Subscribe
Apple unveiled yesterday their iPhone 3.0 software containing 100 new features that will be rolling out to consumers sometime this summer. Developers are already downloading the beta SDK that offers over 1,000 new APIs which promises even better mobile applications than the over 25,000 that are available today.
This release brings some missed and sought after features that many iPhone users have asked for such as MMS, Cut-Copy-Paste, stereo Bluetooth, Landscape mode in all key apps, system-wide search, Note syncing, Auto-fill for Mobile Safari, Wi-Fi auto-login and subscribed calendars. Make no mistake, a great deal of what is coming in the third generation iPhone software is all about developers.
What Users Wanted
The iPhone has enjoyed high satisfaction from users, but that does not mean there was no room for great improvement. Apple spent loads of time creating the multi-touch interface and great user experience. The iPhone was missing a few features that have been available on other devices. Well iPhone 3.0 correct this.
Cut-Copy-Paste
A system-wide Cut-Copy-Paste has been added to the iPhone for text and photos. This will works in all the key applications including most third party apps purchased from the App Store.
Double-tapping on text, you bring up “cut, copy, and paste” dialog bubble.
Double-tap again and a “paste” bubble will appear if there’s anything stored in your clipboard.
You shake the iPhone to Undo or Redo. This works for photos also.
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)
MMS has long been available even on some cheap cellphones. It allows people to easily send photos, audio or video without email to each other’s phones. Apple has added this in 3.0 so you can send and receive MMS for photos, audio and even vcards from your Contracts. However there is no word on video yet.
MMS is done inside of the updated and renamed Messages app that used to be called SMS.
Stereo Bluetooth A2DP Audio
You will now be able to pair your iPhone with a stereo Bluetooth A2DP device, like headphones or speakers.
Note Syncing with iTunes
This was a no brainer. What good where Notes if they were mostly stuck on the iPhone? With Cut-Copy-Paste and being able to sync back to your computer, the Notes app may finally be more useful.
Landscape Keyboard
Apple has added a landscape keyboard mode to other key applications, like Mail, Messages (SMS), and Notes instead of just Safari.
Auto-fill and Anti-phishing in Safari
The updated version of Safari will remember your login information much like the desktop version has for years. This will save you from constantly typing your username and password to login in to the websites you visit daily.
Safari also has added Anti-phishing so it now can warn you against malicious sites that may be trying to scam you.
Wi-Fi Auto-Login
No more typing in long passwords at hotspots you may subscribe to.
Improved Calendar
iPhone OS 3.0 finally brings subscribed to calendar. Apple has added support for using two protocols: CalDAV—supported by Google and Yahoo and subscriptions via the .ics format which is what iCal uses.
Spotlight on Search
Apple has added search in Mail, Calendar, and iPod. Search in Mail doesn’t look like it supports the message content yet, but supports searching in IMAP servers saving lots of time logging into your email server like Gmail.
Apple did not stop here with search, they added a system-wide search called Spotlight. Sound familiar Mac users? They have added a new “home” screen indicated by a search icon. By flicking to the right you enter this new home screen.
Spotlight allows you to search across the entire device. If a third party application is written to support the new Spotlight, its data will also be available in the search.
3G Tethering
3G Tethering allows users to connect your laptop to your iPhone 3G using its connection like a modem to access the Internet. Apple claims that 3.0 contains all the needed code, but the carriers still have to sign-off on it, and offer the service.
New Voice Memo Application
Record voice memos or any sound, sync to iTunes or share them via email or MMS.
A Few More Features
Shake to shuffle music just like the iPod nano.
Extended parental controls – adult content filters can now be applied to movies, TV shows, and applications, in addition to web sites and music.
Improved Stocks application – adds related news and landscape mode.
Improved YouTube application – allows for YouTube account access.
What Developers Get
Developers are receiving the availability of over 1,000 new APIs in the 3.0 SDK in order to develop more robust and compelling apps for the iPhone. I feel this is where Apple is way ahead of the competition. Here are some examples.
Push Notifications
Apple is bringing a Push notification system promised last year to the iPhone with 3.0. Applications will soon be able to receive messages from the cloud even when the app is not running saving battery life and processor cycles.
This gives you the ability to can have an Instant Message application that is not even running to make your iPhone give you an alert by vibrating or making a sound and updating the badge number on the application’s icon when a new message comes in.
Maps
Apple has provided an API to allow Google Maps app to be embedded inside third party applications.
Turn-by-Turn Directions
Developers will now be able to use core location API to create turn-by-turn applications using the GPS information from the iPhone and combining it with their own maps, without depending on 3G connectivity.
Email Panel
Developers are getting an API to allow for Email to work within their applications.
Peer-to-Peer Connectivity via Bluetooth
Using an API developers can allow for two iPhones (or iPod touch) to connect directly using Bonjour for a peer-to-peer connection via Bluetooth, even when no other network is present. This opens up the door for better multi-player gaming, sharing contacts, etc.
iPod Library API
Developers will now have the ability to access your iPod music library for use in their apps.
Control Accessories
A new API will allow developers to control third party accessories directly from the iPhone or iPod touch display. Examples would be controlling a speakers EQ or a an FM transmitter in your car that is connected to the Dock connector from the iPhone or iPod touch display. There may be great uses for medical devices in this area.
Micro-payments Within Apps
Developers will now be able to allow for purchasing additional content from within tha apps they develop. Examples are purchasing additional levels or accessories inside of games or purchasing eBooks within an eBook reader. This would allow subscriptions to apps like Magazines, Newspapers, etc.
Price To Upgrade
Well the good news is that you iPhone OS 3.0 will be a free upgrade to all iPhone users, including the first generation. So you will not need to buy a new iPhone to get these additional features.
The bad news is not all features will be supported in the original first generation iPhone including Stereo Bluetooth and MMS support as the hardware will not support them.
iPod touch users will be able to upgrade for $9.95. iPod touch second generation does contain Bluetooth.
New Hardware
It is expected that Apple will have an updated iPhone sometime around the iPhone 3.0 launch this summer. Since yesterday was a software preview and roadmap, no new hardware was expected to be announced.
My Take
I was quite pleased with the evolution of the iPhone. I have owned just about every smartphone out there – Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Nokia and Palm and still find my iPhone the most useful and fun. The 3.0 update surely is going to fix quite a few “missing” features that have been greatly exaggerated by the iPhone opponents leaving them with less things to “bitch” about.
Competition is a great thing. So I welcome the Palm Pre and RIMs attempt to compete with the Storm. Bring it on!
I expect Apple will not disappoint with their next hardware release. I expect it to be a evolutionary release possible adding better processing power, better battery life, maybe even thinner device. I hope they add video recording and video conferencing. Most of all I hope they allow for more home screens to add even more apps!
For more information of iPhone 3.0 watch the presentation here.
