Let’s Start Talking iOS 6.0, WWDC 2012

The Moscone Center is a popular venue where Apple holds events, and now we’ve learned that the San Francisco location is booked beginning June 11 for a “corporate meeting.” While not confirmed, this is most likely the day Apple will begin the company’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), where it typically announces new versions of OS X and iOS and other goodies. Last year, the venue was used by Apple to announce iOS 5 and was Steve Jobs’ final appearance at WWDC. However, unlike past years, the conference wasn’t used to reveal a new iPhone; that came later when the iPhone 4S was announced in October. In 2012, Apple will most likely announce iOS 6.0 and maybe the sixth generation iPhone. So, what could iOS 6.0 include? We’ve got some ideas, or at least a wish list. New way to deal with apps For the most part, iOS has handled apps pretty much the same way since the App Store arrived in 2008. As apps are added, they line up across the screen, with positions determined by the user. With iOS 4.0, folders were added to the mix. When in “jiggle mode,” users can drag any two apps on top of each other and create a folder. From then on, other apps can be added to the folder; up to 12 on the iPhone and 20 on the iPad. While we don’t expect Apple to reinvent the wheel here, it would be nice to see some improvements to how iOS handles apps. Some ideas include a frequently accessed app folder, where your most used apps reside without user input. These apps would always be open for quick startup. In addition, a weather splash would make accessing the latest outside temperatures much easier. When on the go, it isn’t always convenient to go into the Notification Center or click on an app to bring up the weather. Another company does this quite well, as this photos shows:

Finally, rather than having to go into the App Store to find updates, iOS should instead offer alerts when new updates are available. Better still, iOS should change the look of the icon for these apps so that one click would automatically install the update. Toggles in Notification Center

The Jailbroken hack by SBSettings already offers this, making the process that much easier and faster. Apple should give this to all iOS users. App Store shopping cart

Buying new apps remains a cumbersome process. Each time a purchase is made on an iDevice, iOS throws you back to your home screen. Instead, offer us an App Store shopping cart, where purchases can be bundled and then downloaded at the same time. While we're at it, will we ever get trial apps? Third Party Access to Siri

Siri, the voice recognition software, remains limited. Apple should open this up for other developers. For example, have ESPN tell use the baseball games scheduled for this weekend; or have the iTunes Movie Trailers app tell us what’s showing at our local multiplex. While we’re at it, extend Siri’s reach to the iPhone 4. Better multitasking First launched with iOS 4, multitasking on an iPhone/iPad is more like multitasking-lite. To make it better, Apple should offer a split screen app view. In addition, by double-clicking the home button, we can see icons for those apps already open. Instead, give us the ability to preview those apps performing the same steps. Improved Music App

Initially called the iPod app, Apple's Music app is in desperate need of a makeover. Our advice: Apple should look at any one of the many third party streaming apps out there and compare it to the Music app. In this case, more isn’t always better. Podcast subscriptions Millions of customers listen to podcasts each day. Unfortunately, there is no way to subscribe to these feeds on your iPhone/iPad. Instead, users must select specific podcasts, which are then downloaded onto the iDevice. Subscriptions, where are you? Multi-user login   Finally, bring to iOS a multi-user login. Why do our children’s apps have to sit alongside those made for adults, like banking and news apps? -- We know this isn't a complete list, but rather a place to start! What would you like to see on iOS 6?

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