Apple: Ready, set, iPhone OS 3.0
iPhone OS 3.0: What you need to know
(By Josh Lowensohn)Apple on Tuesday unveiled the next version of the operating system that powers the iPhone, dubbed version 3.0, at an invite-only event at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. It will be available for developers beginning today, and to everyone else "this summer." It's a free upgrade for iPhone users; those who own the iPod touch will again have to pay for the upgrade (Apple is charging US$9.95). Here's a quick recap of what was announced:
New features
Systemwide searchApple has integrated its Spotlight search technology across the entire device. This will let users search for specific email messages, applications, contacts, and any other data from within those applications in one place. Users get to it from a new menu that's to the left of their first home screen. Swiping to the left brings up an open search box that brings in results as you type, similar to Spotlight search on Mac OS X.
Copy and paste for text, photos, and SMS
One of the most-wanted features, the ability to copy and paste text will be making its way to OS 3.0. Users will be able to select sections of text and take them to other applications. This is one of the new APIs that Apple is releasing to developers.
To copy text, simply double-tap the screen, and it pulls up an option to cut, copy, and paste. Then simply drag a start point, and an end point, over the text you want, and then double-tap again. The phone will save the text in a clipboard, from which it can be taken elsewhere. You can also grab entire sections of text using a large rectangle that can be moved around to include paragraphs at a time.
Additionally, copy and paste will work with photos and SMS messages. For instance, if you feel like selecting multiple photos to send in an email you can now select the ones you want, then send them together in one message. Previously you had to select them one at a time--through the Photos application, over to mail. The same goes for SMS messages too, so if you feel like relaying a text message to another contact you can simply forward it.
MMS
You can now send and receive multimedia messages (MMS). This means text messages can be sent with photos and voice recordings, all without using the built-in mail application to do it. Missing, however, is any kind of video support, which is an MMS feature found on many other phones with built-in cameras.
Push notifications
The feature that was supposed to appear in September of last year will finally be making its way to phones in version 3.0. Scott Forstall, the head of iPhone software development, noted that Apple had been late on this, and blamed the delay on scaling, saying that the original system was too taxing on both the handset's battery and its processing power.
The new system works just like old one, but has been optimized for over-the-air data transfer. It still relies on Apple's servers as a go-between to send audio alerts, text messages, and badge notifications. Users still have to fire up the application to get at the data though.
In-app micropayments
Apple has built in a new system for developers to charge users after they've purchased an application. Previously there was no way to do this, forcing developers to hike up the initial price, or use external payment systems, similar to what Amazon did with its Kindle application.
Apple's new system, dubbed "In-App Purchase" lets developers create an application where extra content can be purchased from within it to expand what it can do. All the billing is handled by Apple, and goes through the user's iTunes store account.
This same system has been used in console games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero with extra music track purchases. On the iPhone this was demoed on the upcoming EA title The Sims 3, which will let users buy items for their virtual character using an in-game store interface.
This payment system is only for paid apps, meaning free applications cannot be upgraded to a paid premium version. Apple is also using the same revenue model for per-app purchases, meaning developers can charge whatever they want, and keep 70 percent.
Better GPS baked into apps
Apple announced that Core Location would now be available for developers to build into their applications, meaning they'll be able to include turn-by-turn directions into their apps. However, they won't be able to build it off the iPhone's Google Maps application. Apple says this is due to licensing issues. However, map providers may step up and start selling mapping data to iPhone developers.
P2P networking and hardware communication
No longer will handsets exist as single entities. A new system, built off Apple's Bonjour technology, will let devices talk to each other. This would let people play multiplayer games with one another, and potentially exchange data files--all without the need to be connected to a third-party server or a central Wi-Fi hub. To do this Apple is using the iPhone's built-in Bluetooth antenna.
Apple is also opening up how much control accessory makers can have over external hardware. Forstall showed how the iPhone would be able to hunt for FM radio signals using an attached dongle, and even read a patient's blood pressure--putting the controls on the iPhone instead of the attached device. This is very similar to the partnership that Apple has with Nike and its Nike+ running attachment, which could be controlled using an iPod. This new system works both from the dock connector and over Bluetooth.
