Tuesday, July 6, 2010

iPhone iOS 4 Released

Apple has recently released the iOS 4 update for iPhone and iPod touch owners. While the new iPhone 4 device is necessary to take advantage of all the new features, existing owners can take advantage of many of the new software features starting now.

iOS 4 is a free update and is compatible with iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS models, as well as second- and third-generation iPod touches. Multitasking will only work with the iPhone 3GS and third-generation iPod touch.

On the backend, iOS 4 has more than 1,500 changes or additions to the API, which will enable developers to build even better apps on these devices. Some of the most interesting new features are:

  • Multitasking — A combination of persistent-state applications and background functions for certain services. The end result means a better user experience and battery performance when doing things like listening to Slacker Radio while browsing the web.
  • Folders — Organizing your iPhone Home Screen is easier now that you can use folders to store groups of apps in one icon. This is a huge time-saver and makes finding and keeping more apps on your device much easier.
  • Tap to Focus Video — iPhone 3GS owners can now tap to focus their videos just like you can when taking still shots. The new software also includes a 5x digital zoom for the built-in camera.

The new iOS4 upgrade also includes support for bluetooth keyboards, an enhanced spell checker and character counts for SMS messages.  I have not yet had the opportunity to use a number of the new features, but will post another entry for anything that catches my attention.

Comment on your favorite new features in iOS4.

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