14 DAY TRIAL // A few days after releasing the much anticipated iOS 6.1 to the public, Apple is rolling out new betas for developers to continue maintenance on one of the company’s most ill-fated services, Maps.
Seemingly released with the sole purpose of improving Apple Maps in Japan, the first beta of iOS 6.1.1 is accompanied by a comprehensive set of release notes.
The Cupertino giant mentions improved pronunciation of roads during turn-by-turn navigation, optimized directions to more strongly prefer highways over narrower roads, updated freeway colors, and updated icons for some location categories (such as fire stations, hospitals, and post offices).
There’s more. The iOS Maps application in Japan now indicates upcoming toll roads during turn-by-turn navigation.
The software now uses labels for junctions, interchanges, on-ramps, off-ramps, and intersections, as well as indicators for transit station buildings, subway lines, and traffic lights.
Last but not least, iOS 6.1.1 adds new 3D buildings, including Tokyo Station, Japan Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower.
To download the beta, coders must log in to the iOS Dev Center with their Apple Developer credentials in hand.
As usual, Apple tells developers to report any bugs using the Apple Bug Reporter on the Apple Developer website (http://developer.apple.com/bugreporter/).
Additionally, testers may discuss issues and other details regarding iOS 6.1.1 beta 1 in the Apple Developer Forums (http://devforums.apple.com).
“The Apple Developer Forums provide iOS, Mac, and Safari Developer Program members and MFi licensees a collaborative environment to discuss a range of topics on development and distribution,” according to the iPhone maker.
To access the Apple Developer Forums, Developer Program members and MFi licensees need to log in at this address using the Apple ID and password associated with their developer account.
Apple is expected to thoroughly test iOS 6.1.1 across several betas. Development will probably include other bug fixes (battery life, wireless connectivity, potential graphical glitches) and perhaps even new features.