To demo this new level of communication, Johnson and Johnson company LifeScan went onstage to show off a new blood sugar application that uses the phone to process what user's blood glucose level and keep track of it both on the device, and by sending the data to LifeScan's servers.
Other tidbits
- Original iPhone users will not be getting all the new features. Apple has already said that MMS and stereo Bluetooth music playback will not be available.
- Apple has sold 13.7 million iPhones through 2008, and 17 million iPhones total. This figure includes first generation hardware.
- There have been 800,000 downloads of the iPhone SDK.
- 62 percent of developers never done an Apple application before.
- Landscape (sideways) mode across all Apple native applications.
- Notes made in the Notes.app can now be synced to your computer.
- Shake to shuffle is coming to the iPhone.
- Safari browser is getting antiphishing and auto-fill.
- Parental controls will work on the App Store. This could mean a new explicit-content rating for applications, similar to what's been done for music and films.
- No Adobe Flash for the iPhone, although the device will play HTML 5 video, and developers now have API access for streaming audio and video in their apps.
- Ngmoco, the maker of iPhone/iPod hit game Rolando, showed off two new games, Touch Pets and LiveFire. The first is a virtual pet simulator that lets you play with others using the new communication interface. LifeFire is a first-person shooter that lets you play death match-style over Wi-Fi.
- Smule, the maker of the the popular Orcarina application, announced a new app called Leaf Trombone. It emulates the controls of a trombone, letting users slide their finger across the screen to adjust the pitch while blowing into the microphone.
Via CNET News
iPhone 3.0: More hits than misses
(By Kent German)A gaggle of tech journalists, analysts, and developers crowded into an auditorium at Apple's headquarters on Tuesday to hear the details of iPhone 3.0. As Scott Forstall, Apple's head of iPhone software development, promised, the update is a major one with a host of sorely-needed features for app developers and consumers.
In all, Apple promises 100 new features with iPhone 3.0, including multimedia messaging and a landscape keyboard. Though Apple did not reveal all 100 additions on Tuesday--which leads me to wonder just what they'll count as a new feature (perhaps cut, copy, and paste will count as three)--the highlights were worth the trip to Cupertino, Calif. Yes, a few hoped-for features are still missing, but iPhone 3.0 is more about what we got than what we didn't. Apple will release the update this summer. It will be free for iPhone 3G and iPhone classic users, but iPod touch users will pay US$9.95.
What we got
Multimedia messaging--At long last, we have it. We figured it was coming so it was at the top of our iPhone 3.0 Wish List. Yet, I feel a little weird getting so excited about such a basic feature that almost every other cell phone has.Also, it's very disappointing that iPhone classic owners will not get MMS, even if they upgrade. Apparently, the original iPhone lacks the necessary radio to make MMS work. That of course leads me to the very pertinent question of why doesn't it?
Landscape keyboard--Another feature that's long overdue. In addition to the Safari browser it now can be used in any application including email. Hallelujah.
Cut, copy, and paste--This was the first new app mentioned. It works across all applications, and you'll be able to use it with text (even in Web pages) and photos from the camera album. The interface looks intuitive and user-friendly with the movable grab points and the shake to undo. But I wonder if you'll be able to copy images on Web pages and if you'll have access to the clipboard.
Judging from the audience reaction this is one of the features that most excites users and developers. During the Q&A session at the end of the presentation, Forstall defended the long wait for the functionality by saying it's not obvious how to do (cut and paste) while taking into account security issues and making it work nicely with the touch interface. Though there must be some measure of truth to that explanation, I'd say it was more of a matter of Apple figuring out how to do it in the way that the company wanted.
Stereo Bluetooth--I wasn't expecting this one, but you'll have the opportunity to listen to music through wireless headphones. Of course, that leads me to wonder if an Apple wireless Bluetooth headset will be far behind. The bad news is that iPhone classic users won't be able to add this feature either.
