Filed under: Other Events, iPhone, iPod touch
iPhone 3.0 feature roundup
If you've been listening to all the clamoring on Twitter, or perhaps have seen the updated Apple page, then you know there was an iPhone event today to discuss a new version of the iPhone OS, version 3.0. While you will have to wait until the summer to get the new version (unless you join the developer program), Apple showed off over 100 new features that we're all excited about. iPhone developers are also getting some love from Apple with over 1,000 new APIs. Some of the biggest updates include:
- Push notifications will be standard in iPhone 3.0. Apple claims that there was a scaling issue when they first announced this feature last year, with thousands of developers clamoring to use it, so it had to be delayed. Developers will be able to build message, sound, and badge alerts into their applications.
- iPhone will support cut, copy and paste -- copy text and pictures, then paste them in any application on the device. If you change your mind about the newly pasted data, just shake to display a menu asking if you wish to undo the paste.
- In-App purchasing -- developers will have the ability to charge a fee from within the application for more levels in a game, magazine subscriptions, eBooks, etc. This solves the problem of the 20 ebook readers that only allow you to read one book each.
- MMS -- you'll be able to use MMS on your iPhone 3G (yes, 1st gen iPhones will not get the fortune of using MMS due to the use of a different cell radio). The new Messages application will be taking the place of the SMS app and will allow you to send voice memos and pictures to your friends.
- Peer-to-Peer connectivity -- allows iPhone apps the ability to find other iPhone users over WiFi or Bluetooth. This can be using for anything from gaming to sharing data.
- Third-party Accessories -- app developers can now access third-party accessories attached to the iPhone. This could allow for developers to interface with their own accessories to create a truly unique experience on the device. One of the demonstrated uses was a prototype blood glucose meter for the iPhone, from a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, which is already getting attention from our readers; it's not for sale yet!
- Apple will now be allowing applications the ability to get GPS coordinates from Core Location and turn that into software that provides Turn-by-Turn directions for iPhone users. However, due to the terms of use with Google maps, developers will be required to license their own maps for this use (meaning that Turn-by-Turn GPS applications will almost certainly be paid apps). This isn't a problem for vendors like TomTom or Telenav, who already have licenses for their map data.
- A landscape keyboard option is now available in all iPhone applications, including the infamous Mail.app.
- Voice memos will allow iPhone users the ability to capture audio and then email it, or send it through the Messages application as a multimedia message.
- System-wide Spotlight searching is built right into the home screen. To the left of the first home screen, there is a magnifying glass, so by flicking to the left of the first home screen will show this search app. You can search for anything, including mail, music, and notes. There is no word yet on how this will interface with third-party applications.
- Stereo Bluetooth audio devices are now supported through the use of A2DP technology.
iPhone OS 3.0 will be available for regular users "this summer." iPhone developers will be able to get the beta of OS 3.0 sometime today -- Apple is still busy updating their iPhone Dev Center, but we'll let you know when it is available.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
steve said 3:59PM on 3-17-2009
This only mentions sending mms... Does that still mean they plan to continue the viewmymessage.com fiasco???
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m1gu3l said 4:21PM on 3-17-2009
that would be total B.S., I really hope not.
PSN: HinchyFC said 3:53PM on 3-17-2009
Wow. About time, Apple!
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Philster said 3:55PM on 3-17-2009
FINALLY!!! Cut & Paste AND Undo... A2DP... those are the biggies for me!
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samuel said 10:26PM on 3-17-2009
I was hoping for a Kleer chip to be inside the iPhone, well maybe if a new iPhone is announced in the summer it'll make it in..
maxtkaxz said 3:56PM on 3-17-2009
Wow, I knew something was up because a few days ago the dev center kept logging me out and was acting funny. Today though, you cant even log in (Every developer is on the site?) It took 20 tries to load the iphone dev center!! So excited apple, thankyou.
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brian said 3:55PM on 3-17-2009
They mentioned streaming video a couple times. Anyone know if that's for streaming static files, or if there's actually support now for streaming LIVE video, like from QuickTime Streaming Server?
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anacronismo said 3:58PM on 3-17-2009
CalDEV!
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Andre said 3:59PM on 3-17-2009
So is the beta going to be available to the 'free' developer accounts, or just the paid ones? Everything on their site indicates if I have one of the two paid accounts I can get iPhone 3.0 & SDK.
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Andre said 5:02PM on 3-17-2009
I answered my own question - to get the 3.0 software you need to be a paid member.
aelle said 4:03PM on 3-17-2009
To me it's a good update... But... Summer... Damn... Summer it's so far away!
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Megan Lavey said 4:04PM on 3-17-2009
I'm glad it's summer because now I can save up the money to upgrade from my 1st generation iPhone.
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Franz Gruswitz said 4:07PM on 3-17-2009
So with all these features being added to the 3G through the 3.0 update, do you expect a summer hardware update as well? If so what will be added (compass, faster processor, multi-core processor, more memory)? I really doubt they'd go for a higher res screen without advance warning to developers. Frankly, I doubt the memory and battery life would be sufficient for higher res.
What do you think is still missing? The lack of background apps other than notifications is a bit disappointing, but otherwise most of what I wanted was covered. The main reason I want background apps is for example playing Pandora or other streaming audio in the background while turn by turn directions is running or using safari. The 3.0 update sure will take a bite out of my Palm Pre excitement.
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russ_schroeder said 7:15PM on 3-17-2009
My guess is there will not be a major hardware update, maybe slight changes to the asthetics (new colors?) and possibly a 16 GB option. Knowing Apple, they'll probably market it as the NEW iPhone 3G and push these new features hoping to persuade anyone that didn't already upgrade from the 1st gen unit to 3G. Just my $0.02.
David said 2:24AM on 3-18-2009
I already run Pandora in the background while browsing the web / talking on IM using Backgrounder.app from Cydia!
krishb said 5:46PM on 3-17-2009
Spotlight will support 3rd party apps-saw a result from NYtimes app during the keynote
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Aelver said 4:11PM on 3-17-2009
I wish they would offer BT tethering :(
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SP said 4:18PM on 3-17-2009
They confirmed that tethering was also supported in 3.0 - it's just down to your provider to support it
Aelver said 4:34PM on 3-17-2009
Hurrah! Thank SP :)
Evan Holt said 4:14PM on 3-17-2009
Fantastic news on the 'Notes' syncing, however they never touched on To-Do syncing.
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