14 DAY TRIAL // iPhone customers in Japan are confirming that Apple has rolled out a number of enhancements to the iOS Maps application without having to install a special software update.
Apparently enhanced via a simple backend update, Maps in Japan now features improved pronunciation of roads during turn-by-turn navigation, optimized directions (to more strongly prefer highways over narrower roads), updated freeway color to green, and updated icons for some location categories (fire stations, hospitals, and post offices).
Moreover, the Japanese implementation of Maps now indicates upcoming toll roads during turn-by-turn navigation, offers labels for junctions, interchanges, on-ramps, off-ramps, and intersections, and features indicators for transit station buildings, subway lines, and traffic lights.
Last, but certainly not least, customers can now see 3D versions of some landmark buildings, including Tokyo Station, Japan Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower.
All these enhancements were confirmed in an iOS beta released to developers in February. The changes are now live without the need of iOS 6.1.3, the latest beta in development at Apple.
iOS 6.1.3 has no public release date set. As an upcoming update for all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users, iOS 6.1.3 has a number of bugs to fix, including two rather serious security issues.
One such issue allows anyone with bad intentions and physical access to an iPhone to circumvent the passcode lock and peek inside areas like Contacts, Photos, and others.
Another vulnerability reportedly turns the iPhone screen black and allows anyone with physical access to plug the phone in a computer using a USB cable and start viewing photos and contact information in iTunes.
This particular bug actually doesn’t require the so-called hacker to bypass the passcode lock.
iOS 6.1.3 is also said to include patches that thwart the exploits used in the evasi0n jailbreak tool.