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iOS 6.1 ready for download, improves iTunes Match, adds movie ticket purchsing via Siri and Fandango
iOS 6.1 has been a curious update. It offers a minor handful of API upgrades for developers but otherwise has been a way for Apple to tweak internals. First appearing November 1st, the beta has had occasional updates, most recently moving to the fifth beta last night before its final release to the public. Interestingly, the few API upgrades centered around Apple's troubled Maps API. In any case, it's been a heck of a long time coming, and it's good to see the release finally make it out to the public. Especially since a lot of devs were worried that the beta would expire before going gold. Other new features that are new to iOS 6.1: LTE support for more carriers, with a complete list of supported carriers at www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/. Purchase movie tickets through Fandango with Siri (US only). iTunes Match subscribers can now download individual songs from iCloud. New button to reset the Advertising Identifier. Full information is available at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222 Check your iOS Settings app for over-the-air updates or request the upgrade from iTunes. (Many thanks to Erica Sadun for providing information about the API upgrades) Show full PR text CUPERTINO, California-January 28, 2013-Apple® today updated iOS to version 6.1, adding LTE capabilities to 36 additional iPhone® carriers and 23 additional iPad® carriers around the world, so even more iPhone 5, iPad mini and iPad* with Retina® display users can experience ultrafast wireless performance** to browse, download and stream content at blazing fast speeds. To date, iOS users have uploaded over nine billion photos to Photo Stream, sent over 450 billion iMessages and received over four trillion notifications. "iOS 6 is the world's most advanced mobile operating system, and with nearly 300 million iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices on iOS 6 in just five months, it may be the most popular new version of an OS in history," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "iOS 6.1 brings LTE support to more markets around the world, so even more users can enjoy ultrafast Safari browsing, FaceTime video calls, iCloud services, and iTunes and App Store downloads." iOS 6 features include Siri®, which supports more languages, easy access to sports scores, restaurant recommendations and movie listings; Maps with Apple-designed cartography, turn-by-turn navigation and Flyover view; Facebook integration for Contacts and Calendar, with the ability to post directly from Notification Center, Siri and Facebook-enabled apps; Shared Photo Streams via iCloud®; and Passbook®, the simplest way to get all your passes in one place. Additional updates in iOS 6.1 include the ability to use Siri to purchase movie tickets in the US through Fandango, and iTunes Match℠ subscribers can download individual songs to their iOS devices from iCloud. The revolutionary App Store℠ offers more than 800,000 apps to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch® users, with more than 300,000 native iPad apps. App Store customers have downloaded over 40 billion apps, and Apple has paid over seven billion dollars to its incredible developer community. Customers can choose from apps in 23 categories, including newspapers and magazines offered in Newsstand, games, business, news, sports, health & fitness and travel. Availability iOS 6.1 is available as a free software update today. iOS 6.1 is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad (third and fourth generation), iPad mini, iPad 2 and iPod touch (fourth and fifth generation). Some features may not be available on all products. For more information please visit www.apple.com. *LTE is available on iPhone 5, iPad mini and fourth generation iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular models through select carriers. Network speeds are dependent on carrier networks, check with your carrier for details. **Information about LTE carriers can be found at www.apple.com/iphone/LTE andwww.apple.com/ipad/LTE.
Apple rejects Samsung request to see iOS 6 source code
In the never-ending global legal battle between Apple and Samsung, the Korean electronics firm has been rebuffed by Apple in an attempt to see the source code for iOS 6. According to The Korea Times, Samsung argues that unless they have access to the source code, they won't know if iOS 6 infringes on its technology patents. Apple's legal representatives apparently called the demand "insane," with a Seoul Central District Court representative recalling an Apple lawyer as saying, "It doesn't make any sense. Samsung is saying that we should give up protecting our most important data." What Samsung is most interested in looking at is whether Apple infringed on its patents when iOS acquired Notification Center. As iOS users are aware, Notification Center lets users check status of things like messages, schedules and weather information by swiping down from the top of a screen. Samsung says they originally patented that feature in November of 2006, and put the feature into Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets before Apple did. The court hasn't yet decided whether to accept Samsung's request to see the source code.