Text messaging--In addition to text forwarding, which I asked for on our wish list, you can delete individual messages in a chat thread. That's something I hadn't thought of before, but welcome it. A resend button when texting would be nice as well, but I can live without it for now.
Real time turn-by-turn directions--The iPhone will become a full-fledged GPS device with iPhone 3.0, though in a roundabout sort of way. The feature won't be native, but will come through apps.
Because of licensing issues, however, developers will need to supply their own maps rather than using the Google Maps on the phone. While that's not the best scenario, particularly because it suggests that you'll have to pay for such apps, it makes some sense considering that the iPhone SDK prohibited apps turn-by-turn directions in the past.
Forwarding meeting invites and contacts--Now the iPhone can really be a business device. There were needed additions indeed.
Full search--A new Spotlight feature will allow you to search your calendar, mail, iPod library, notes, and contacts all at once. To access the feature you need only swipe our finger to the left from the main home screen. That's a huge improvement over the current situation where multiple paid apps only search single areas at once.
Stocks--You'll be able to get headlines for the tickers saved in your Stocks application. That's one feature I've thought about often, so I'm glad to see it. You'll also be able to see a chart in landscape mode and you'll be able to get the stock price at any point on a chart.
Voice memo--This is another thing we should have seen a long time ago. Yes, there are existing apps that offer this functionality, but you shouldn't have to pay for an app to get it.
Peer-to-peer networking--Forstall used gaming as a likely use for this feature. It's definitely welcome, but it would be nice to send contacts and other data files through Bluetooth without needing an app.
In-app purchases--Buying apps and game levels without going through the iTunes Store will be easier, but like the gum in a supermarket check-out line, I suspect that it will lead to a lot of impulse buying.
Push notification--This is also a good add, though I'd prefer it to be a native feature rather than driven by individual apps. I'd like to see one umbrella push system for all linked email accounts. The functionality seems to be a bit scattered as they're currently describing it.
Other additions--Forstall ran quickly through the remaining additions, which were displayed on a slide. They include syncing notes with your Mac, a shake to shuffle feature like on the iPod nano and some Sony Ericsson phones, antiphishing technology and auto-fill Safari, parental controls, and Wi-Fi auto log-in. They all sound promising including the unexpected ability to access YouTube accounts right on the phone.
What did we miss?
As I mentioned earlier, the list of added features is much longer than the list of missing features. But for convenience's sake, here is a list of the features that I'd still like to see.Tethering--Rumors persisted that we would see the ability to use the iPhone as a modem. Forstall said the Apple is ready to switch the feature on, but that iPhone carriers around the world need to figure out how to support it.
Voice dialing--Yes, there are apps, but it should be a native feature.
Background processing--This is out because Forstall said ate up to 80 percent of the iPhone's standby battery life. While I question whether it was really that bad, I'd rather not push it on a device that can barely last a day of heavy use.
Video recording--My guess is that Apple can't make it work to its satisfaction on the current camera. As for more camera features, I'm sure Apple is more interested in keeping things simple and user-friendly.
Flash support--Forstall and his colleagues dogged this topic by saying they had no announcements "today." Perhaps that's a sign that it's coming down the road.
Via CNET News
What iPhone OS 3.0 promises users and developers
(By Tom Krazit)Last year, Apple set itself apart from the mobile computing world with the release of the iPhone OS 2.0. This year, Apple won't make quite such a leap forward, but neither will it lose any ground to increased competition.
When it arrives this summer, Apple's third generation of the iPhone operating system will correct some of the most glaring omissions to date. These include the lack of background processing, any kind of system-wide search, and yes, copy and paste. In case you missed the live blog, check out some of the highlights of Apple's presentation Tuesday.
There were two audiences for the iPhone 3.0 preview presentation: Developers and iPhone users. Users were more interested in the features, while developers were anxious to learn about the new software development kit.
Let's examine the users first: Apple's competitors will be quick to point out (Microsoft was particularly eager to comment Monday and Tuesday) that the most prominent features introduced with iPhone 3.0 are features that are found on many other smartphones.
