iPhone 3.0:Should you care?

Damian Koh | Mar 23, 2009

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

One hundred new features and 1,000 new application programming interfaces (APIs): Those were the key takeaways at last week's iPhone 3.0 preview event in the US.

For end-users, this means features which include system-wide search capabilities, cut, copy and paste, a landscape keyboard, multimedia messaging, stereo Bluetooth, in-app purchases, push notifications, real-time turn-by-turn GPS navigation, etc. Developers, on the other hand, are probably the ones who should be most excited about the updated operating system. The APIs will unlock certain features on the iPhone that were previously off limits and let them create new types of third-party apps while enhancing existing ones.

Although developers can already get their hands on the new software development kit, actual delivery of iPhone 3.0 is slated only for midyear, which means Apple has some time until September to roll out the software. Upgrade to the new OS will be free for iPhone owners (both the first-gen and 3G models, though the former will not get features like A2DP and MMS). iPod touch users, however, will have to fork out US$9.95 for the firmware upgrade, minus the cellular-related functions with the iPhones.

Whether Apple will release a new iPhone model is besides the point. The iPhone 3.0 OS, when it ships, will already have an effect equivalent to putting a "new" iPhone or its non-cellular cousin, the iPod touch, in the hands of current owners. The software update brings a host of sorely needed features to these touch-enabled devices.

So are you excited about the new updates? Or do you think, it's no big deal since you already have all these on the HTC, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson?

Filed under: Mobile Phones
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jen

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jen says...
yay! now my iPhone will be near perfect for me with these upgrades!

Mar 23, 2009 14:24

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Abdulkarim

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Abdulkarim says...
these new features are really much awaiting for iPhone users.....by the way I am not exited at all... some features are really much awaiting like copy paste and notes sync....
but anyways I love iPhone......

Mar 23, 2009 18:04

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