Delta introduces Fly Delta app for iPad, iOS 6 Passbook integration
Not only has Delta been eagerly embracing WiFi onboard its flights, the company's also been rolling out a digital makeover. Joining upgrades to its website, the airline has introduced a new iPad app, simply called Fly Delta. The free app lets you do the usual stuff like checking-in and booking flights, but it also goes a few miles further. Aside from serving as a light travel guide, offering up info on your destination, the app will also serve inflight needs, like purchasing WiFi and other onboard amenities. What's more, "Glass Bottom Jet" offers an interactive live-map view of the world below you with social networking integration. Best of all, Delta's iOS 6 iPhone App Passbook integration is now live, so you can leave that paper boarding pass at home. Full press release and video demos just past the break.
iOS Do Not Disturb bug gives some users the gift of silence on New Year's Day (update: horribly timed video)
If you're running iOS 6, your smartphone, media player or tablet may be taking a bit longer than usual to shake that post-party hangover. Users are reporting that the latest Apple OS' Do Not Disturb feature remains engaged even after its scheduled period has ended, with the misstep linked to January 1st. As you can see in the screenshot above, the feature fails to flip off automatically, as confirmed by the crescent icon beside the current time -- adjusting the date does seem to offer a temporary fix. When enabled, Do Not Disturb flips the device to silent mode, so you'll need to keep an eye on the screen in order to catch phone calls, text messages and other notifications. The tool does not disable alarms set through the native Clock app, however. There doesn't appear to be an official fix available, but if you're experiencing this issue, you can cancel that last-minute Genius Bar appointment -- Apple reps aren't likely to have a solution just yet. And, if you've been trying to reach an iPhone owner without success, expect a call back only once they've had a chance to check their device. New Year's bugs seem to be an annual tradition at Apple -- the alarm is a frequent target, and while this is the first year for an extended DND, the feature just launched in late 2012 with iOS 6. [Thanks, Martyn] Update: So, apparently Apple didn't get the memo. Cupertino's latest iPhone 5 ad, titled "Dream" and embedded after the break, transports you to the wonderful world of Do Not Disturb. Venus and Serena Williams are playing ping-pong and everything is white. So fun. And when was the ad first released? Just this morning. Didn't you get the notification?
iOS 6 JavaScript bug could affect mobile Safari users
If you've used Safari on your iOS 6 device lately, you've probably noticed the new app banners that pop up on several sites whenever that site has a related app. But as AppleInsider reports, it looks like the new banners have the ability to meddle with your user settings without your consent by re-enabling JavaScript even if you've manually shut it off on your device. Lisa Myers of security firm Intego told AppleInsider that the issue isn't necessarily troubling -- at least not yet. "At the moment it doesn't pose a threat, but we'll continue to monitor it to make sure it doesn't become more exploitable," she explains. "There's also the fact that few people actually disable JavaScript completely as it can partially, or totally, disable the majority of websites." Obviously the simple act of re-enabling JavaScript isn't an Earth-shaking privacy issue, so there's little reason to be concerned from that standpoint. However, tweaking device settings without at least informing the user that the change was made is a perplexing choice, even a bit annoying.
iOS 6 spike last weekend due to China, not Google Maps
Earlier this week, mobile ad exchange company MoPub released a report showing a 26 percent increase in iOS 6 adoption over the weekend. The company attributed this jump to the launch of Google Maps. According to a TechCrunch report, rival mobile ad company Chitika claims it is China and not Google Maps that is responsible for this spike. Mobile ad company Chitika says its data shows that iOS 6 impressions remained flat during the six days following the launch of Google Maps, which contradicts the report from MoPub. Chitika, though, only measures data in the US and Canada, while MoPub's ad network is global. MoPub includes numbers from China, which launched the iPhone 5 on December 17 and sold 2 million devices during its launch weekend. Chitika claims the spike recorded by MoPub is more likely due to the rollout of the iPhone 5 and other iOS devices over the weekend and not Google Maps.
Apple releases iOS 6.0.2 with WiFi fix
Engadget reports that Apple has released iOS 6.0.2, which promises an unspecified fix to WiFi usage. If you've been having issues with WiFi, you'll want to see about updating right away. Most of us on the TUAW staff have been getting error messages when checking for the update using over-the-air updates. If you run into that, try updating through iTunes.
Google Maps bumps iOS 6 adoption by just 0.2%
As the shortcomings of Apple Maps became more apparent, a vocal sect of iPhone owners refused to update to the new version of iOS. So, when Google Maps popped up in the App Store today, all those remaining holdouts finally jumped on board, right? Well, not quite. As TechCrunch reports, mobile ad network Chitika's figures show that iOS 6 adoption has gone up just 0.2% since Google Maps made its triumphant return. That doesn't mean people aren't snapping up Google Maps like hotcakes; the app jetted straight to the top of the Free Apps list almost as soon as it was available. Unfortunately for Apple, it doesn't appear that the return of Google's navigation tool has done much in the way of boosting iOS 6's user base.
