Apple released its 6th major update for their mobile operating system this week. iOS 6 rolled out on Wednesday for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

While there was some frustration from developers, the good news is the features Apple is bringing to the table:

• A brand new app for Maps
• Enhancements to Siri
• Deep integration with Facebook
• Passbook: a new app that stores boarding passes, movie tickets, and the like
• 3G Facetime
• VIP lists so you never miss an important email
• Social photo streaming: a new way to share memories
• Panoramic photos from your phone or iPod touch

Following the precedence set with previous updates, Apple is making this version available as an over the air (OTA) download. It’s best to set this up overnight because the download and updating process takes a few hours. If you prefer to update using iTunes, that option is also available.

What you need to do:

1. Download iTunes 10.7, the latest version. This download adds iOS6 compatibility to your software.
2. Back up photos and important files. Don’t depend on iCloud for your all- encompassing security- have a back up plan, so to speak.
3. Copy your contacts and calendars onto your Mac or PC.
4. Plug in your computer or mobile device. These updates are large (more than 500MB per device), so having a stream of power is a good idea before you start the process.

Though Apple has a solid reputation for quality OTA updates, you should still be prepared if problems arise. The longer you wait to update, the more likely any present bugs will be fixed. If you don’t have to have the update yesterday, waiting a few hours may be a good idea.

For one phone to have much of an effect across an entire market is unlikely and results like these are not surprising. Being able to continue to bring in new subscribers and grow technology that allows them to connect on tablets and other devices is phenomenal. AT&T alone added 1.3 millions mobile devices in the last quarter while Verizon added close to 900,0000 subscribers from mobile and “other devices.” Mobile subscribers battle it out in a market that’s saturated with new ways to connect.

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A big difference from a company, like Apple, that has HOT summer release IPhones traditionally, and a major change in the product cycle, causing Nokia executives to react.

Devindra Hardawar from VentureBeat’s believes that a fall release might be a perfect fit for Apple, citing the rapid speed of the LTE 4G networks. These LTE 4G chipsets could play a pivotal role in when the new IPhone 5’s release date. The later the date, the greater the anticipation, especially for IPhone and Apple junkies.

If all of the gossipers are right, the simultaneous release of the IPHone 5, the rumored IPad3 and the iOS 5 operating system, all will come in the fall around the same time.

Not to mention the release of Verizon’s IPhone in February of this year and the White IPhone in April, Apple might just want to slow down on their 2011 releases and build some anticipation.

Mr. Paquet , senior product manager for Google Voice said that the mobile Web version of Google Voice for the iPhone (which works indeed for any other mobile Web browser that understands HTML5) was not meant as a slap to Apple and AT&T, but as “a way to make sure that people who have been asking to use Google Voice on the iPhone have a way to do so,” he said.

You can access a Web version of the Google Voice on your cell phone at m.google.com/voice.

Verizon COO Lowell McAdam explained that not offering an unlimited plan would prevent customers who might otherwise switch from AT&T from doing so. Anticipation that Verizon would soon offer the iPhone kept sales down in the fourth quarter of 2010, he said.

McAdam also said the iPhone unlimited plan would be temporary, and that the carrier would follow AT&T’s move to tiered pricing in the future.

The application supports the iPhone, iPod touch, and a number of BlackBerry models.

“Today, one in five Starbucks transactions is made using a Starbucks Card and mobile payment will extend the way our customers experience and use their Starbucks Card,” said Brady Brewer, vice president Starbucks Card and Brand Loyalty.

Many analysts agree that Apple will most probably sell 9 million to 12 million iPhones on Verizon’s network this year.