During the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference), Apple announced a number of great upcoming products in both the hardware and software divisions of the company. The most prominent software addition is the new OS for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. The OS 4.0 is designed for the iPhone 3G and 4G, the iPod Touch 3G and 4G, and all models of the iPad. It is slated for a summer 2010 release for the iPod and iPhone, and a fall 2010 release for the iPad. So, what does this exciting OS update include?
The Magic of Multitasking
The lack of multitasking features on the iPhone has become the target of advertisements from some of the opposing smartphones, so it’s no surprise that OS 4.0 includes some advanced multitasking features. There were different multitasking groups on which Apple touched, including audio streaming in the background, simultaneous voice and data streaming, local notifications between applications, and fast application swapping.
A New Way to Read
Following the path of the iPad, the OS 4.0 system is including a large ebook reader and literary library. iBooks, previously available only on the iPad, will now be available on the iPod and iPhone. The ebook reader will come with new features, including the often requested ability to stream audio in the background.
All Your Mail Solutions
A new mail system for the iPhone and iPad will allow you to integrate multiple email accounts into one location, including exchange servers and public mail like Gmail and Yahoo. You’ll also find it’s easy to organize your inbox, and you can open attachments more smoothly.
Corporate Solutions
It has been surprising to see how much the iPhone, with its large appeal to standard phone users, is being used by major corporations. To sustain this growing market, Apple is introducing a number of important features to support corporate use. Encryption will increase for data information. Users will enjoy the integration of remote management for all mobile devices. This will allow for easy application distribution and synchronization between your desktops, laptops, hand held devices, and updated support for exchange servers and accounts.
Folders and Custom Backgrounds
Apple has also integrated some of the most popular features that were added by Jailbreakers and hard coders. The most simple feature along this vein is the ability to integrate custom backgrounds. In addition, Apple has added some advanced organization features in the form of folders, which will store up to 180 applications each.
Media and Gaming Explode (in a Good Way)
For those who invested in the iPhone for its media capabilities, there’s good news. The support for a 5x zoom camera, tap to focus camcorder system, and wireless keyboard use should make your life more fun. Add to that the game center, a full sized gaming service to compliment the Apple game market, which will allow players to find playmates anywhere in the worldwide Apple network, and you have a system set up for countless hours of fun.
All of these features will be rolled out simultaneously once they are fully BETA tested.