On the opening day of WWDC 2012 Apple revealed the latest version of the most powerful mobile operating system that powers millions of iDevices around the world. Yes, we are talking about the iOS 6. According to Scott Forstall, the Senior Vice President of iOS, the all new iOS6 will feature around 200 new and exciting features including a smarter Siri, better facebook integration and ability to make facetime calls over cellular networks. iOS 6 also features Apple’s own 3D mapping software replacing Google Maps. This new version of iOS is surely going to be the best mobile OS of all time. So, let’s discuss about the features to look forward to in iOS 6 and what makes it awesome.

A smarter Siri:

 

Apple says that Siri has been educating itself throughout its 8 months of public existence. Now Siri is smarter and understands you like never before. It can remind you of a meeting, answer tricky questions and even predict if you need an umbrella before leaving your house. Siri knows all about sports. If you want to know the batting average of a baseball player, Siri has got the answer for you. If you ever need to know the current score just ask Siri. It’s even possible to make reservations with Siri thanks to Apple’s partnership with OpenTable. Siri has also got information about which movies are playing and show you movie trailers accordingly. Siri will no longer be unique to iPhone 4s. It will support iPad too.

The new Siri has got major improvements in many areas and it’s beyond the scope of this post. We will cover the features of Siri completely in another post.

Improved Navigation:

Finally Apple has brought turn by turn navigation into its OS which is more effective and user friendly. This also marks the end of Apple’s relationship with Google Maps. The android devices have had the turn by turn navigation and iDevices lacked it. But now this will no more be a problem for the iOS users. Apple’s 3D mapping software has Siri integration and also works from the lock screen.

Face Time Calls:

 

With iOS 6 you can make Face Time calls over cellular networks. Apple has already taken decision to integrate users’ phone numbers with Apple so that when one gets a Face Time call he can answer it on iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Phone Controls:

What happens when you are in a meeting and you get a call? Previously you simply ignored it or disconnected the call. But with iOS 6 you can choose to reply the caller with a text message. You can also set a reminder which will remind you of the call later at a particular time. You will also get a Do not disturb option which will block all the incoming calls. But you will be able to receive text messages. There is also an option to block calls by groups.

Better Email Support:

iOS 6 offers a VIP option which alerts you when you get an email from somebody within your chosen contacts. This is a pretty good feature for someone who is busy in a meeting but still wants to keep track of emails from certain people.

Passbooks:

 

iOS 6 adds Passbook feature which lets you store and easily access the electronic versions of tickets, boarding passes, store cards etc. This is the simplest way to access all your passes easily in one place.

A Tighter Facebook Integration:

 

Just like Twitter was integrated with iOS 5, this time Facebook is integrated strongly with iOS 6. You can update status, post photos and videos to your Facebook account directly from the notification bar without even using the Facebook app.

A better Safari:

You can now save a web page for later reading in offline mode. Not just that, you can also view the page in full screen while using the device in landscape mode.

Well, iOS 6 gets more than 200 new features and is going to be a major update for all the iOS users. We will know more about the features when iOS 6 hits the market this fall. So, who are all going to get the fun? iOS 6 will be released for iPhone 4s, 3GS and 4 as well as 2nd and 3rd gen iPad and 4th gen iPod Touch.