MacOSCoders

The new software upgrade (still in Beta) for iPhone brings several much anticipated functions. These finally bring the iPhone up to the level of any other smartphone in terms of features. With 3.0 we finally have a mature product. Let’s in detail all the new features.

Cut, Copy and Paste

This top requested feature works across all applications and it’s easy to use. Apple interface designers managed to come up with a good solution for the touch interface.

To cut or copy you have to double tap the text, then fine tune the selection by dragging the dots. Tap the cut or copy buttons to activate to move or copy the selected content to the clipboard. Now navigate to any other page and click paste. If you made a mistake pasting, just shake the device.

MMS or picture SMS

Although I think MMS is a dead end in mobile technology, Apple was forces to include it in the iPhone to avoid constant criticism. In my opinion SMS makes sense as a beeper, but for serious messaging most people prefer email. MMS isn’t a safe option as not all phones have MMS receiving capabilities. Thankfully you can switch off MMS in preferences.

Regardless, if you decide to send an MMS just tap the little camera icon in SMS (chat) mode and pick from your existing images or take a new one with the camera.

When you’re in the photo gallery you now will have MMS as an option to share your image besides the existing Email and other choices.

If you take an image for an MMS message you have the option to retake or use the image, which is convenient if you can’t get the image right from the first go.

Spotlight search

Left to your Home screen you will find Spotlight and it essentially does the same as Spotlight on your Mac. You can search for a keyword and results will appear categorized by content type. You can program the iPhone to access Spotlight by double tapping the Home button.

Landscape mode

Finally we have the option to read and type in landscape mode in all applications including the Stocks application which now also offers news besides the figures.

SMS management

Finally you can forward SMS messages. And you can delete individual items instead of only being able to delete the whole thread.

Contacts forwarding

You can also forward contacts. Compatibility of business cards between Nokia and Sony Ericsson has always been a problem. I expect problems in this area with the iPhone as well.

Events

You will be able to create and send invites to new events. This is cool, but unfortunately I use Google’s calendar within the mobile Safari browser, which always allowed adding appointments, but no invites yet.

Voice notes

There were many free and payed third party apps that allowed recording voice on the iPhone.

This function now will come by default on every iPhone. The application looks cool and simple. I’m happy for this feature as I felt no third party app really nailed it yet.

Not sure if voice recording can be turned on during a phone conversation, but it would surely be a good idea, especially when taking a brief over the phone from a client.

Safari links and images management

In Safari if you tap and hold on a link or image you get options to copy the link or to save the image. You also have the option to open the link in a new page.

100 more small things

Several areas got small improvements, such as more wallpaper images and several more languages. You can also shake the iPhone to shuffle your iPod application. There will be auto-fill in Safari. Notes will sync with your Mac. Etc.

Push notification

The iPhone SDK also got updated and it will allow programmers to be even more creative with their apps. Push notification running in the background even if the app itself isn’t running will allow for cool updates on many already existing applications and will allow for a plethora of new ideas.

In app purchase

The new SKD will also purchases within applications allowing developers to create iTMS like stores for their apps. All purchases will be handled through the iTunes Store.

Accessories and peer-to-peer

Important addition is the ability to handle external accessories not only through the iPhone connector but through Bluetooth as well. iPhone hardware customization will go wild.

The new iPhone will allow peer-to-peer connectivity, so you can share data or play games between two iPhones. I know competition had this for ages, now it’s on iPhone as well.

Maps and iPod access

With this new platform applications will be able to access google maps and your iPod library as well opening up the possibilities for applications further.

iPod Touch users have to pay USD 10 for the update, but it’s free for iPhone users. It’s expected to be released for the public this summer.

About Me: Anish Kumar: Mac OS X software development is my bread winner with over 6 years of experience. Expertise in Color Management, TWAIN Scanner drivers on Mac OS X, Photoshop Filter and Import Plugin development on Mac OS X, iPhone. As an hobby I love to work on PHP, Flex, AIR, Photoshop. Check the 'About' page for more.