Apple's iOS 6: is it really up to scratch?

Following the release of iOS 6 (a free software update from Apple that boasts all-new Maps, Siri, Facebook integration and over 200 more other features) the Internet has been a-buzz with fearful tales and complaints.

Disconnected

A huge number of users have experienced WiFi connectivity woes after installing the iOS 6 upgrade. The upgrade caused connection failures in upgraded devices owing to the way Safari handled URL redirection on Apple's end.

Thankfully Apple have since resolved this error and iOS 6 devices should be able to connect to their respective wireless networks once again.

Bonkers Maps

in ditching Google's mapping technology, iPhone/iPad users will have to make do with Apple's own Maps solution.
A number of press have been vocal in their criticisms of the reduced service - with BBC's Rory Cellan-Jones posting a side-by-side comparison shot of Apple Maps and Google. He notes "satellite images definitely less detailed".

His Tweet has drawn further comments; Lee Williams (@LeeWilliams) says "missing proper public transport integration for routing too."

Ade Rowbothom (@_ade) states: "Yeah. the rotatable 3D areas have the wow factor but obv. limited to major centres. Lack of Street View is the biggest loss."

TomTom have worked in collaboration with Apple to provide the new mapping service, but it must be noted that TomTom only provided the data and can't account for the final experience. Instead, that lies with Apple.

A report on the BBC website stated that:

Some towns appear to be missing, such as Stratford-upon-Avon and Solihull. Others, like Uckfield in East Sussex, are in the wrong location.

And perhaps of most amusement: Users also reported missing local places, such as schools, or strange locations. Another screenshot showed a furniture museum that was apparently located in a river.

It appears that lots of early adopters have instead been installing Google Maps as a web app.

Another damning concern came from Ireland's Minister for Justice - Alan Shatter. Shatter described his confusion of the designation, saying;

"I am surprised to discover that Airfield, which is in the centre of my constituency in Dundrum, has, in Apple's new operating system iOS 6 maps application, been designated with the image of an aircraft."

So it would seem on this occasion that Apple's mapping technology has taken Airfield literally - which is potentially
worrying for any would-be pilots flying over Dundrum's skies.

He went on to say: "Airfield, a 35 acre estate with working farm, formal gardens and café is of course a famous and immensely popular, important local amenity."

What do you think: Have you upgraded to iOS 6 yet?

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