iPhone rumor roundup: New handsets in June, background tasks, and more
Possibly thanks to a chatty Emirates Telecom/Etisalat executive, we have some more details about when we might see a new iPhone handset: June. While not directly attributed to Mark Davis, iPhone program director at Etisalat, a quote in the report reads that the "next version of the device, which is due out in June, will be launched in the UAE at the same time." Analysts had been hoping for a new iPhone handset sometime during the first half of the year. [Via AppleInsider.]
Nokia is apparently readying smartphones that contain touch technology, advanced 3G connectivity, and multimedia functions in a bid to regain control of the mobile phone market. The devices, so far named "IP08" and "Eitri" will have touch capability, but it's unclear if either device will raise Apple's ire when it comes to protecting its intellectual property surrounding multi-touch gestures. The "Eitri" model will allegedly feature haptic feedback, as well. [Via Electronista.]
Finally, MacRumors.com has some tidbits about what Apple is doing to replace the so-far-missing Push Notification System that Mike mentioned this morning. Instead, Arnold Kim hears that Apple may allow one or two "user-selectable background processes" on current hardware with a software update, and more processes on new hardware (thanks to hardware improvements). [Via MacRumors.]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
L3 said 1:07PM on 2-03-2009
Sorry to miss the push-boat, but what is it that I have with my iPhone and Yahoo!mail?
I get notification on my iPhone immediately when receiving the email. In fact, when I have both in front of me, my iPhone gets the email BEFORE it shows up on my Yahoo!mail page.
How is this not 'Push?'
Reply
Ryan Trevisol said 1:13PM on 2-03-2009
I believe the hubbub was about opening up these functionalities of the OS to developers via the SDK.
I think they're having a hard time getting it to run on the current hardware (we already know that the iPhone 3g has a slower processor than the iPod Touch 2G, grumble grumble) without killing the battery.
I for one think an overhaul of the iPhone operating system is long overdue, with big improvements on interface like Folders, context menus, copy and paste, syncing notes and to-do's. Currently the 5 pages of apps I have feels a little clunky compared with what can be done on jailbroken phones.
Megarain said 1:47PM on 2-03-2009
Hardware enchancements?
Apple, you're starting to piss me off. This is something we were promised long ago. Man up and do what you said you were going to or DON'T and say so. Maybe say you are sorry for leading all us 3g owners along and send us a free cleaning cloth or something. I don't know.
Just don't ignore us like you do old iPod firmware.
Reply
chris said 2:43PM on 2-03-2009
I want push, but I want it free, and on the calender and contacts dang it!
Also, I was thinking the other day it would be nice to have a ruggedized iphone, along with the sleek hotness it is now. Something for campers and kayakers, and skiers, also would be great for factory workers and farmers (could see a push to talk version if sprint ever get there grubby hands on a license for it) , not quite the otterbox, but something mud resistant and and bit more dingable. I think there'd be a market for it, as the phone become more ubiquitous
Reply
Ashwin said 3:19PM on 2-03-2009
All you really need to do to get that now is to put a special case on your current iPhone.
iBearTouch said 9:28AM on 2-04-2009
Check out some of the products by Speck, if you want a case that will allow you to bounce your iPhone
Yuusharo said 3:14PM on 2-03-2009
I can pass on video conferencing, or even a new design. I just want an iPhone with double the storage space, up to 32gb, faster processor, and stuff as much ram as possible in there (from 128mb to 256mb or 512mb). Then, allow background applications. Backgrounder on my jailbroken phone is incredible and implemented well -- why won't Apple do something similar?
The more ram is the absolute most important thing for me. It results in far fewer crashes and more background applications. When there isn't enough ram to show a simple web page while streaming audio in the background, there's a serious problem.
Reply
Tom said 3:21PM on 2-03-2009
Instead of letting a whole app run in the background, why doesn't Apple implement a way of letting certain portions of an app run in the background? For example, take GPS Tracker. There's no need to let the whole app run in the background, only the small part that collects the GPS data may need to run in the background. So I would open GPS tracker, there would be a switch somewhere saying "Collect GPS data in background", I exit the app as usual but it still continues to collect GPS data. A small icon somewhere on the home screen, perhaps a badge attached to the app icon could inform the user that there's still something running. I don't see a need to have whole apps run in the background, especially on a fullscreen-only device, but having small functionality parts of a program remain in the background _if the user wants it_ would be nice.
Reply
Jenn said 8:09AM on 2-04-2009
Who can afford these things anyway?
Reply
klmellott said 1:50PM on 2-17-2009
Oh, I don't know. The millions and millions of people who currently own one.
Pam said 6:38AM on 2-05-2009
Sounds like Apple got wind of the new Palm Pre coming out, which will give the IPhone a run for its money. http://www.palm.com/us/products/phones/pre/
Don't get me wrong, I think the Iphone did alot for the venue, but I want the ability to multitask, and replace my own battery.
Reply
colouroflight said 4:45PM on 2-17-2009
All of you 3G owners are going to be mighty disappointed in June when AT&T tells you that you've already used your subsidy, so a new phone will be $500.
Reply
jimmy said 9:17PM on 2-18-2009
Thats why I waited. Hopefully by june 3g should be in my area. No reason to upgrade until its available.
Soulcrux42 said 12:41AM on 2-25-2009
whatever, I'll still buy one
Chris said 12:25AM on 4-07-2009
or bought one off of craigslist for $300 and use on pre paid so we can afford the new one
wesley said 4:31AM on 4-14-2009
I have a few comments,
1. If you want a phone that will let your drop it from the empire state building and still work, get a "brick" A.K.A. a nokia bar phone. It has a calendar, and jazzy polyphonic ring tones!
2. A lot of us can afford iPhone 3G's. You don't have to be rich to own one, either have a good credit card, or save your money, WOW WHAT A CONCEPT!
3. You're right, a lot of people will be mad when they find out that when we were told last June that we couldn't upgrade for 2 years that AT&T ACTUALLY MEANT IT! So we'll have to buy one full price, and sell our 3g's to the poor people who can't afford $200 or $300
4. As far as being pissed at Apple, b/c you don't have push notification yet, well HARD CHEESE! They have had it developed for a long time now, but they are trying to improve it so your battery does not die after 40 mins, b/c then you'd be bitching about that! This is not like the Personal Computer, the iPhone is a totally new piece of equipment, and they are still working on it. I love mine, so if you want to bitch, then go get a crackberry or a Palm that will restart on you every 20 mins!
Reply
Jim said 3:36PM on 4-22-2009
Should I wait on purchasing an iphone until Fall 09? If I purchased an iphone today, would I be able to upgrade to the next gen iphone immediately? Or would I have to wait until my contract ends?
Reply
dana_007 said 2:13AM on 4-24-2009
Admit it!
This is an awesome device. It has changed your life! You love it! And then all you can do is bitch about what it can't do ...YET!
Is there anything you wait for? Great BBQ? No! I bet you are a griller! Or a microwaver? Gotta have instant-gratification in your self-important-entitled lives?
Just wait...if you can... and it will have everything!
And then you'll want more still...
Magic elves aren't making this happen. REAL PEOPLE LIKE ME at 80 hour weeks and no social life are working our asses off for your needs. Be patient or try to design this yourself!
Reply