The business of tech speculation isn’t
easy. I mean, by the time this issue makes its way into your hands, there’
every chance Apple would be previewing the latest iOS6 release of its mobile
operating system at its Worldwide Developer Conference. Even so, here are some
of our informed and educated guesses about what will make the cut for iOS6.
Apple Maps
Apple
Maps
For years, Apple’s depended on Google for
Maps on its iOS platform, but with their strategic acquisitions of Placebase,
C3 and Poly9, Apple’s primed to show off a new Maps feature that, according to
sources, is designed to, “blow your head off”. Expect to see photorealistic 3D
mapping technology, augmented reality overlays on maps, voice navigation and
possibly even a crowd-sourced traffic database (likely to be US only).
Siri for everyone:
With iOS6, it’s likely Siri will finally
get to step out of the confines of the iPhone 4S world, with Siri for iPad
(maybe even Macs) looking increasingly possible. What’s most exciting is the
possible addition of an API for Siri to connect and interface with third-party
applications. Opening it up to developers could potentially change the way we
interact with the iPhone completely.
iCloud goes mega!
iCloud
goes mega!
If iCloud largely remained in the
background in the iOS5 experience, there’re rumors of it going upernova with
iOS6, with Apple truning the photo-synching Photo Stream feature into a
fully-fledged iCloud-connected photo/video sharing application. So, not only
will you be able to share sets of photos with other iCloud users, but also
comment on them- Apple’s got Instagram in its sights, if you ask us!
FaceTime opens up
Apple’s
video
Apple’s video – calling app only lets you
chat with friends within the closed Mac/iOS ecoy-system – you need an iPhone,
iPad 2, iPod touch or a Mac to FaceTime. Steve Jobs hinted at a more open
FaceTime when the app debuted, and it’s about time non-Mac users should be able
to communicated with Facetime users.
