iOS 6 Reviews Roundup on Apple Maps, Facebook Integration, and Siri, but It’s Not “Game-Changing”

With Apple's newest mobile operating system (OS) now a little over 24 hours old, the reviews are piling in and Latinos Post has rounded them up.

Some of the talked about features for the iOS 6 before it launched was Apple's decision to remove YouTube as a pre-installed app, the removal of Google Maps, inclusion of Passbook, and an improved Siri, among the 200 features, according to Apple.

MacWorld's Dan Moren has referred to the iOS 6 as a "modest" update following what the iOS 5 had to offer.

Moren added, "In addition, plenty of iOS's features have been updated and refined, and user interface conventions have been tweaked across the entire OS. Apple has also put an emphasis on rolling out certain features to both its mobile and desktop operating systems-Facebook integration, Mail VIPs, and so on-ushering in a new strategy of giving the two platforms parity when it makes sense to do so."

Apple's answer to Google Maps is a key point of discussion with Moren and other reviewers.

Moren "unquestionably" believes the marquee feature for the iOS 6 is Apple Maps.

"The first thing that catches the eye when you launch the new and revamped app is that the map itself is front-and-center: On the iPhone, Apple has reduced the amount of chrome around the edges of the interface. The result is a minimalist interface that leaves much more room for the map itself."

IT Pro Portal's Jeffrey L. Wilson's review starts off similar to Moren's in agreeing the iOS 5 was a "significant upgrade" and the iOS 6 is not "game-changing."

The pros according to Wilson, the pros include "useful new call handling options, iCloud recovery, Passbook hub for all your tickets," and improved integration of Facebook and Twitter social network.

The con for Wilson is the Maps app.

Wilson noted, "Maps, at first glance, looks very similar to Google Maps but with subtle differences: Restaurants, coffee shops and other places of interest are highlighted with more eye-catching icons which, when tapped, open reviews and information supplied by Yelp. Unfortunately, Apple's new system seems a little weaker than Google's, and more prone to data inaccuracies."

"iOS 6 also adds new calling options that give you more flexibility over how you handle incoming calls that you don't want to take. Instead of simply declining a call, you can now reply to it with a text message (either pre-fabricated or custom), or set a reminder to follow up and call the person back later," added Wilson.

Computer World's Michael deAgonia encountered a situation when downloading apps, "I should note a minor glitch I came across, in case you encounter it: At one point, I was given a warning that the Restore was incomplete, and that I should plug the phone back to iTunes to finish. After tapping OK, the iPhone continued to restore itself from my iCloud backup. I didn't have to connect to iTunes to install any apps."

He acknowledged that despite Siri still in beta, she has learned some "new tricks."

"Like before, Siri still requires an active Internet connection, but it now has access to more databases. As a result, Siri can now handle new topics, allowing the iPhone to answer your questions regarding movie times at local theaters; questions about actors, directors, movies and ratings; and questions about sports scores, standings, team schedules and player stats. Siri can also help you find and reserve seating at local restaurants."

Carly Page of The Inquirer was thankful that the iOS 6 installation didn't take three hours as previously experienced with the iOS 5, "although this might have been because we downloaded it a few hours after the 6pm rush. We installed the upgrade over the air, which took around 15 minutes, without any hiccups."

Another aspect of the iOS 6 that has worked "surprisingly well" is the Facebook integration.

"Once you've entered your credentials in settings, you can now share photos straight to the social network, update your status from the Notifications menu, or get Siri to do that for you."

She added, "There's also the option to pull Facebook friends' information into Contacts, a nice touch that finally sees Apple catching up with Android," but noted it caused the Contacts app to be "really cluttered."

Digital Spy's Andrew Laughlin and Amie Parker-Williams commented on the Facebook integration.

"Facebook is also integrated with Siri, enabling status updates to be posted with just voice commands, while the App Store and iTunes support direct 'likes' of content, as well as display what friends have recommended. But don't expect a social revolution from this change. The system essentially just means that there is a Facebook button wherever possible on iOS, just like with Twitter. It is not a massively dynamic integration, but at least a worthy addition to the OS."

The iOS 6 is compatible for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad 2, fourth and fifth generation iPod Touch.

If you've noticed the lack of YouTube, click here to figure out how to add it back.