Will Integration Make a Difference to Apple Products?

Apple has started the process of implementing Social Media Integration. Specifically the iOS 5 software package was integrated with Twitter. However some consumers were worried about the lack of integration with FaceBook.  Now those issues have been resolved with the iOS 6. They have also added the Siri facility. Likewise developers will be able to directly tap into the apps that are on offer. This has meant that FaceBook is effectively part of the notification center. A case in point is where FaceBook events can be used to populate your contact information and iOS Calendar. 

Some great phone features for Apple consumers

It is all very well to come up with great apps but the real challenge for Apple is to ensure that their electronic products measure up to the consumer expectations. For example the features for a phone must be practical in order to make life easier for the average client. A case in point is the addition of a feature that allows the consumer to politely ignore callers. They have added a facility to send the caller a text message rather than simply ignoring the call. This is Apple at its most thoughtful. Here is what you can do with this specific feature:

1. Geo-Fencing responses: You can tell the caller about your ability to respond to them based on your location. One of the most interesting capabilities is where you are able to send a person a message based on whether they are within the building or not.
2. Do Not Disturb:  This feature is very useful if you want to ignore all incoming phone calls, text messages and any other notifications. You can control your phone calls at the granular level with the option of creating an exception for any people who you consider to be particularly important. Another useful tool is the ability to ignore a DND if the person is calling repeatedly so that you can respond. This could be critical in case of an emergency.

The scene has been set for an almighty battle between Google and Apple. For example Google Maps is gradually losing its place as the default iOS mapping app. That position is being fiercely contested by Apple Maps. It is a good development for consumers who get better choices over the long run. The application is vector-based. Up to 100 million businesses have been included in the project and you get to check out real time traffic data. They have added re-routing and ETA elements in order to ensure that you get a reasonably accurate service. 

What about the integration with Siri?

Some of the benefits that accrue to consumers from this development include the ability to ask for directions and the ability to locate amenities. For example you can ask for the nearest gas station. We love the Apple Flyover facility which allows you to view maps as if you were in the air. This is really a development that is akin to the magnificent impact that 3D had on the market. The fidelity is out of this world and is a testament to the strides that Apple has taken in terms of responding to the priorities that consumers have often expressed. 

Working on the Safari Browser

As part of the improvements on the iOS 6, Apple has added an iCloud tab. This allows users to save favored websites to the cloud interface so that they can access them easily when they need them. In fact the integration model allows you to access these facilities even if you are working with different devices. The Mountain Lion is a new complimentary desktop which has become part and parcel of the Safari suite. Perhaps more importantly you get to cache pages so that they can be read even when you are offline. 

The technical updates on the product include the ability to create a screen landscape mode. The smart app banners may have other benefits for those users who are engaged in SEO or SEM activities. Visitors to the website are always notified that there is an iOS app available. It is then possible for them to either ignore the notification or act on it. Ultimately developers will benefit by being given the ability to persuade people to download apps. Furthermore it is possible to post photos and videos without leaving the browser. 

The value of FaceTime integration 

For many iOS devices, FaceTime is an immediate danger. Why is this the case? They have simply failed to adjust to consumer requirements. First of all the facility was awkward in terms of compatibility because it only worked with Wi-Fi. Apple has a solution because they have just announced that it will be able to operate with cellular phones. Consequently users can make FaceTime calls even as they using their iPhone number on an iPad. Eventually Apple may succeed in making FaceTime the video calling app of choice for consumers. That is what is going to challenge Skype and Microsoft. 

Finally we take a look at the iOS Passbook

In some respects the idea of an Apple iOS Passbook was going to be surprising. However the brand has decided to centralize the storage and management of passes/tickets.  This could be very important for those people who are booking a variety of events including concerts, drinks and flights. It will work with those retailers who have been offering digital-based shopping certificates. Likewise those people who shop with coupons will benefit from this facility. The fact that they are making it easier to manage multiple app items bodes well for the future. Passbook is now part of the Apple applications for those consumers who wish to work in this way. 

Conclusion: Apple is going to do everything well

The message is being sent that Apple is not prepared to wait for other brands to develop and then catch up. They are going to come up with innovative products that challenge even the very best competitors out there. In effect they are taking a leaf out of the Google book and beating the original multitasking technology company. Good luck to them. 

Resources:

1. F.Nelson,” Apple WWDC: 17 Cool Innovations”, 23th Jun 2012, Information Week