iPhone 3.0 feature overview and why it matters to you
Yesterday, Apple announced details of its latest version of the iPhone operating system.
It's available in beta for developers to download now, with the final consumer version available some time in the summer. Free to iPhone users, $9.95 for iPod touch users. Most features are compatible with original iPhone.
Here's a potted guide to some of the new features to be included in iPhone 3.0 and why you should care.
It's about developers
It's worth noting right from the start that the whole presentation was aimed at developers, not the end consumer. That doesn't mean that the features won't be extremely useful / fun once they've been built in to new applications, but the iPhone won't necessarily get a ton of new functionality straight out of the box. It's all about the applications -- and, in part, how much you're willing to spend to enjoy those new features.
Right, here we go. Scroll down to read the whole lot or click on a title below to jump there:
- In App Purchasing
- Apple Push Notifications
- Peer to Peer Connectivity
- Maps
- Meebo Native app
- Greater accessory support
- Audio Recorder
- MMS
- Spotlight
- Stereo Bluetooth
- Cut, Copy and Paste
- Notes Sync
- Shake to Shuffle
- Wi-Fi auto login
- Safari anti-phishing and auto fill
- Landscape mode
What is it?
Yes, Apple has found another way to monetise applications, keeping developers who want to earn more cash happy.
Instead of simply buying an application once and being done with it, the In App Purchase function will allow developers to offer additional content / features / levels and so on, for an additional cost.
Why is it good for developers?
So, say that you've bought a cool new game with 50 levels. The developer could offer you 50 more levels provided that you pay more money to download them. The alternative, before, would have been to release a whole new piece of software, which would have risked losing customers along the way.
It's not clear yet whether Apple will want to sanction new content once it has approved the application in the first place. If not, it will provide a fast track for developers to add functionality and features to their software without having to resubmit it to Apple.
Why is it good for you?
Some might argue that Apple and developers are just trying to squeeze more cash out of you, but it's a perfectly sound business model on other platforms to have the ability to purchase additional level packs, features and so on, so why not on the iPhone.
I can see this working particularly well for games, especially role-play and some arcade games, where users can buy stuff for their characters or access new features not available in the standard application.
Could it be better?
It will be interesting to see how this new technology gets used by developers, and we'll have to wait until the summer before it rolls out and users get to play (and pay). I'll reserve judgement until then.
What is it?
At last! The "push notification" service that Apple has promised iPhone users for so long will finally be a part of iPhone 3.0.
Basically, push is supposed to solve the problems associated with not allowing third-party applications to run in the background. Instead, a central server will monitor requests from applications and notify the user in some way even when that app isn't actively running on the iPhone.
Why is it good for developers?
Push notification will allow developers to make their applications interact with the user even when they're not actively running.
Why is it good for you?
Users will be able to get real-time feedback of application changes, for example a new IM alert, without having to keep that particular application running all the time. This means the ability to use other apps.
Could it be better?
Arguably, allowing third party apps to run in the background would be even better, but Apple is very unlikely to allow this because of the drain on battery and interference with native apps.
The push notification service is limited -- texts, audible alerts, or numbered badges is about your lot. Any app that wants to do more than alert a user will be out of luck. Any app that needs to process something constantly will still need to be run in the foreground.
What is it?
Peer to Peer Connectivity will enhance the interactive multi-user experience by utilising Bluetooth, allowing easier pairing up for games and other apps when there are two or more iPhone users in close proximity. It also allows in game voice communication.
Why is it good for developers?
Developers don't have to rely on Wi-Fi or the cellular network to allow multi-player gaming when users are close enough to each other for Bluetooth to work.
Why is it good for you?
It's possibly a simpler interface/connection to use Bluetooth than messing with wireless networks or using the slower cellular network.
Could it be better?
The new system should work well, and it's encouraging to see Apple using more of Bluetooth's capabilities. It won't make a difference for gamers playing over Wi-Fi with other remote users.
What is it?
Google's Maps can be embedded within other applications using the Map Kit framework. This will allow for panning, zooming, custom annotations, current location and geocoding.
Why is it good for developers?
Offers more functionality for location-aware, map-based applications.
Why is it good for you?
The iPhone is moving closer to becoming a decent navigation/mapping device.
Could it be better?
Google has restricted the use of its maps meaning that any application wanting to do turn-by-turn GPS has to use its own maps. This isn't Apple's fault, but it adds a layer of complexity that really shouldn't be there.
What is it?
Meebo is an instant messaging client allowing users to access a variety of clients from a single application. Instead of signing in to multiple clients you simply use one.
Why is it good for developers?
It's certainly good for the developers of Meebo, as it means an instant captive audience of iPhone users, with every user getting native access to its software.
Why is it good for you?
Always on, multiple instant messaging service with push notifications means users will be able to keep tabs on all their communications even when IM apps aren't actively running.
Could it be better?
Assuming Apple's push notification system works the way it should, the new software should be good. Of course you're relying on two remote systems to access your messages, but users can still opt for individual IM apps should they wish.
What is it?
The External Accessory framework allows iPhone accessory developers to integrate more closely with applications, either via the 30-pin dock connector or Bluetooth. This opens up all sorts of possibilities and could make the iPhone a central hub for entertainment, business, medical, education, and more.
Why is it good for developers?
It's an amazing opportunity for both hardware and application developers, particularly if they collaborate.
Why is it good for you?