It's a reminder that while most everyone in the mobile industry would give Apple credit for igniting a smartphone revolution with the original iPhone, Apple can't leave anything to the competition if it wants to keep the growth of its most profitable product on track. With iPhone 3.0, Apple is showing that, just like last year, it listens to complaints about the iPhone's capabilities and works to overcome those objections.
For the most part, however, iPhone users seem satisfied with their devices without those features. Key additions such as copy and paste, a landscape keyboard, real search capabilities, and MMS (multimedia messaging system) will make the iPhone even easier to use.
Developers are the ones who will probably be most excited about the new iPhone OS. The ability to use background notifications, for example, will make for much more compelling iPhone and iPod touch applications, as was immediately apparent from some of the demonstrations Tuesday.
In addition, developers will have 1,000 new APIs (application programming interfaces) to play with that will unlock parts of the iPhone previously off limits or unavailable to third-party applications. Apple didn't get into all of them, but talked about how developers can now stream audio and video, send email from inside applications, and use the iPhone's proximity sensor, which means Google will once again be in compliance with the iPhone SDK.
This is the kind of development that users won't immediately grasp until someone develops a game or other kind of application that does exactly what they've always wanted a mobile computer to do. An important consideration when evaluating these developments, however, will be whether or not Apple's push notification service works as advertised in the real world: The company admitted its first attempt at building such a service would have failed under the load generated by millions of iPhones, and Apple's single-point-of-failure architecture for this service opens it up to potential outages that Research in Motion's BlackBerry customers occasionally face.
Lost in all the discussion about the features themselves, however, were some of the steps Apple is taking to help developers work with the iPhone. For example, with the release of the new SDK (a beta version is available today, but developers flooded Apple's Web site Tuesday) Apple will host discussion boards for developers to exchange tips and get help with their work, six months after threatening them with legal ramifications for merely talking about their applications.
Apple also seemed sensitive to all the complaints over the "black box" approval process that many developers have found in trying to get their applications onto the App Store. Around 96 percent of all applications are approved, and around 98 percent of application submissions are approved within seven days, Apple said. Those may be recent numbers as opposed to a picture encompassing the whole year of iPhone development, but after months of silence on the topic, Apple's willingness to acknowledge those issues show it's aware how important that part of the iPhone development experience is to those trying to build businesses around the iPhone.
It's interesting to note that Apple is taking somewhat similar approaches in 2009 to both Mac and iPhone operating system development. Just like Mac OS X Snow Leopard, which is expected to focus on stability and performance rather than the addition of new features, iPhone OS 3.0 is more about giving developers a more capable platform on which to base their applications rather than any single killer feature. And that's despite the fact that competitors plan to have major releases (Microsoft's Windows 7 and Palm's WebOS, for example) that could change the playing field.
Apple gave itself a lot of wiggle room in promising to ship iPhone 3.0 "this summer," which technically gives it until September 21st. With competitors fighting back, Apple needs to make sure it ships iPhone 3.0 on time and without incident to keep iPhone growth on track.
A new iPhone with souped-up hardware probably wouldn't hurt.
Via CNET News
Is iPhone OS 3.0 a boon for the accessory market?
(By Donald Bell)At Tuesday's iPhone OS 3.0 preview event, Apple unveiled several new features of the iPhone operating system, including the capability to create applications specifically for interfacing with third-party hardware. Examples given included a five-band EQ interface for speaker docks, or an FM transmitter control that allows you to select broadcast frequencies based on signal strength.
This may sound like a benign little announcement to most people, but as someone who closely monitors trends in iPod accessories, I expect that this will be huge for the industry. What company isn't going to want to differentiate its products with a slick app?
I expect that everything from battery chargers to stereo Bluetooth headsets will (for better or worse) be given the app treatment. The products won't necessarily be any better for it, but the gee-whiz appeal alone will probably carry manufacturers and consumers through to the end of the year.
