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iOS 6.1 Released

When iOS 6 was first released it didn't get the expected 'thumbs up' from the public. Many improvements needed to be made, including an update to the maps application. However, iOS 6.1 is now available to download. After four beta versions, the final update has been released by Apple, to the relief of customers. But is it all that we wanted?

The update is available for the iPhone 3GS and later versions of the iPhone, iPad 2 and later versions of the iPad, iPod touch 4th generation and later versions of the iPod Touch. It takes about 5 minutes to install on the iPad mini and may take longer on older devices. Here are the improvements and bug fixes that Apple have made to the software:

• LTE support for more carriers (there is a complete list of supported carriers at www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/)
• You can now purchase movie tickets through Fandango with Siri (USA only)
• iTunes Match subscribers can now download individual songs from iCloud
• There is a new button to reset the Advertising Identifier

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

Although most iDevice users were hoping for a Maps update, there is no sign of one at the moment. It looks like we will maybe have to wait until iOS 7 for that to come. There aren't any 'visible' updates to the new software but there are a lot of bug fixes which improve the whole user experience. What will Apple do next?

Apple Users Angry at Google

Apple's browser, Safari, is one of the most used web browsers in the world - it's in a close competition with Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer. Millions of people from around the world use the Internet daily, whether it's for checking the latest news or shopping online; but everyone wants some privacy, don't they? Recently, a group of Safari users have claimed that Google has dodged Safari's privacy settings and installed cookies, which track their movements on the Internet. The cookies enable Google to place appropriate adverts on webpages by looking at which websites an individual has been visiting. This has caused the Safari users to launch a campaign against Google over privacy terms, and one person has gone as far as beginning legal proceedings against the worlds most used search engine.

Google has committed this 'crime' before. In 2012 the US Federal Trade Commission fined them $22.5m for the exact same actions as this time, which of course don't please the public. It looks like the firm haven't learned from their previous mistakes. Google's chairman, Jon Leibowitz, stated that all companies must "keep their privacy promises to customers." Yet THEY breached Safari's privacy terms, making many customers unhappy. If the firm are doing this to Apple's browser, then all the others, like Firefox, must be at risk from this too. Apple might once again send Google to court themselves over this incident, in a battle to prove that Google had not been following Safari's privacy terms, therefore angering the majority of iDevice users. From where things stand at the moment, Google want to prove to the world that they are innocent over this scandal and have only been trying to provide their users with appropriate advertising. However, as everyone knows from past incidents like this, it's better to not get on the wrong side of Apple, as you might find yourself wishing you have never angered the world's leading technology firm.

iOS 6.1 GM Released to Developers

iOS 6 was released in September last year for most Apple devices. Now the final beta version for iOS 6.1 is available for developers to download. The new software caused a storm, but for all the wrong reasons. The Maps application was and is the worst, users have stated that the maps are inaccurate, black and white in some areas, small sections of the map are covered by clouds and that the 3D mode isn't the best. Recently, the Do Not Disturb mode has encountered a bug which hasn't yet been fixed, although Apple promised they would sort it out soon. But that was over a week ago now.

The first iOS 6.1 beta version was released in November and since then the company issued three more betas, including the 'Golden Master' version which is the final one, hopefully. It is said that the new software version fixes a lot of bugs in the interface and with connectivity. Nothing has been said about an update for the Maps application, lets hope there is one. The new version will, if people are right, be available for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4 and 4s, iPhone 3gs, the fourth, third and second generation of the iPad, the iPad mini and the fifth and fourth generations of the iPod Touch. It's likely that iOS 6.1 will be released in the next two months to users worldwide and it better be 'polished down' enough.

iMessage Killing Text Messaging?

Recent figures show that more people are using data based messaging, iMessage for example, leaving a decline in normal messaging; which now costs a fair amount. An analyst stated that texting was down in the third quarter of the year, to 678 texts per user each month from 696 texts in the previous quarter. Therefore, texting revenues have experienced an unusual decline. However, this does not mean that a decline is being experienced by network providers at this moment.

This dip was also noticed by American businesses that provide mobile phones for employees; on average one employee is sending 5 to 10 percent fewer text messages than last year. Surely this has to be a good thing, right? People can now waste less money on texting and not worry about running out of credit. Moreover, network providers don't experience a revenue loss, so it doesn't really matter to them.

iOS 6.0.1 Update

Yesterday, Apple released a new update for iOS 6. They haven't done anything noticeable with the software; but improvements and bug fixes have been made. The update is only available for the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS,  iPad 3, iPad 2 and the iPod Touch 4th generation. However, the iPhone 5 is not able to download software updates right now; iOS 6.0.1 will allow it to update. iPhone 5 users need to download an app from the app store to update to this new version. This problem might occur in the iPod Touch 5th generation too. Here is the full list of barely noticeable improvements:

 • Fixes a bug that prevents iPhone 5 from installing software updates wirelessly over the air
• Fixes a bug where horizontal lines may be displayed across the keyboard
• Fixes an issue that could cause camera flash to not go off
• Improves reliability of iPhone 5 and iPod touch (5th generation) when connected to encrypted WPA2                
    Wi-Fi networks
• Resolves an issue that prevents iPhone from using the cellular network in some instances
• Consolidated the Use Cellular Data switch for iTunes Match
• Fixes a Passcode Lock bug which sometimes allowed access to Passbook pass details from lock
    screen
• Fixes a bug affecting Exchange meetings

As well as this, the App Store doesn't crash when trying to update, search apps or look in the Genius section; but it still does when you want to look at the apps you have already purchased. It seems that Apple are still working on the Maps app, which has been designed with appalling accuracy and detailing. There will hopefully be another update early next year, maybe in February or March.

Apple Tracking Their Customers?

Recently, some news have emerged that Apple seems to be tracking their customers; without the infringement of privacy. The new mobile operating system, iOS6, has an unknown feature that allows different advertisers to track potential customers. There is a randomly generated number, made by the Identification For Advertisers (IFA); which is assigned to every Apple device. The IFA allows advertisers to access peoples app history and search history on their device, without revealing any personal information.

Apple have had numerous complaints about this in the previous operating system; which is why they have decided to turn the IFA off. Unfortunately, for those who wish to do that, they have to overcome many obstacles that take time. However, mobile app providers are taking advantage of this, as it will help them find their target audience. On the other hand, Apple's customers aren't too happy about this, but as long as none of their personal information is revealed; Apple will get away with it.

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