iPhone OS 4 brings multitasking, folders and iBooks
UPDATE: since this article was written, Apple has changed the name of its new mobile OS to iOS 4. Despite that, all the below information remains accurate, apart from the name. The update will arrive (free) for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch users on June 21, 2010. First-gen iPod Touch and iPhone will not get the upgrade, while the 3G will get only limited benefits from the new OS.
It’s official – iPhone OS 4 will be upon us this summer. And it will finally be able to multitask.
Multitasking
Steve Jobs claims that although iPhone is late to the multitasking party, ‘it’s gonna be the best – just like cut and paste.’
Users will simply have to double click the home button while using an app to reveal a Mac dock-like panel of running apps at the base of the screen.
Stopping the streaming tunes from Spotify while you read your mail will become a thing of the past.
Plus you’ll be able to receive Skype calls with the app running in the background, then check your calendar without losing the VoIP connection.
Still not convinced? Multitasking will allow for background location, so you can get turn-by-turn directions while doing other things with your phone. (Obviously, if you’re actually behind the wheel, we’d recommend you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.) And tasks – such as uploading photos – will continue in the background while you get on with whatever’s next on your to-do list.
Folders
Yep – we’re all going to have app overload. And that’s why iPhone OS 4 is also introducing folders – groups of apps (games, say) that sit under a single icon on the home screen. You can even add folders to the dock. iPhoners will be able to put over 2,000 apps on their favourite gadget. Did we mention app overload?
Unified inbox
Not enough? iPhone OS 4 adds a unified inbox to Mail with the ability to add multiple Exchange accounts. It’ll also allow us to open attachments with their native apps.
iBooks
iBooks is also coming to the iPhone, although we still question how many people will really want to labour through War and Peace on a 3.5in screen.
Social gaming network
More exciting is the news that Apple is starting a social gaming network for the OS, a sort of Xbox Live for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad with leaderboards, achievements and friends.
iAd
There was good news for developers’ bank managers, too, with the introduction of iAd – an immersive ad channel run by Apple to generate revenue for devs from within their own apps.
Extras
The new mobile OS also adds support for Bluetooth keyboards, gives developers access to calendar and photos and introduces hardware acceleration for faster computing. Push notifications are set to become easier to implement and to bypass Apple’s servers, making them – in theory, at least – more efficient.
Availability
As expected, there was no sign of Flash support, but there’s plenty for the iPhone faithful to look forward to this summer when the OS is unleashed. Third-gen iPod Touches and iPhone 3GSs will get the full load, with older models taking a stripped down update – sans multitasking.
Early iPad adopters will have to wait until autumn to get the update.
Comments
magichombre
2 years ago
I need it NOW!
Smeds101
2 years ago
Was there any mention of new hardware?
Drunken Max
2 years ago
more ads.... great. and multi tasking that doesnt allow you to turn the apps off.... i think
Fxxxit
2 years ago
Great! Doing all the things other smart phones have been able to do for years
tommy060289
2 years ago
any news on a new iphone to go with it?
SilentEuphoria
2 years ago
So nothing that mine can't already do while Jailbroken? Boring...
GeoHBarr
2 years ago
when are they going to bring it into this century?? pile of Cr*p, android all the way
johnerz
2 years ago
Other phones may have been doing this sort of thing for a while, but in my experience it is to the detriment of the phones overall performance. I havent have an android phone so cant comment. Apple will hopefully do their usual trick of doing what others do a lot better. I cant wait! Am desperate for new of the new iphone. Contract expires soona dn I am just waiting to upgrade. :)
llebentz
2 years ago
will it be on the iPod touch too?
llebentz
2 years ago
iPhone OS 4 Compatibility iPhone OS 4 will work with iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and the second- and third-generation iPod touch this summer, and with iPad in the fall. Not all features are compatible with all devices. For example, multitasking is available only with iPhone 3GS and the third-generation iPod touch (32GB and 64GB models from late 2009). Thank god im getting iPod Touch 32GB!!! Do you think you will have to buy the update or will it be free?
llebentz
2 years ago
Whaat?? Is this only for USA? It only mentions it on the USA Apple site not on the UK one? Try it yourself!
Hugh Jarse
2 years ago
Multi-tasking on Android etc is prone to suck performance, and require task managers etc. Apple is trying to give multi-tasking without Joe Bloggs needing to worry about system resources etc. Trying to make tech easy to use for the public at large rather than tweakable for geeks. If it can implement multitasking without slowing the system and needing management then it is a win. Most people won't want to worry about managing resources on a multitasking phone.
rdtmfamily
2 years ago
I'm sorry but Jobs can't really justify the iPhone being THIS late to the multitasking party! The iPhone has been out for almost 3 years now and to only add a compass before multitasking is, in my opinion, disgraceful! This is why the Google: Nexus One is my favourite phone at the moment. Or to be honest, you can't go wrong with any HTC phone. They're just brilliantly made.
hooman78
2 years ago
any point in having an iphone 3g if it dont multi task? i've been holding back on jail breaking it for 4.0 and now i may well sell it or have some fun jail breaking the old bird
garethclem
2 years ago
http://apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk/156152 Free iphone http://apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk/156152
llebentz
2 years ago
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsbbQ.wyNjG1ODeha9Jw6zAgBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20100410040500AAIPQQH Please answer my Question on whether you think there will be an iPod Touch 4th Gen in september Thanks
gadgemad
2 years ago
make the screen bigger to 4.0 would be great a bigger hard disc,better camara, longer life for battery
lilcy
1 year ago
Now the iphone OS 4 said will display in fall, masses are looking forward to it! OF cource, because of iphone 4.0 glass back, a higher resolution camera and possibly a flash, a front-facing camera that will presumably be used for video conferencing on the phone and longer battery life, it's so absorbing too! There are so many things folks wanna seek and talk about it, just as this 'New iPhone HD sdk to get 720p HD video recording'(source: http://www.ifunia.com/iphone-column/new-iphone-hd-sdk-to-get-720p-hd-video-recording.html ) and more reviews...
Drunken Max
1 year ago
I'm not sure iOS4 allows MULTIPLE exchange accounts. WM7 maybe. It'd be great if it did though.
jb4522jb
25 weeks ago
This is what makes the iphone so good. There is so much that you can do with. You will not be disappointed at all with it. Keep up the good work. Bar stools