10 New iOS 6 Settings You Should Know About

Exploring the Settings App in iOS 6

Like all operating systems and software applications, it’s beneficial to dedicate time to explore the available Preferences settings. The newest iteration of iOS 6 introduces a variety of settings designed to enhance control over, and access to, features like notifications, privacy, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.

New Settings in iOS 6

Many users, similar to my wife, may not have fully investigated the Settings application on their iOS devices. Within this app, controls are available for customizing the device’s wallpaper and screen brightness.

Users can also manage audio alerts, preventing unwanted disturbances during sleep. Furthermore, detailed usage data for the phone itself is readily accessible.

This article will concentrate specifically on the new settings introduced with iOS 6. However, navigating the Settings app will also familiarize you with previously existing options.

Key Areas to Investigate

• Notifications: Gain refined control over how and when you receive alerts.
• Privacy: Manage which applications have access to your personal data.
• Bluetooth: Configure and connect to Bluetooth devices.
• Facebook Integration: Adjust settings related to Facebook connectivity.
• Photo Stream: Customize your Photo Stream preferences.
• VIP Notifications: Prioritize notifications from important contacts.

Taking the time to review these settings allows for a more personalized and efficient user experience. Understanding these options empowers users to tailor their iOS devices to their specific needs.

The Settings app is a central hub for device customization. Regular exploration of its features is recommended to maximize the potential of your iOS device.

Facebook Integration on iOS

With the release of iOS 6, Facebook integration has been incorporated, building upon the Twitter connectivity introduced in the prior version. Users can connect an existing Facebook account or establish a new one directly on their compatible iOS devices.

This process is initiated by opening the Settings application and navigating to the Facebook option located further down the menu. From this section, both the Facebook application can be installed and user preferences configured.

Configuring Facebook Settings

The setup procedure mirrors that of Twitter account management, offering a streamlined experience for users. This allows for consistent control over social media connections.

The integration facilitates the sharing of various content types, including photos and web links. Furthermore, it enables the linking of third-party applications to your Facebook account and timeline.

For instance, within the iOS Safari browser, tapping the share icon now presents a selection of icons, prominently featuring both Facebook and Twitter, for effortless page sharing.

• Sharing Capabilities: Easily share content directly from apps.
• Account Linking: Connect third-party apps to Facebook.
• Streamlined Access: Quickly access Facebook through Settings.

This expanded functionality enhances the user experience by providing greater control and convenience when interacting with Facebook on iOS devices. The ability to share directly from applications simplifies the process of staying connected.

Bluetooth Accessibility

Recent iOS updates have streamlined Bluetooth controls, placing them directly on the home screen. This eliminates the need for multiple taps to access these settings, a common frustration in earlier iOS versions.

Previously, navigating to Bluetooth settings required several steps. Now, users experience a more direct and efficient pathway.

Utilizing Bluetooth Activate

For those seeking even quicker access, the Bluetooth Activate application, available for $0.99, offers a convenient solution. It allows users to toggle Bluetooth functionality with just two taps.

Despite the improvements in the native iOS settings, some users may still prefer Bluetooth Activate due to its reduced number of interactions required for operation.

This preference stems from the app’s ability to minimize the number of taps needed to enable or disable Bluetooth connectivity.

• Bluetooth Activate provides a two-tap solution.
• The latest iOS update simplifies access to Bluetooth controls.
• Both options offer improved usability compared to older iOS versions.

Ultimately, the choice between the updated iOS settings and Bluetooth Activate depends on individual user preference and desired level of convenience.

Utilizing FaceTime Over Cellular Networks

Beginning with iOS 6, FaceTime functionality extends to cellular network connections. Access the FaceTime settings by tapping the FaceTime option within the Settings application.

Navigate to the bottom of the FaceTime settings page and activate the Use Cellular Data toggle. This will initiate a configuration process involving your mobile carrier.

Carrier Configuration

Upon enabling cellular data usage for FaceTime, a message will be received from your carrier detailing the necessary steps for setup. Follow the provided instructions to complete the process.

This allows for FaceTime calls to be made using your cellular data plan when a Wi-Fi connection is unavailable. Ensure you understand your carrier’s data rates before utilizing this feature.

Important Note: Using FaceTime over cellular data will consume data from your mobile plan. Monitor your data usage to avoid unexpected charges.

Focus with Do Not Disturb on iOS

Modern iOS devices deliver a constant stream of notifications, ranging from incoming emails to alerts from numerous applications. Apple introduced the "Do Not Disturb" feature with iOS 6, providing a method to comprehensively disable these interruptions.

