Yesterday, Apple had another Big Announcement.
The iPhone 5 looks great, but a great leap forward? You won’t catch me lining up for the latest shiny gadget. I have been working with the same Apple iPad 1 (16 GB, WiFi) since it’s release almost three years ago, and it works fine in legal practice – stores thousands of documents, keeps me connected to the office, and best of all, the software (iOS) keeps improving.
The latest software update for iOS 6 (available Sept. 19) – that’s the real news this week.
Here’s a quick overview of iOS 6 and why it matters for legal practice.
How Do I Download iOS 6?
On September 19, go to Settings > General:
Click “Software Update” and “Install Now” and wait 20-30 minutes:
Reboot your iPad to make sure the changes downloaded.
What are the Key Features in iOS 6?
Check out the following:
- VIP Mail - Route email from contacts to a special inbox. Never miss a message from a key client – or in my case, from a partner – ever again.
- Maps - Includes turn-by-turn navigation from Siri, helpful on the way to a deposition. Google apps will no longer bundle with the iPad or iPhone, but will be available in the app store (go here for YouTube).
- Better Privacy Settings – You should already follow these tips to protect your privacy on the iPad. With iOS 6, you will also be able to monitor what apps are using data in real time.
- Better Voice Dictation – Siri listens to millions of users each day. With all that data, the app is now more accurate when dictating email and transcribing briefs at the office.
What About the iPhone 5?
Some lawyers are fired up about latest device. It will be faster and lighter – great. But with due respect to New Orleans attorney Jeff Richardson, who predicts attorneys will “love” the iPhone 5, I have a difficult time imagining a few pixels and a couple millimeters making much of a difference in my practice.
But the rumors of a new iPad 4? Haptic, textured display? Bigger screen? Holograms? Now I’m excited.
Rob Dean
Rob Dean is an attorney at Frith & Ellerman Law Firm, PC, in Roanoke, Virginia, where he concentrates his practice on employment law and long-term care litigation. For help using the iPad at work, email him at rdean@frithlawfirm.com.
2 Responses to Everything You Need to Know About iOS 6 (and More)
Leave a Reply
Our Sponsors
But Rob, as a fellow iPad1 user, I have to tell you that iOS 6 won’t be available to the likes of us. Only iPad 2 or 3 people will be able to install it.
Best,
Stephen
Stephen – You’re right! Many of the apps have updated this week with new features, which is good news, but unfortunately iOS 6 is not available for the original iPad, though perhaps that’s for the best now that we have seen the problem with Apple Maps. The other features – especially improved voice dictation – might prompt me to upgrade soon.