Apple iPhone OS 4.0 announced
Apple finally unveiled plans for version 4.0 of the iPhone operating system last week.
iPhone OS 4.0 apparently has over 100 new user features will be available for iPhone and iPod touch users, but it will depend on which model you own as to what features will be available to you, in usual Apple style…
As well, developers will have access to more than 1500 new APIs.
The features should help make it easier to interact with apps, manage email, read books and such.
Some of the new features will be:
- Multitasking (hold on, don’t get too excited!)
- Folders for app management
- Mail Overhaul (merged inbox, switch between inboxes and more)
- iBooks, a smaller version than the iPad - which has also been delayed incidentally
- Game Centre
Multi-tasking
Apple decree “We weren’t the first to this party, but we’re going to be the best…” Hmmm…
The updated software will finally allow some apps to run in the background, without draining battery power dramatically and slowing performance. You’ll be able to tap the Home button twice to see a pop up list of open apps without losing what you’re up to.
Apple is quoted as saying:
“How are we adding multitasking while preserving battery life and performance? We looked at tens of thousands of apps in the app store, and we’ve distilled the services those apps need to run in the background. So we implemented those services, and we’re providing those services as APIs to developers so they can add multitasking while preserving battery life.”
They include audio from apps like Pandora Radio, VoIP (for Skype calls), push notifications, and task completion. Multitasking also will support local notifications and related security setting enhancements.
BUT only on the iPhone 3GS (not iPhone 3G or original iPhone) and not on iPod touches older than the new one.
The iPhone OS 4.0 will be available this winter, with it later being available for the iPad as well. Developer preview has been released.
More information
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What will the next iPhone OS and iPhone have?
Lots of interesting tidbits are circulating about the next Apple iPhone update. There’s whispers of multitasking down the track – and much more…
Apple Insider’s prediction:
Apple this summer will go a long way towards silencing critics and catering to one of the most prevalent demands of its iPhone user base, when it introduces a multitasking solution through the handset’s 4.0 software update that will finally allow several third party apps to run concurrently and in the background.”
So then, what about battery life? If they go ahead and allow multitasking – how long will your iPhone battery last?
You might need more than a Mophie Juice Pack Air to help out!
“What iPhone OS are we running anyway?”
So when might this 4.0 version of the operating system be released. And what, if anything, is holding it up?
With the Apple iPad due for release late April, does it mean Apple can then finally unveil iPhone 4.0, as it is said to have “high reference to the iPad” in the iPhone 4.0 OS.
More about iPhone 4.0 OS:
- AppleInsider – iPhone OS 4.0 with multi-tasking
- SlashGear – iPhone 4.0 imminent
But let’s forget about iPhone 4.0 OS for a moment – what about iPhone OS 3.2?
engadget has some rumours (or trumours?) about what is expected for OS 3.2.
“What about the 4th generation iPhone?”
Will they also release an updated iPhone – iPhone 4G or iPhone HD? I’d say that’ll wait til July when iPhones are historically released. It would seem PhonesReview concur with that too.
Improved antenna, better reception, less dropped calls? Sounds good – even, overdue.
So maybe OS 3.2 with the iPad late April…. OS 4.0 with a new iPhone in July?
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