The early reviews are in, and Apple has some work to do on its new iOS 6 Maps application. Highly-touted features such as turn-by-turn directions are no doubt an upgrade, however there are other things that will be missed by fans of Google Maps. As pretty as those 3D Flyover graphics may look, basic functionality is said to have suffered, especially overseas.

Apple replaced the Google-based back end of the Maps application with its own alongside the launch of iOS 6. One big complaint from users in urban areas is the lack of transit directions. Instead of detailing options to take public transit, the new Maps simply offers a list of third-party transit apps installed on your device.

Kingdom Rush is free to download for one week starting today, September 19. This is one of the best tower defense games ever made, and I can't recommend it highly enough! In Kingdom Rush you must use 8 specialized towers with 18 tower abilities to defeat over 45 different enemies on many different levels. The fun achievements, challenging levels and extra game modes make this one of the most addicting action fantasy defense games I have ever played!

Unlike other tower defense games, Kingdom Rush requires much more strategy than placing turrets and upgrading them. You must select the best combination of units and special abilities that will give you the greatest chance of defeating the many different enemies and their special powers. Kingdom Rush also requires good timing, and allows you to interact with your environment. It is one of the few games where you will want to conquer every level of difficulty and finish every achievement. Not only is the game fun and challenging, but the graphics are great, the sound effects are fun, and it offers repeat playability.

iOS 6 is now available for download. The new update adds over 200 new features to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. You can upgrade to iOS 6 by going to Settings > General > Software Update, or you can update via iTunes. Some of the more talked about and bigger upgrades include Apple's new 3D mapping technology, turn-by-turn navigation, the Passbook app, and some improvements to Siri. Here are four other smaller but helpful features you will also enjoy.

Dismiss call with message

iOS 6 allows you to be a little more polite when ignoring phone calls. Instead of sending someone directly to voicemail, you can now decline a call by using one of three default messages (I'll call you later, I'm on my way, What's up?), or by creating your own. Just swipe up from the display during an incoming call to access the new feature.

Do Not Disturb

Jailbreakers have had the option to add a "Do Not Disturb" toggle switch to their Settings for quite some time. Now non-jailbreakers can join the party with Apple's official version. The iOS 6 Do Not Disturb toggle allows users to switch off notifications during certain times. For example, you can stop receiving notifications while you're sleeping or while you're at work. This option also allows you to block incoming calls when you do not want to be disturbed. The "Do Not Disturb" switch is located under Settings.

Engadget got an early preview of the Impossible Instant Lab at Photokina, which is taking place right now in Cologne, Germany. The folks behind the Impossible Project have raised over $400,000 via Kickstarter to manufacture their instant photo lab for the iPhone. According to the Kickstarter page, the Impossible Project crew "were crazy enough to buy the last Polaroid factory in order to save instant film for the future." They then set out to find a way to turn digital iPhone images into "true instant photos," and the Impossible Instant Lab was born!

The Impossible Instant Lab is easy to use, you just take a picture using the Impossible app, extend the tower connected to Impossible Lab base, place the iPhone on the tray and the iPhone flash will let you know when the process is finished. The Impossible Instant Lab uses its built-in lens and light from the iPhone screen to expose an image from the iPhone onto film, which is then spit out by the rollers on the bottom.

Shazam has announced a major expansion of its television companion service, officially known as Shazam for TV. The update brings television fans in the US access to audio recognition during practically any show on any channel. Shazam now has support for 160 channels, with the exception of some shows such as local news broadcasts or local paid advertising programs.

You may have seen the "Shazam for more" logo pop up on your television before. The popular app is also capable of tagging TV shows and ads at any time, right from your smartphone. So what information can Shazam deliver about your favorite program?