Accessing this functionality is straightforward. Within the Settings application, the "Do Not Disturb" option is located as the fourth selectable item. Enabling it immediately silences all alerts across your device.

Identifying Do Not Disturb Status

A visual indicator, a moon icon, will appear in your device’s status bar to confirm that Do Not Disturb is currently active. This provides a quick and easy way to verify its enabled state.

Advanced Controls and Customization

Further customization options are available under Notifications > Do Not Disturb. These controls allow for a more tailored experience.

• You can schedule specific start and end times for Do Not Disturb to automatically activate and deactivate.
• It’s possible to designate certain contacts whose calls will be permitted even when the feature is enabled.
• For urgent situations, repeated calls from the same number within a three-minute period will bypass the silencing effect.

This ensures that important communications aren't missed while still maintaining a focused environment. The repeated call allowance is designed for genuine emergencies.

Responding Via Text Message

iOS 6 introduced a useful function allowing users to respond with a text message instead of answering a phone call directly. This feature provides a convenient alternative when a voice conversation isn't possible or desired.

Customizing Default Messages

Within the Settings > Phone menu, users have the ability to personalize the default text messages sent in response to incoming calls. This customization allows for tailored replies based on individual needs.

To modify these messages, simply tap on the existing options. You can then input your own preferred text to be automatically sent when you decline a call.

This feature enhances communication flexibility, ensuring you can acknowledge incoming calls even when unable to speak. It's a quick and efficient way to manage your availability.

The ability to create personalized responses streamlines call management and provides a professional or casual touch, depending on the message content.

Important Note: The image referenced in the original article is not included as per the instructions to only output text and HTML tags.

Maps Volume Control

Should Apple’s recently introduced voice-guided navigation within Maps be functioning satisfactorily, several customization options are available to users. These settings can be accessed via Settings > Maps.

Within this menu, adjustments can be made to the preferred voice volume for turn-by-turn directions.

Customization Options

Beyond volume, users are also able to modify the display font size used for map labels. This enhances readability based on individual preferences.

• Voice Volume: Adjust the loudness of spoken directions.
• Label Font Size: Control the size of text displayed on the map.
• Distance Units: Choose between displaying distances in miles or kilometers.

The ability to select between miles and kilometers provides flexibility for users accustomed to different measurement systems.

These settings allow for a personalized mapping experience tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Proper configuration of these options can significantly improve the usability and convenience of Apple Maps.

Users can fine-tune the application to best suit their driving conditions and visual acuity.

The Maps settings menu offers a straightforward interface for managing these key features.

By utilizing these options, drivers can ensure a safer and more informed navigation experience.

The customization of distance units is particularly useful for those traveling internationally.

Ultimately, these settings contribute to a more user-friendly and efficient Apple Maps experience.

Photo Stream Sharing Updates

Recent enhancements to Photo Stream introduce the capability to directly share chosen photos with other Photo Stream participants.

Sharing can also be accomplished through a link directing to an iCloud gallery that has been established.

Sharing Control and Notifications

Conversely, iOS 6 users are now able to share their selected Photo Stream images with you.

To manage incoming shares, navigate to Settings > Notifications > Photos.

Here, you can specify who is permitted to share photos to your Photo Stream – either Everyone or only individuals found within your Contact List.

Customizing Photo Stream Alerts

Further customization is available regarding Photo Stream notifications.

You can toggle the option to receive preview photos within Photo Stream alerts and banners.

Integration with iPhoto and Aperture

This new Photo Stream functionality isn't limited to iOS devices.

It has also been integrated into the updated iPhoto and Aperture applications, allowing for consistent sharing experiences across platforms.

Consequently, photos can be shared in the same manner using these applications as well.

VIP Mail Functionality

iOS 6 introduced a new capability within the Mail application: the VIP list. This feature allows users to designate specific email contacts as very important, ensuring they never overlook crucial correspondence from individuals like supervisors or family members.

Configuration of VIP alerts is managed through the Settings application. Navigate to Notifications, then select VIP to activate these prioritized notifications within Notification Center.

Setting Up VIP Alerts

Activating VIP alerts will take precedence over all other Mail notification settings. Consequently, users will receive immediate alerts specifically for messages originating from contacts included on their VIP list.

This ensures that communications from designated VIPs are brought to your attention promptly, even when other notifications are silenced or configured with less urgency.