I didn’t mention the direct settings changes because I have pretty much given up on them, at least until we get a Springboard redesign. I was hoping that we would get Siri access to them, and was actually surprised that we didn’t. Being able to turn on Bluetooth and turn the brightness up via voice would seem to pair very well with Apple’s new Eyes Free initiative.

As for Street View, you probably won’t be missing that for long. Apple has already allowed Google Earth into the App Store, so a Google Maps app will probably be released not long after iOS 6. I doubt Apple would want the negative publicity that would come with trying to block it.

As for iOS 6 compatibility, while I am not a huge fan of their new strategy, I think it is pretty clear. The only devices getting the upgrade are the ones still in active production. While both the OG iPad and the 3rd Gen Touch have the same or better specs than the iPhone 3GS, it is still for sale, and they are not. I wonder if Apple will carry this philosophy forward into future iOS releases?

Point taken on the car manufacturers. I was thinking from an American perspective, there. Being an American company, Apple always starts here in the States. However, it wouldn’t surprise me to see more worldwide manufacturers jump on-board by the Fall launch of the iPhone 5.

One quibble on the car makers. It’s not just Ford missing. Also absent are VW, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, Porsche plus European market players like Peugeot, Renault, and Fiat (assuming no Chrysler tie-in) and growing Asian names like Tata, etc. Still, Apple has an impressive list for the US market, less so worldwide.

The loss of StreetView is an unwelcome blow as well and the fact the original iPad won’t be getting IOS6 is a bit of a kick in the balls as well. Overall I was underwhelmed