iOS 6 features: How do Windows Phone and Android ICS compare?
Summary: Apple's iOS 6 beta pushes the smartphone platform into new territory with VoIP calling over data networks, revamped Siri features and a whole new mapping app. But how do its Android and Windows Phone rivals compare on the key updates?
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iOS 6 Maps
Mapping software
Perhaps the most notable change to the iOS platform is the switch away from Google Maps to Apple's own mapping software. Like its predecessor, the new Maps app offers voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation and an aerial view. It also provides 3D map options.
Not to be outdone in one of its key strengths, the Google Maps app on Android provides the same level of options as iOS 6, including 3D mapping, which the company confirmed would soon be present on the platform.
Windows Phone once again is left lagging in the way it handles mapping natively. However, Nokia's Windows Phone handsets come with Nokia Maps and Navigation apps that do provide turn-by-turn, voice-guided navigation, even when offline.
All the platforms provide information — and options to navigate to — local businesses within mapping applications.
Although by no means the most fully-featured, I tend to use Nokia's Maps app on Windows Phone most frequently. However, there are times when the lack of route options — when using it to navigate, for example — leaves me wishing I had an Android phone to hand. Time will tell whether Apple's new Maps app will be enough to make me switch.
Image credit: CNET UK
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