Whats New in iOS 6.1: Some Features, Lots of Security

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Whats New in iOS 6.1: Some Features, Lots of Security

29 January 2013 6,126 views 5 Comments

You could be forgiven for concluding that the business end of iOS 6.1 is really the security content.

Yes, Apple’s iOS 6.1 Update delivers more LTE carrier support in more places, the ability to purchase movie tickets (Fandango) using Siri and individual song downloads via iTunes Match and iCloud, but that’s just the shiny front end.

Among the new features not afforded a bullet point by Apple are new lock screen music controls, which are cleaner, a nice user interface touch that makes using this functionality easier.

You could, however, be forgiven for concluding that the business end of iOS 6.1 is really the security content, which is extensive and includes patches for a range of vulnerabilities. Notable among these is a fix for the so-called “Smart App Banner” bug, which re-enable JavaScript without user permission:

Description: If a user disabled JavaScript in Safari Preferences, visiting a site which displayed a Smart App Banner would re-enable JavaScript without warning the user. This issue was addressed by not enabling JavaScript when visiting a site with a Smart App Banner.

Additionally, Apple has patched a memory corruption issue in WebKit (Safari) that could lead to arbitrary code execution, which could net an attacker control of your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad — scary stuff.

Lastly, iOS 6.1 was just one of the updates Apple released yesterday — also look into iPhone Configuration Utility 3.6.2 for Windows, Xcode 4.6 and Apple TV 5.2.

Image iOSVlog

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5 Comments »

Desmond Foulger said:

10.8.3 must be imminent as well

# 29 January 2013 at 1:54 am

OS X 10.8.3 12D61: Seed Fatigue! - FairerPlatform said:

[...] Whats New in iOS 6.1: Some Features, Lots of Security [...]

# 31 January 2013 at 9:41 am

EB said:

Heretofore, using an iPhone in a car (well, my car, a 2012 Subaru Outback) using the USB port disabled onscreen controls on the iPhone and required navigation through the songs/albums/artists using the clumsy interface in the car. I got the car when iOS 5.x was out, and it has been this way through iOS 6.0.1. To select a song via the iPhone (the only way that was really acceptable) I could connect the iPhone using the 1/8 connector or over Bluetooth, or pull out the cord, choose the song/album, and then reinsert the USB cable. The former (1/8″) not allowing for line level outputs, and the latter (BT) not as high quality — forcing me to utilize the 3rd option.
I was pleasantly surprised when running iOS 6.1 that I can now navigate the music on the iPhone via the iPhone when connected over USB, and the status such as repeat or shuffle that were selected in the car are displayed on the iPhone. People now in my car can choose songs via the iPhone, and not the stupid jog dial. This was an unannounced but VERY welcome feature/fix/addition!

# 1 February 2013 at 5:49 pm

Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 12, Oracle Patches Available - FairerPlatform said:

[...] posts: — Best Mac AntiVirus? You Have Choices — Whats New in iOS 6.1: Some Features, Lots of Security — Mac Antivirus: Intego Virus Barrier, Net Barrier Save 30% — Mac Security: XProtect Update [...]

# 2 February 2013 at 1:45 pm

iOS 6.1.1 Fixes Apple Maps, OS X 10.8.3 Finally Ready? said:

[...] See also: Whats New in iOS 6.1: Some Features, Lots of Security [...]

# 7 February 2013 at 12:15 am