Top 5 iOS 6 Features We Love

By Anu Passary | Sep 22, 2012 09:50 AM EDT

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Apple rolled out the sixth major update to its mobile operating system for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch on Sept. 19. Early adopters of the new OS are divided in their verdict. The Cupertino-based company has chosen to make some controversial omissions like removing Google Maps in favor of its own built-in Maps app, and at the same time it has made additions and improvements to existing features.

Here's look at the top 5 features that arrived on the iOS 6.

1. 3G FaceTime
FaceTime has been a great feature that enables users to video chat with family and friends. However, in the previous version the feature worked only on a Wi-Fi network. With iOS 6, FaceTime gets an improvement and now works over cellular networks as well. It is now possible to receive and make calls even on the iPad. What's o, the FaceTime alerts are available across all iDevices that support the feature.

2. Passbook
Apple has touted its new Passbook feature as the answer to NFC. Apple's SVP Phil Schiller has gone on record to state that the feature will more than make up for NFC's absence and "Passbook does the kinds of things customers need today."

Passbook allows users to store tickets, gift cards, movie passes, coupons, boarding passes et al and could well be the next big thing in mobile payments, revolutionizing the way payment systems operate. The app even has a notification option which automatically senses if the user is in an area where the possibility of using the feature exists. For example, if the user is near the airport or a movie theatre, the ticket automatically pops on the screen, negating the need for users to manually open the app.

Major stores like Starbucks, Walgreens, Fandango, and several airlines have already signed on to support Passbook functionality.

3. VIP E-mail
One of the major complaints of any e-mail user is the plethora of spam and junk e-mails that one is perennially inundated with. iOS 6 now has a feature that may well be the answer to this problem and negate the need to sieve through reams of messages. The VIP e-mail feature lets users assign VIP status to their connections, enabling them to prioritize e-mails and have quicker access to the important messages.

4. Facebook Integration
Apple has taken inspiration from its Twitter app for iOS and with the new OS, the company has introduced similar features for Facebook. The new Facebook integration will allow users to share photos and status updates without directly logging into the app. Moreover, thanks to the integration, users can even merge their Facebook contacts and calendar with the iOS calendar.

5. Do Not Disturb
The Do Not Disturb feature, as its name suggests, enables users to shut out incoming messages and calls. Users can set up a specific time when they do not wish to receive any calls/messages. Alternately, the feature also lets users schedule a list of people who can get through to them at any time. The practical feature may be a minor inclusion but will likely impact an individual's day-to-day life.