Apple today released its much anticipated software update, iOS6. The software was released at 1 p.m. ET.

Apple users with  an iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad can get the upgrade.  Tt is available for the iPad 2, new iPad, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and the iPhone 4S. It will also be available for fourth generation iPod Touch owners. Users with a first-generation iPad or the iPhone 3G won't be able to upgrade. 

Under the iOS6, Apple has redesigned its Maps app from the ground. 

"Maps changes the way you see the world," Apple said. "Map elements are vector based, so graphics and text are incredibly detailed - even when you zoom all the way in - and panning is smooth. Tilt and rotate to view an area, and Maps keeps the names of streets and places where they belong." 

With the upgrade, users now get visual and spoken turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates. 

With iOS 6, Siri understands more languages and works in more countries.

"Thanks to iOS 6, Siri knows the answers," Apple said. "Or maybe it's movie night. Siri can show you the latest reviews and showtimes. Find the best restaurants in town and make reservations. Even have Siri open your apps for you - no tapping required. Say "Launch Flight Tracker" or "Open Angry Birds" and Siri does just that. You can also use Siri to post Facebook updates and tweet for you."

Facebook has been completely integrated through iOS. Users can share a photo to Facebook right from Camera or Photos; post their location right from Maps; brag about a high score from Game Center. WIth the upgrade users can ask Siri to post to Facebook for them. Facebook events are integrated into Calendar Facebook friends' profile information is integrated into Contacts, so when they update an email address or phone number.

The upgrade will feature Passbook. With Passbook, you can scan your iPhone or iPod touch to check in for a flight, get into a movie, and redeem a coupon. You can also see when your coupons expire, where your concert seats are, and the balance left on that all-important coffee bar card. Wake your iPhone or iPod touch, and passes appear on your Lock screen at the appropriate time and place - like when you reach the airport or walk into the store to redeem your gift card or coupon. And if your gate changes after you've checked in for your flight, Passbook will even alert you to make sure you're not relaxing in the wrong terminal.

FaceTime now works over cellular networks as well as Wi-Fi. You can make and receive FaceTime calls on your iPad using your phone number. 

iOS 6 adds new calling features to the iPhone. Now when you decline an incoming call, you can instantly reply with a text message or set a callback reminder. And when things are just too hectic, turn on Do Not Disturb and you won't be bothered by anyone.

Mail in iOS 6 lets you set up a VIP list so you'll never miss an important message from your accountant, your boss, or your BFF. It's even easier to add photos and videos to email messages. And to refresh your mailboxes, all you have to do is swipe down.

The new panorama feature for iPhone and iPod touch lets you capture everything from a momentous family reunion photo to a sweeping vista.6 With one simple motion you can shoot up to 240 degrees - even vertically, to get that redwood tree, say. Then hardware and software work together to create one seamless, high-resolution panorama.