Apple iPhone 3.0 OS Update

Apple is on fire these last few weeks with announcements. Starting last week with its Apple iMac/Mac Mini refresh on the Apple Store, then it follows with the ten ton hammer of iPhone OS 3.0. Rumors have been that the long promised background applications, copy and paste and many other lacking features would be included. Even Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg, chimed in on speculations for this release. After the conference, we're happy to say that it indeed is a great stack of features and some very well deserved improvements. Here are some of the highlights of the announced features sans demos (of which there were a lot!)

Applications and developers support was a large focus and features you can expect from the 3.0 SDK are:

• Peer to peer bluetooth connectivity allows for shared gaming and information sharing


• Paid apps can now have subscription fees and in-application purchases (this spells micro-transactions folks!)


• Apps can now call out to Google Maps and turn-by-turn is now possible


• Apps connectivity over bluetooth or dock connectors to accessories are now possible


• Push notification for apps is now a reality but no background tasks (Apple will handle the application calls, which means you're at the mercy of Apple's servers for your notifications, not the background application running locally)


• Streaming audio and video in applications now possible

The user interface also received a much needed (and requested) features update. Not the least being copy and paste! Here's a full list of features:

• Cut/Copy/Paste works by double taping and dragging and selecting, this will work across core apps and you can even do this to pictures (shaking the phone will undo the action - gimmicky in my opinion)


• MMS is now a reality. This has been asked for since time immemorial and it's finally here (what took so long?)


• Stereo Bluetooth is also a function now, you can use wireless bluetooth headphones (this is only a feature that happened 3 years ago)


• Spotlight search now populates all core apps and a new home screen


• Tethering is now built in but is dependent on carrier's policies


• Voice Memos can now be recorded and shared directly from an Apple application, all those third party developed applications can just close up show now!


• Landscape keyboard will appear in all apps


• Calendar can finally accept ICS (subscriptions) but it wasn't clear if you can send invites from the phone


• Notes can now sync

This update is available to developers immediately and will be released to the public this summer (when exactly wasn't mentioned). For iPod Touch users, there will be a cost of $10US to upgrade. This time, it seems that the price is fair as it's much more feature rich than the 2.0 update was. However, the one thing that is still missing is flash support, of which the Palm Pre will have.

The question remains is if this 3.0 update is strong enough to offset the new-hotness that will be the Pre this summer. But in general, I was quite pleased with the announcements and do look forward to the 3.0 update. It has enough features for me to consider no jailbreaking again but it also brings up a few concerns.

During the press conference, demonstrations of some of the applications were highlighting the in-app purchasing function. At first, I was excited for the developers as they can now release shareware versions of their games and simply allow the users to upgrade to the full version right from the game. But instead of opening up the market, the first developers to take advantage of this system will be those interested in micro-transactions. EA showed off a build of Sims 3 where you could purchase a fake stereo in game for $0.99 that will play your iPhone's music. Ngmoco showed off its Pet Dog simulation where you could purchase accessories for you virtual pet for $0.99 each. This is a scary trend indeed, an almost bait and switch if you will. EA might release Sims 3 on the iPhone for only $4.99 but then everything you would want besides the bare minimum would be $0.99 each.

Besides the few dark spots in the announcements today, the update seems to have addressed most of the issues people and users have been vocal about. What were your thoughts? Did you think Apple addressed most of its users' concerns? Or do you feel Apple doesn't stand a chance with the Pre? Let us know in the comments!