Since it’s launch 2 weeks ago, iOS 6 is now on 60% of iPhones and over 45% of iPads (see the full results from Chitika here).  Apple must be quite pleased with this result, since Android is lagging with only 22% of users being on the two most recent versions of it’s operating system.  That’s an incredible acheivement to think that a complete OS upgrade has happened on so many devices in such a short time.  The end result will mean more apps can be developed to take advantage of the new iOS 6 features, plus it should be good news for mobile advertisers.

Windows 7 & Windows 8 users will have a lot of choice of apps, with the latest deal between AMD and BlueStacks. The BlueStacks Virtual Machine will mean over 500,000 apps can now run on Windows, as long as it’s on an AMD processor.

Windows tablet devices will possibly end up having more Android apps than native Windows apps running on them.

This could be a massive bonus for the upcoming Microsoft Windows 8 tablets – It’s already available for Macs, we’re wondering how long before BlueStacks ports their emulator to iOS?

iOS6 is here and for the UK it offers some significant benefits to both end users and developers.

Major highlights of iOS6 include:

•             Passbook – a cloud based ticketing  system allowing users to download and use virtual tickets for concerts, trains etc which are also location aware and popup when you reach your destination

•             FaceTime via 3G – dropping of the wifi only requirement that made it a gimmick rather than a serious contender to Skype etc

•             Updated SIRI – supporting a wider range of features and better “outside US” support

•             Facebook integration – in a very similar vein to iOS5x twitter integration

 

The main areas of contention are the loss of mapping functionality outside the US YouTube vanishing  and lack of iPad v1 support.

The Google maps app has been replaced by the Apple version with data being supplied by TomTom. In the short term many countries have lost traffic and travel information and the quality of the satellite images is very seriously degraded outside of major cities. This problem will no doubt be addressed over time as Apple has the financial muscle to buy in the data it needs but the loss of YouTube and lack of original iPad support is bound to cause some pain for people.

On the plus side you can download upgraded version of YouTube now from the AppStore and Google Maps are still available via safari (or try maps.nokia.com)

Even though Android is the most popular operating system for smartphones, it’s still not as popular as Apple for new applications – and Android is getting less popular. According to Flurry, last year there were 3 Apple apps developed for every 2 Android Apps and this year it’s fallen to a 3:1 ratio in Apple’s favour.

This is possibly because it’s easier to create revenue from Apple apps and on average apps are quicker to develop for iOS.

Apple has already been approving iOS 5 apps, but is asking developers to submit apps that have been written specifically for iOS5 now prior to the 12th October release of iOS 5. The developer portal has been updated with the iOS 5 Readiness Checklist for help on developing & submitting iOS 5 apps.

It looks like some HTC devices have a “massive” security flaw, as documented in a report from security specialist site Android Police, a site that has exposed security problems with Android-based smartphones in the past. According to the report, HTC’s customisation of the Android system has made it easy for hackers to access user accounts, email addresses, phone numbers & the phone’s location – read more at Android Police

There’s a really useful collection of apps if you’re a developer at Smashing magazine.

Network Utility is great for checking if your server’s up, the remote printer app is really handy, plus we like Full Browser, but WhatTheFont really tops the list – if you don’t know a font, just take a photo of it and it’ll get identified (or a close match).  Great stuff!

Would you like an app for your business, but want to make sure you keep development costs under control?

Solvd are now offering a low cost app solution for companies – read more about getting an app for your business on our website: http://www.solvd.co.uk/apps/

Read our article all about how to make an iPhone app in the latest edition of How It Works magazine – Issue 20 is on sale now!  In the article we talk through our five step process from getting an initial idea to submitting to the App Store.

http://www.howitworksdaily.com/news/how-it-works-issue-20-on-sale-today/