If you followed Apple’s WWDC keynote and paid attention to the iOS unveiling, then you saw some amazing new features being added to the mobile OS. Things like a new maps app, with real turn-by-turn navigation, 3D buildings and integrated Siri support. Speaking of Siri, the virtual assistant also go a bit of an upgrade. Siri can now report back things like sports scores, stats and standings, she can even look up restaurants, based on reviews, and make reservations right from the phone (for certain locations).
Aside from the new features found in Siri, Mail, and Safari, Facebook has finally been integrated “deeply” into the new version of iOS. Overall, I was very impressed from the whole event, but I did find it quite odd that the home screen of iOS was never shown, it could simply be because nothing’s changed, but more than likely, it’s because the UI will be getting a make over once Apple announces the new iPhone later this year. With rumors suggesting that the next iPhone will sport a new, larger display, Apple will ultimately have to make some changes to the homescreen UI, be it cosmetically or a complete overhaul, either way, it looks like we’ll have to wait until September to find out.
On a side note, the other rumor that was buzzing around, was that Apple would be adding a new photo sharing app, that would integrate with iCloud, with their own unique filters (think Instagram, by Apple). This too, I assume we’ll have to wait until Apple makes the new iPhone public, in which they’ll show off new camera hardware and thus, new software.
In any event, Apple proved one thing today, they are prepared. By showing the world that most of their iOS users are using the latest version, while only 7% of Android users are current with Android 4.0. Apple has created an extremely capable map service (with Siri), deep integration with Facebook, improved mail functionality and tons more. They may not be using smoke and mirrors this time around when they called iOS 6, the most advanced mobile OS.
After browsing Twitter it seems that the overall consensus is that Apple hit a home run today, even some “Android-Only” sites have had nice things to say. Granted, some are still trashing Apple, simply because it’s Apple and any positive comment towards Cupertino would lessen their love for Android (or so they think). Tell us your thoughts, what did you think of Apple’s WWDC keynote? Feel free to discuss anything from the event, be it the new MacBook Air’s or the next-generation MacBook Pro’s, OS X Mountain Lion or iOS.