Australian town relocated into desolate parkland, per iOS 6 Maps (Update: fixed)
Update: Per The Guardian & Cult of Mac, this geocoding error has been quietly remedied by Apple. Australians may now safely drive just as they did before. The town of Mildura in the Australian state of Victoria is home to some 30,000 people and is known for its agricultural bounty, particularly when it comes to wine grapes. Unfortunately, if you take iOS 6 Maps at its word, the town is missing. Maps searches for Mildura resolve to a point some 70 kilometers away, in the Murray-Sunset National Park. The Herald Sun newspaper reports that local police are quite concerned about this, given that the park is semi-arid, quite remote and there's no water available. MacRumors points to an ABC Australia report citing six individuals rescued from the park in the last two months, with at least five vehicles stranded. The constabulary is encouraging motorists not to use Apple's Maps app for guidance until this issue is resolved -- and to use common sense when dealing with any GPS application. "It should have been reasonably obvious to most people that things weren't what they should be," said police inspector Simon Clemence. "If you're driving from a capital city to a major rural town you would think there would be bitumen under your feet all the way and I think a lot of people realise that and come out, but some people just rely on the technology so my advice is you can't put your faith in technology. If it doesn't look right, if it doesn't smell right, it's probably not right." I'm curious how many drivers are literally entering the town itself as a destination rather than a particular intersection or address, and whether or not that might result in more accurate routing. But in any event, a glaring Maps error of this sort is likely to be prioritized for rapid correction by Apple's team of geocoders. Thanks Billy C.
Square starts offering gift cards, ties them into Passbook for iOS 6 recipients (video)
Square payments have so far been self-centered affairs that won't let us share the wealth with others. In rather convenient timing for the season, updates to Square Register and Square Wallet for Android and iOS have made a little of that sought-after generosity possible through the introduction of gift cards. Americans can now give and receive credit for any location that uses Square Register to process payments: if friends would like nothing more than to treat themselves to triple-shot espressos at the local indie coffee shop, you can make their day. The update also brings a treat for the Apple-inclined who've kept up-to-date with iOS 6, letting them redeem their cards quickly through Passbook instead of diving into Square Wallet or QR codes printed on old-fashioned paper. We're still waiting on word of gift card availability for our Canadian friends, but most everyone in the US just hast to check for the relevant app updates to spread some affection.
iPad-native YouTube app arrives from Google
The departure of the Apple-bundled YouTube app in iOS 6 has riled up many unsuspecting upgraders, like my wife. "What do you mean, 'there's no more iPad YouTube app'?" she said, eyeing her recently-updated iPad. The alternatives (using the iPhone-sized app, or sticking with the mobile web version) were unwelcome. For one thing, the video quality of the iPhone-sized videos did not hold up well when expanded to the full iPad screen size. Those days of postage-stamp video are gone, however, as the iPad YouTube app was introduced today, supporting full-screen video that looks great. The new app, free in the App Store, is sporting the same refined look as the new Gmail 2.0 app. You can get more details about the app features on the YouTube blog. Thanks Adam!
RE/MAX real estate agents to carry Passbook business cards on their iPhones
We've seen some creative use cases for Passbook in iOS 6. Modernizing the dreaded business card exchange is still fresh, though, and that's where the real estate agents at RE/MAX come into play. Using a platform from Vizibility, the realtor is reportedly the first company rolling out a large-scale, Passbook-based method that lets 4,500 of its staff share their basic details, contact files and social networks from their iPhones. Profiles won't just be inert listings, either. Geofencing can limit the lock screen shortcut to an open house or the office, while cards can include company directories and update contacts over time. NFC transfers and QR codes are available for those who can rely on short-range wireless or still have to dish out traditional paper stock. Vizibility's Passbook approach won't guarantee a sale for a cramped house -- but it might keep a good bargain from being lost in the business card shuffle.
Apple's Eddy Cue reportedly fires Richard Williamson, who oversaw the iOS 6 Maps team
We aren't apt to ever hear this in official fashion, but Bloomberg has it on good authority that Apple's newly-promoted Eddy Cue has just fired the guy who was unfortunately leading the Maps team at the time of iOS 6's release. If you'll recall, Cue was placed in charge of both Siri and Maps during an executive shakeup back in October, and it seems that he's clearing the runway in order to make things better in the months to come. The report also mentions that Cue is "seeking advice from outside mapping-technology experts and prodding digital maps provider TomTom to fix landmark and navigation data it shares with Apple." It's assumed that the goal here is to install a new leadership team within the Maps group, but it's unclear if it'll happen prior to Google's own standalone iOS app becoming available. For those curious as to why such a drastic move had to be made, head over to Apple's Cupertino campus and use iOS 6's Maps app to search for "convenience store." Evidently, the closest one is some 1.5 hours north in San Francisco. True story.
