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Topic: iOS

12 superior replacements for default iOS 6 apps

Summary: Most of Apple's default iOS 6 apps can be kicked to the curb and replaced with superior third-party alternatives that offer more features and improved workflow. Here are a few.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By for Hardware 2.0 |

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Superior third-party replacements for default iOS 6 apps

There's no doubt that Apple as kitted its iOS mobile platform out with a decent selection of default apps. But, as with any operating system, there are better apps available from third-party developers that not only better and easier to use, but also add a whole raft of new and powerful features.

Here is a list of the default iOS apps that can be kicked to the curb, along with the third-party app that's taken its place.

(All these apps are apps that I have installed in my iPhone and iPad, and I use them daily. Nothing gets on this list that hasn't been extensively tested and seen a lot of real-world usage.)

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Topics: iOS, Apple, Apps, iPhone, iPad

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38 comments
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  • Thank You

    Adrian - I know I've been harsh on your views on all things Windows, but today's column on the iOS software replacements was great and extremely helpful. Just wanted to drop a thank you and look forward to more insights like this.
    dksmidtx
    Reply 3 Votes

  • Weather and Stocks

    I think you've got them switched...at least on my browser. Regarding Pocket Informant, does this sync with Mac Desktop software such as iCal?
    rfoto
    Reply Vote

  • What about widgets?

    Where can I get homescreen widgets to replace the boring icons with a widget that actually does something or shows something?
    How about an app to manage my phone's sounds, like automatically schedule my alerts and ringers to lower during work and mute at night?
    NotMSUser
    Reply 2 Votes

    • Very nice

      I couldn't be happier after having switched away from apple. "Boring", what a perfect word to describe all of apple's products.
      toddbottom3
      Reply 2 Votes

      • You're becoming rabid.

        Not fun anymore, Todd Bott Om3
        rfoto
        Reply 1 Vote

      • Boring?

        Todd you need to download an extraction app tool to remove whats boring you "between todd and 3" where you get you upload.
        IC12
        Reply 1 Vote

      • Boooring.... yes, that's you...

        Feel free to walk away and not comment on any ios articles. Yeah, we know you hate anything Apple, and frankly seeing your signature sucks...
        grillomalta@...
        Reply 1 Vote

      • Well then

        Well then enjoy whatever you use. I don't think anyone here cares about your trolling comments.
        murving
        Reply 1 Vote

  • Think twice before switching from safari to anything else

    Chrome might have the features but the problem is that apple cripples all browsers not called safari. You see, apple has implemented a special switch on webkit that is only available to safari and it speeds up javascript a lot. Go ahead AKH, please run any javascript benchmark with safari mobile and then Chrome on ios and please report back with the results.

    But that's okay, I'm pretty sure all the apple folks think it is great when a manufacturer has functionality in the OS that only they can use to make their programs run better than the competition's, right?
    toddbottom3
    Reply 2 Votes

    • And as no browser is required to use WebKit, what is your point, exactly?

      .DeusExMachina.
      Reply 1 Vote

      • Waiting for you response, troll.

        .DeusExMachina.
        Reply 1 Vote

    • Need A Life?

      You really need to get a life. So bitter.
      murving
      Reply 2 Votes

    • A solution to a problem that isn't really much of a problem

      While you are right about safari being faster with managing javascript for anyone who has jailbroken their phone they can install a tweak called nitr0us while when you run the bench tests you were just talking about chrome comes up faster, not to mention that chrome already has features such as loading up popular searches in the background so that you dont have to wait that makes it feel faster and snappier than safari is anyway.
      _MitchellPetrie
      Reply Vote

  • Re: iOS calculator

    Try turning the iPhone 90 degrees. Presto, a scientific calculator, and a pretty good one.
    rphunter42
    Reply 2 Votes

    • How would anyone know this?

      Talk about unintuitive. My first thought when looking at a calculator isn't:
      If only I could do more with it. I know, I'll turn it sideways.

      Unless hidden, unintuitive functionality is a good thing when it is implemented on an apple platform?
      toddbottom3
      Reply 6 Votes

      • Houw would anyone know this?

        By turning their phone to the side, the very first time, they ised the calculator app, like I found it out, ages ago.

        Not everyone is as addled and easily befuddles as you.
        .DeusExMachina.
        Reply Vote
        • How
          (Requiring subject headings is stupid)
          .DeusExMachina.
          Reply Vote

      • Sorry...

        ...your "intuition" is non-functional. I discovered it very quickly.
        baron58y
        Reply Vote

  • To be fair, "superiority" part of this review is quite questionable

    But useful post anyway, thanks.
    DDERSSS
    Reply 1 Vote

  • And if the ZDNet slideshow widget weren't so awful . . .

    . . . I would have enjoyed going through it. Alas, no. Really, guys, it's the worst slideshow widget on the Internet, with all the jumping and flashing. ZDNet New Years Resolution: get a slideshow widget that is not an embarrassment. Have I made my point?
    FDanconia
    Reply 3 Votes
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