Apple gets car-savvy with iOS 6

The fanboys weren't completely satisfied at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference kicked off in San Francisco this morning NZ time. 

Many complained via social networks that there was no mention of Apple's much anticipated move into the TV market, which CEO Tim Cook has been hinting at lately.

Still, there was plenty to keep the faithful buzzing at the company's big annual bash, including a new retina display version of the MacBook Pro and a preview of iOS 6 (iOS being the software that runs the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch).

Software makers will be able to download a beta (test) version of iOS 6 from today. Others will be able to download the new software, free, around spring.

ABOVE: Passport popls different deals or e-services onscreen, depending on your location (click to enlarge). For example, an electronic boarding pass could pop up as you approach a boarding gate.

Key features:

• The ability reply with a txt to an incoming call, or schedule a reminder to call later.
   
• Turn-by-turn navigation with the new Apple Maps. A long-awaited feature that will arrive as part of a new mapping feature developed inhouse - helping to ween Apple from ally-turned-foe Google, and make its maps more competitive with Androids and Nokia Windows Phone devices that already feature maps with turn-by-turn instructions.
   
• Siri integration with maps. Yes, you should be able to ask "Are we there yet?" and get a sensible response.
   
• A “Do Not Disturb” mode will prevent push notifications from making noise or turning on the screen.
   
• The ability to block phone calls or only allow calls from selected contacts.
   
• A VIP Mailbox, making it easier to quickly view messages from people you designate as VIPs.
   
• The Mail app supports photo and video attachments, pull-to-refresh and opening of password-protected Office files.
   
• Siri will let users launch apps by voice.
   
• Some car makers will let you launch Siri through a steering wheel button. Apple said support is coming from GM, BMW, Honda, Jaguar and others.
   
• Siri for iPad (as long as you've got the latest model).
   
• Siri integration with Facebook.
   
• Facebook integration with Contacts that lets you see friends' Facebook contact info, and to "Like" content in iTunes.
   
• FaceTime will be supported by mobile phone networks (so far there is no confirmation if this feature will be available in New Zealand - assuming you're happy to pay the heavy data charges for video calls). Previously, FaceTime has been wi-fi only.
   
• Safari can show notifications when users visit a website that has a native app in the App Store.
   
• Safari support for photo uploads to websites.
   
• The addition of Passbook, a location-aware app for discount cards, gift cards, movie tickets and boarding passes. Location-awareness means a boarding e-pass should pop up onscreen as you walk into an airport, for example.

Click to enlarge.