The nightmare for me is going to be all the apps I'll need to download for each iPod and iPhone accessory I review. Every speaker and every dock will likely require an app download to get the full picture of the product. Version updates for apps will also be a pain. If Altec Lansing hypothetically updates the EQ control on the app for its latest line of speakers, suddenly, I'll need to add a note to all its product pages.
But there are some potentially cool things to come out of hardware-specific applications. Here's what I'm looking forward to seeing:
Buttonless products. Call it the "Shuffle Effect," but if you can migrate all of a product's controls to the iPhone's touchscreen interface, then why have buttons? I'm not saying it's a good idea, necessarily, but the potential makes it inevitable that we'll see a product like this sooner or later.
Game controllers. Maybe it's just me, but I get a little giddy from the idea of plugging a reproduction of the vintage NES controller into the dock of the iPod touch to play a little old-school Super Mario. Not every game is suited to touch screen and accelerometer controls.
Audio recorders. Companies like Alesis have already been trying to accomplish app control of hardware by advertising its product's compatibility with Bias' iProRecorder application. It's not a perfect marriage, though. The iPhone/iPod touch behaves like a recording medium, while the settings for the recording hardware are still strictly controlled by buttons and switches. Really fine-grain control over gain settings, compressor ratios, gating, panning, surround effects, and audio editing are much better handled on the screen than with hardware, allowing the expression of greater complexity and unique graphical controls.
Nike+iPod alternatives. The Nike+iPod exercise kit is a very cool way to track your progress with running and jogging, but you've got to buy special Nike shoes and the proprietary Nike pedometer puck, and the software isn't for everyone. I know Apple and Nike are closely partnered on the Nike+iPod product, but I could see something come along that doesn't compete directly and works more like the Wii Fit, with it's own hardware and application.
I'm sure there's way more potential here than I can come up with. Personally, I would love to see some hardware for enhancing the portable music-listening experience on the iPhone with EQ or music sharing, but I'm not sure how you would pull it off without being able to run applications in the background.
[Correction: It appears that apps in OS 3.0 will now be able to access and play music files stored on the iPhone and iPod touch.]
What do you think? Are there any hardware-dependent apps that could make your iPod/iPhone accessories better or more interesting?
Via MP3 Insider
iPhone 3.0 code hints at future Apple hardware
(By Tom Krazit)It's probably safe to assume that if they really do exist, Apple's marketing group doesn't plan on letting the iProd and iFPGA ever hit the market under those names.
As developers have gotten their hands on the iPhone OS 3.0 beta released earlier this week, they've started to turn up interesting tidbits while splashing around in the code. Ars Technica reports that an iPhone developer has uncovered references buried deep in the OS code to two possible Apple products: The iProd and the iFPGA.
Apple could have more than the iPhone and iPod touch in mind with the release of the iPhone OS 3.0 beta.
(Credit: Apple)
Now Steven Troughton-Smith claims to have found references to four new Apple products: iPhone3,1, iPod3,1, iFPGA, and iProd0,1. The iPhone and iPod references are self-explanatory (although it's not clear what happened to iPhone 2,1), but iFPGA and iProd are not.
The early speculation is that the iProd is the tablet-like device that has been rumored for quite some time as a possible second-half 2009 product from Apple. It makes sense that Apple would introduce a new naming and labeling convention for such a product, even if iProd isn't the name that passes final muster with the branding people. The 0,1 label could mean that it's not ready for prime time just yet, at which point it would get the 1,0 label as used on the original iPhones and iPod Touches.
FPGA is a chip-industry term for a "field-programmable gate array" chip, or one that can be configured to work in different ways after the manufacturing process is complete, unlike ASICs, or application-specific integrated circuits. Could this be what P.A. Semi is working on, a custom chip for a new type of phone or tablet that could be programmed with software to tackle different tasks? No one really seems to have any idea.
In any event, the code strings seem to indicate that Apple plans to run iPhone OS 3.0 on hardware other than an iPhone or iPod touch. We'll just have to see what that turns out to be.
Via CNET News
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