get updates in the next software update of iOS6.
Click to expand...

Ive been doing alot of testing here, Im in Toronto, Im asking for Newmarket resteraunts and Im getting them, my problem is getting a proper list of resteraunts in Toronto, Im not sure if location services are working properly, everything is turned on including gps, it seems like some weird bug is in place here
 
I can see the Mapping taking about a year or so to be brought up to speed. I have a feeling it will get better, but with other products out there that are already matured, there is going to be a lot of growing pains for Apple.

It is only a matter of time before google releases a map app. Hopefully sooner than later.
 
GlastoEls said:
I suppose then you're also suggesting that Samsung, Nokia, Nintendo, Sony, Toyota, Mercedes, etc should do the same upon releasing products to the US?
Click to expand...

I'm not saying they should or shouldn't. But if Samsung decides to release their best products in their home country first and the US later on (which was the case with the GS3 - the US release was later than other countries) I'd have no problem with it.

The difference is the US has the largest economy in the world. So it behooves international companies to get their products to the US earlier than it might a US company to get its products to the rest of the world.

That being said, Apple has been beefing up their international releases and I'm sure the maps, LTE and other features not as good internationally as in the US will get better. That's all. Wouldn't you as a company want to cater to your biggest consumer base first if you had to choose?
 
Dreamboy said:
Steve would have fired the whole maps team, if he lived to see this horrendous map application.
Click to expand...

I never really bought into the assumption that Jobs would do it this way or that way, but now I would have to say yes, he most likely would has tossed the maps back at the map team and said make it perfect of get the f out, it was Microsoft who started by getting the software out as fast as possible then fix it after, and much of the industry started to do the same, I know there is tons of code and work to do, but that excuse has go by the wayside long tome ago.
 
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