Greater possibilities for hardware integration mean that more tailored and even bespoke hardware could be developed for your particular needs.
Could it be better?
It depends how many restrictions Apple has placed on what can be done via the connector and Bluetooth. In principle it sounds great. Practice may be a different matter.
What is it?
Apple has finally added an application which could have been available from the start -- a voice recorder. Doesn't sound too exciting at one level, but for journalists, students, or anyone else who wants to record audio, do basic editing on it and then send it to others, it's a great addition. The screen shot makes it look pretty slick, too.
Why is it good for developers?
Potentially it's not good for other developers have created their own applications. They'll either need to create apps with significantly enhanced functionality or risk losing out to users who won't bother searching for a third-party app to do something now available natively.
Why is it good for you?
If you want to record, edit and send audio files direct from the iPhone, it's a great piece of software, assuming that it works well.
Could it be better?
Time will tell.
What is it?
Multimedia messaging: it's been around on other mobile phones for years, but suddenly it's a feature that Apple has deemed worthy to add to the iPhone.
Why is it good for developers?
Developers will probably be able to create apps that interface with MMS directly, with the ability to send images and other files directly to other people over the cellular network.
Why is it good for you?
MMS is a mobile communications standard and it finally brings the iPhone up to date with the majority of other phones - even those thirty quid pay-as-you-go ones. How much you use it is up to you, but consider that you can send images, Quicktime movies, VCard-formatted contacts and Google Maps locations using it.
Could it be better?
If it adheres to the standard, it should work well, and the demonstration makes it look pretty slick.
What is it?
Rather like Spotlight on Mac OS X, this allows all native apps on the iPhone to be searched from one place. It's implemented as a separate screen to the left of the home screen. Typing in a search term brings up installed applications, contacts, emails, music, and so on, containing that keyword.
Why is it good for developers?
It's not clear whether third-party apps can be made Spotlight-friendly. If so, it's an additional level of functionality available to developers.
Why is it good for you?
Could be a quick way to find "lost" information and resources, certainly good if there's a lot of stuff stored on the iPhone.
Could it be better?
Depends on how fast it works. Sounds good in principle.
What is it?
Stereo Bluetooth allows music and audio to be streamed wirelessly to stereo headsets. Until now, Apple has implemented a paltry set of Bluetooth's full feature set. This raises the bar somewhat.
Why is it good for developers?
Not necessarily good for application developers, but expect to see a lot of Bluetooth headset developers clamouring for "works with iPhone" status now that they truly do.
Why is it good for you?
Enjoy high-quality music without wires via any compatible Bluetooth headset. Can't be bad.
Could it be better?
If nothing is crippled in Apple's implementation then it should be great.
What is it?
Something that a lot of people have bemoaned the iPhone's lack of since day one. Cut, copy and paste (CCP) allows information to be cut, copied and pasted between applications. There's also "shake to undo".
Why is it good for developers?
CCP will work with third-party applications, meaning that users can more easily share information between apps. It probably won't require much effort on the part of the developers for this to work.
Why is it good for you?
Some commentators have suggested that it's only the technology press that has bemoaned the lack of CCP, and that "real" users don't need it. Whether that's true or not is up for debate, but I reckon that Apple's implementation will interest many users, even if they've not missed it before.
The solution is pretty elegant and easy to use, and will make some activities much easier, such as composing emails with information gleaned from web pages, copying contact info, blogging, sharing photos, and so on.
Could it be better?
If CCP is as easy as the demonstration implied, then it's very slick. Time will tell once we get our hands on a working iPhone 3.0.
What is it?
Allows notes to be synchronised between iPhone, Mac and PC via iTunes.
Why is it good for developers?
Doesn't make any difference to developers.
Why is it good for you?
Co-ordinate native iPhone notes on your desktop/laptop Mac/PC via iTunes without having to email back and forth.
Could it be better?
More synchronisation options are always good, in my opinion, but this is a definite start, and it doesn't force the use of MobileMe either, which is good.
What is it?
Allows music tracks to be changed by shaking the iPhone
Why is it good for developers?
It's not.
Why is it good for you?
Depends if you like shaking the iPhone for changing tracks. Good if it works when the iPhone is locked, not good if it can't be turned off and changes tracks when you're jogging.
It's a gimmick, really.
Could it be better?
Does what it says. 'nuff said.
What is it?
Allows previously visited wireless networks to be automatically logged in and out of when in range.
Why is it good for developers?
Doesn't make any difference to developers.
Why is it good for you?
Saves on having to select networks and manually authenticate. Possible security risk, though.
Could it be better?
Sounds as if it will do what it says. Assuming it does, no.
Safari anti-phishing and auto fill
What is it?
Features from the desktop version of Safari finally make it to the iPhone. Anti-phishing should make it harder to unwittingly access malicious web sites, while auto-fill will reduce data entry time - even more important on the iPhone.
Why is it good for developers?
Developers whose apps access the Internet via Safari can tout this added security benefit to users.
Why is it good for you?
Added level of security while accessing the Internet.
Could it be better?
Will likely work as well as the desktop version. Not infallible, but better.
What is it?
Apple has updated the iPhone software so that the keyboard works in landscape mode across all native applications.
Why is it good for developers?
Depends whether this functionality can be extended to third-party apps.
Why is it good for you?
Many have bemoaned the more fiddly keyboard in portrait mode, and now there's more scope for using the wider landscape one.
Could it be better?
If it works across all the apps, then no.
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