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Steve Kovach, Business Insider
Apple released a beta version of iOS 6, its new operating system for iPhones and iPads, to developers today.
2012-06-11
And we got to test it out!
iOS 6 won't be available to the public until later this fall, so this is will be your only preview until then.
Keep reading for our full screenshot tour.
Here's the home screen. It looks just like it did before. So let's check out what's new...
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You'll notice a few changes in the main Settings menu. First of all, you can toggle Bluetooth on and off right up front.
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There's also a handy "Do Not Disturb" switch. This feature makes it so your phone doesn't buzz or light up when you get a new notification.
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There are also some advanced privacy settings. This menu will help you control what apps have access to your information.
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Apple added Facebook integration to iOS. Let's sign in!
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When you sign in to Facebook, you can sync your calendar events, photos, contacts, and favorite apps.
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iOS also asks if you want to install the Facebook app.
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You can also send a tweet or Facebook update from the Notification Center. Let's try a Facebook post.
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Type in your text, and tap "Post" to send to Facebook.
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Neat! Our Facebook birthdays calendar loaded to the Calendar app.
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Apple completely redesigned the Maps app in iOS. The 3D view is disabled for now, so let's see what else the app can do...
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Search an address or specific venue...
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The Empire State Building seems to be close by. How do we get there?
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Let's get directions...
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We'll try walking. (You can also get driving directions.)
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At last! iOS 6 allows for turn-by-turn directions.
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You can change the map views between standard, satellite, or a hybrid of the two.
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Public transportation directions aren't enabled, so Maps has to recommend other apps you can use. Unfortunately, this feature is disabled right now.
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Maps also incorporates Yelp reviews. Let's see what people are saying about the Central Park Zoo.
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You get this really cool photo slideshow at the top of a venue description. From here you can browse through reviews and photos. It's really, really nice.
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Here are some more Yelp photos of the Central Park Zoo. If you want more, the button at the bottom will direct you to Yelp's website.
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Passbook is a new app that lets you make payments with gift cards. It also stores tickets to concerts, sporting events, and travel. Since we're using a beta product, there's no way to test Passbook right now.
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The App Store got a major refresh. It's gorgeous.
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Top charts...
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Genius recommendations are turned off for iOS 6.
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Here's what it looks like when you search for apps.
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Here's the new sharing page for websites. You can share links on Twitter, Facebook, and even Weibo. (Weibo is the "Twitter of China") Let's share this story on Facebook.
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Type your message and your link will post to your Facebook account.
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You can also store articles to read offline later.
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You now have new options when getting a call. Swipe the phone icon on the right to see what's new...
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You can auto-reply with a text message or set a reminder to call the person back later. Let's send a message.
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We told Dylan we're busy and can't talk.
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Dylan called again, so we set a reminder to call him back in an hour.
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The new Mail app has a few tweaks too. Let's check them out...
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You can set certain contacts as "VIPs," so their messages will appear in a separate inbox. This is good for the people you talk to often.
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We set Dylan as one of our VIPs. Let's see what happens when he sends an email...
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See that little star next to the name? That means a VIP is sending us a message.
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Here's the super special VIP inbox.
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You can also upload a photo or video directly to a message. Tap and hold the empty space, then tap the arrows over to "Insert Photo or Video"
Steve is a senior correspondent at Business Insider. Previously, he was a deputy editor at Tech Insider and senior editor for the tech section of Business Insider. He's appeared on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Sirius XM, and Marketplace.