Google Voice app updated for iOS 6, iPhone 5
Two months after the release of iOS 6 and the iPhone 5, Google has issued an update for Google Voice to bring full support for both to the popular VoIP app. While it was usable on iOS 6 prior to today, and ran bordered on the latest iPhone, Google Voice now makes use of the iPhone 5's full 4-inch display. Version 1.4.3 of the app also contains unspecified bug fixes and performance boosts, so while iPhone 5 owners will obviously see the biggest benefits, iPad and iPod touch users will still have reason to update. Users of legacy devices will want to note, however, that the new version requires iOS 4.3 or higher in order to run.
iPhone FaceTime over cellular for AT&T now available for some, even without LTE?
AT&T's decision to let only its customers on shared and new data plans pick up FaceTime over cellular may have riled some, but at least it's been able to roll-out the functionality earlier than the two-month window suggested in early November. MacRumors' forums are abuzz with word that their iOS devices (mostly on the East Coast) are now able to make FaceTime calls without WiFi. Perhaps more importantly, according to these early reports, you might not have to wield an LTE iDevice to use it, with several non-4G devices running iOS 6 able to stream faces elsewhere. If you're still getting the pop-up of misery (seen above), forum users suggesting switching your phone off and on again.
Apple Maps finally gets turn-by-turn navigation in Australia
According to a report in 9to5 Mac (confirmed by Australian Twitter user Beau Giles), turn-by-turn navigation in Apple maps is now live in the land down under. Unlike the US and UK, which launched with turn-by-turn, Australia did not have turn-by-turn navigation when iOS 6 was released earlier this year. Then iOS head Scott Forstall told an Australian customer in September that Apple needed "to make sure our data is exceptional and qualified before turning on turn-by-turn." Apple's Map availability website showed that turn-by-turn was originally slated to debut in October, but that launch was unexpectedly pushed back to November. Judging from the reports coming out of Twitter, this latest launch date was accurate.
Did Apple pay more than $20 million for Swiss clock design?
Apple's iPad has a gorgeous Swiss-inspired clock that may have cost the company millions. According to a report in the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, Apple paid the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) 20 million Swiss francs (US$21 million) for the rights to use the iconic clock face in iOS 6. The brouhaha over the clock emerged in September when the SBB criticized Apple for using the railway clock, which was designed by Hans Hilfiker for the SBB and has become a symbol of Swiss innovation and reliability. The SBB met with Apple, which signed a licensing deal to use the clock face. Details of the agreement were not disclosed, and the SBB has refused to comment on this latest report. [Via AllThingsD]
Apple starts offering Passbook-enabled gift cards, may save our hides in holiday shopping
Gift cards often get a bad rap as the last resort in holiday shopping, what we supposedly get only when all hope of a carefully considered present has gone out the window. Apple isn't quite so cyncial, and it may have injected new life into gift giving now that it has switched on buying gift cards through the recently updated Apple Store iOS app as of this weekend. Pick a color and a card value -- up to $2,000, if someone's been good enough to earn a MacBook Pro -- and the resulting email lets iOS 6-touting recipients load the card into Passbook. Besides saving some plastic, the Passbook entry adds some worth through geofencing that reminds recipients to splurge if they're near one of Apple's steel-and-glass stores. All told, the card may be more than welcome by iPhone fans and save the ignominy of a last-minute rush to the store. Just make sure the recipient doesn't mind going without a physical gift on the big day -- it wouldn't be right to drain all the romanticism out of a special occasion.
DevJuice: Ray Wenderlich releases new iOS 6 learning book
Ray Wenderlich is a really nice guy and a good instructor. His site RayWenderlich.com offers a huge number of tutorials suitable for new and experienced iOS developers, written by his in-house team of experts. (Update: Ray just wrote me and asked me to emphasize that, so I bolded it.) Now, he's releasing a self-published e-book called iOS 6 by Tutorials. A 1500-plus-page PDF, this book compiles all those tutorials into a single reference. At $54, it's not exactly cheap, but if you already love the tutorials on his site, this reference is worth the price compared to the work you'd have to put in to figuring it all out yourself. The full source code is included.
Apple gives App Store categories their own highlights, lets niche apps have 15 minutes of fame
It's tough to find truly stellar mobile apps, no matter what platform you're running, and that's even truer when delving into categories. Apple has made a gesture towards giving more titles their moment in the sun through a low-key update to the App Store in iTunes and on iOS 6 devices. Jump to at least some categories, such as games or education, and you'll get the same carousels, banners and other promotions that would normally be reserved for the main portal. The shift is a simple one, but it theoretically helps App Store shoppers go beyond the surface -- and developers to reap the rewards.
