iOS 6 Now Available: Four New Useful Features!

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.

iOS 6

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.

Impossible Instant Lab Prints Polaroid-Like iPhone Photos

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!

iPhone Accessories

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 Expands TV Tagging to 160 Channels

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.

Shazam app recognizes TV

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?

iPhone 5 Already Unboxed in Photos

Looks like one lucky Apple customer already received an iPhone 5 in the mail. While the rest of us are waiting until Friday for the first round of pre-orders to arrive, here are some unboxing photos thanks to a tip sent to BGR. So what does the unboxing tell us about the iPhone 5?

BGR iPhone 5 unboxing

For one, that's a new charger that has been redesigned to deliver more power to the iPhone while charging via the Lightning cable. The Lightning to USB cable is packaged along with Apple's completely revamped EarPods with remote. iPhone 5 owners will get the same EarPod carrying case that comes when they are purchased separately.

EarPod Teardown Confirms Several Improvements

Once a new Apple product hits the market, it doesn't take long for someone to disassemble the unit to see what makes it tick. In classic fashion, iFixit did just that to the EarPods, even though they are not designed to be opened or repaired. Despite this drawback, there are several design improvements beyond just acoustics.

iFixit disassembles EarPods

The EarPods are the first Apple earbud headphones to utilize paper cones in the speaker diaphragms as opposed to all plastic. Not only should this improve frequency response, but it results in a more durable speaker that will better resist tearing. Other durability improvements were also spotted in the teardown.

Pages

Subscribe to The iPhone FAQ RSS