Apple unveils iOS 6 at WWDC, launch apps with Siri, Facebook integration, Maps

Apple unveils iOS 6 at WWDC, launch apps with Siri, Facebook integration, Maps

Looks like they didn't print the banner out for nothing -- as anticipated, it's not just refreshed MacBook Airs or Mountain Lion getting the red carpet treatment at today's World Wide Developer's Conference keynote. Cupertino has also taken the shiny cling wrap off of the latest version of iOS. What's new? Well at least 200 things! Most notably, Siri has gotten a little make over, including the ability to launch apps, more knowledge of sports, restaurants and movie times, it's also coming to iPad. There's better Facebook integration too, with photos, websites, maps and more getting the instant share option -- you can even "like" or share app from the Appstore. Other tweaks on the phone side of things let you dismiss incoming calls with a swipe, or send a pre-written SMS, even set it to give you a reminder once you change location.

Another popular feature will be "Do Not Disturb" which holds off all those notifications (from your new Facebook friends, we guess). You'll still get them, but the won't alert, or light up the screen. Face-timers will also be pleased to see that feature finally working over cellular. Sharing images also just got easier with shared Photo Streams -- choose the pictures, choose the friends. Done. New "Guided Access" allows parents or teachers (for example) to keep users from exiting an app accidentally (or in the case of the teachers -- intentionally!). More info and PR after the break.

Continue reading Apple unveils iOS 6 at WWDC, launch apps with Siri, Facebook integration, Maps

Apple unveils iOS 6 at WWDC, launch apps with Siri, Facebook integration, Maps originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Offline Google Maps to work on ‘all devices with Android 2.2 or higher,’ 3D compatibility less clear

Offline Google Maps to work on 'all devices with Android 22 or higher,' 3D compatibility less clear

We'd heard earlier that Google had "nothing to announce" in regard to Android compatibility with the newly-announced offline Maps support and 3D modeling, but look -- things change. We reached out to the company and urged 'em to dig a little deeper, only to have the following confirmed: "For offline Google Maps for Android, all devices with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above will be supported." As for the 3D portion? "We'll have more details about device compatibility for 3D imagery on Google Earth for mobile at launch." After the event, we spotted a Googler using the 3D build on a Galaxy Nexus, so it's obvious that Android 4.0+ will be supported, but we have to assume that some of these older Froyo devices may simply lack the proper oomph needed to fly around the downtowns of [insert major metropolitan area here].

Offline Google Maps to work on 'all devices with Android 2.2 or higher,' 3D compatibility less clear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google’s Brian McClendon: ‘committed’ to bringing all of Maps’ features to iOS, other platforms

Google's Peter Birch 'committed' to bringing all of Maps features to iOS, other platforms

There was a Google event today, but you'd hardly know it based on the Q&A session. Question and question was hurled at Brian McClendon -- Vice President of Engineering for Google Maps -- surrounding Apple. With discussion around Apple's desire to introduce a mapping system of its own in iOS 6 to unseat Google from its preloaded app selection, Peter fielded lots of inquiries on the matter. He did an admirable job of dodging the obviously asinine bits, but continued to impress upon the crowd that Google itself was "committed" to bringing all of the features in Maps -- 3D, offline, turn-by-turn, etc. -- to iOS and other platforms.

That was largely in response to a question as to why Google Maps Navigation for Android was so superior to Maps on iOS, but honestly, it's hard to know where the truth sits. We've heard that politics have kept the two sides from coming to terms, but it's pretty clear that Google's more than happy to bring its world-class mapping platform to other mobile operating systems... so long as terms are agreeable, naturally. The good news is that 3D maps will be coming to Android and iOS "in the coming weeks," which makes one wonder if iOS 6 will be available for some time. As for offline on iOS? Your guess is as good as ours, but it sure sounds as if the ball's in Apple's court. Can't we just all play nice, guys?

Relive the memories in our liveblog... right here!

Google's Brian McClendon: 'committed' to bringing all of Maps' features to iOS, other platforms originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google’s ‘next dimension of Maps’ liveblog

Google Maps

Hey! We're here's in Google's digs in downtown San Francisco, supposedly to hear about some "next dimension" of Google Maps. Given the hubbub about Apple introducing a mapping alternative of its own next week at WWDC, you can practically feel the tension. Join us after the break as we cover it live!

Google's 'next dimension of Maps' liveblog originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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