Apple reboots old gadgets [Boston Herald]

Sept. 19--Apple's new operating system is such an improvement that it might make you love your iPhone 4S again -- and think twice about dropping $199-plus on the newest iteration tomorrow.

By integrating Twitter and Facebook with your contacts list, iOS 6 has finally caught up to Android and nearly reached Windows 7 in terms of how information about people you know is organized on your phone. It's a good sign for the iPhone 5, which comes with iOS 6.

Siri is a new woman. She can open applications, call and message contacts and do things that a voice recognition assistant is supposed to do.

IPhone 4S owners will find themselves with a more business-friendly smartphone. If you're in a meeting or running to one when a call comes in, a new phone feature allows you to instantly reply to the caller with a text or get a reminder later to contact that person. A "do not disturb" button also makes sure you won't be bothered by anyone except VIPs of your choosing.

Those without the latest devices might be disappointed after spending an hour or so downloading and setting up iOS 6, which was released to the public at 1 p.m. yesterday. Owners of the iPad 2 and those who still have the iPhone 4 or 3G won't get Siri, and the process will just further drive home that it's time for an upgrade.

Before you download iOS 6, make sure you delete the apps you no longer use to free up plenty of space, download the latest iTunes (version 10.7) and back up your device (to Apple's iCloud or program of your choosing).

After you download iOS 6, open the settings program, go to Facebook and Twitter and click on "update contacts." That will integrate your contacts list with your social media friends.

The iOS 6 rollout wasn't without glitches. The much-anticipated mobile ticketing, payment and coupon app Passbook simply wasn't working for many users, myself included.

Apple's proprietary maps application is in and Google Maps is out. The results are a mixed bag. I put the turn-by-turn voice navigation feature through the paces in downtown Boston. But it was no match for the Big Dig, thinking I was on I-93 when I was above ground and barely knew where I was most of the time.

I'm sticking with my Garmin GPS for now -- and enjoying my iPhone 4S for all of two more days.

jessica.vansack@bostonherald.com

___

(c)2012 the Boston Herald

Visit the Boston Herald at www.bostonherald.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services