unsystematic

iPhone software update 3.0 explained

Earlier today, Apple held a keynote address previewing the big updates coming in the software update 3.0 due out sometime (hopefully soon). Engadget always does a really good job at putting together live blogs during the events, often chocked full of dialogue, jokes, as well as the updates and pictures.

I’ve put together a simple list of all the new features coming in this really big update starting with …

Application Subscriptions
You will be able to purchase additional levels, music or updates without having to leave the game or current application. For example if you use the City Guide application, you’ll be able to purchase new maps or updates from the application itself, rather than having to go through the Applications program. And it’s all tied through the iTunes store.

Peer-to-Peer connectivity
It’ll be easier to find other people or iPhones and form connections. This is especially useful for multiplayer gaming, but will also work its way into other software once it’s developed.

Software/Hardware communication
Software developers can no write software that interacts with hardware. The iPhone can connect and work with devices like stereo speakers or a blood pressure reader.

Maps!
Currently when you launch a link to a map in an application, the application closes and the Maps app is launched. Users wanted the ability to access Maps from within another application. This is now possible which means no more switching back and forth.

And with this maps update there’s …

Turn by turn driving directions
Apple is letting developers use the core location for use within other applications. We should start to see some pretty neat GPS apps pop up soon. However, you’ll have to bring your own maps because licensing doesn’t allow the use of the titles.

Push
Rather than let applications like AIM or Yahoo IM run in the background and drain the battery, Apple has put together a third-party system that will handle the events, IMs, email and other notifications and ‘push’ them to the phone, rather than the phone having to check them all the time, which drains the battery. This new service looks promising.

Streaming audio/video
Also works with in-game voice.

Tons of new medical uses
Such as finger-pricking (diabetes glucose testing) paired with a glucose monitor, heart surgery apps, and more.

Games with in-game chat
Cool, I guess. Heh.

Ah and now for the big one!

Cut, copy, and paste
And the system looks pretty easy to use. Very exciting! And it’ll work for third-party apps.

Landscape keyboard
In Mail, SMS, and Notes. Yay!

MMS!
We will have the ability to send picture messages! Finally!

Voice Memos

Support for two additional calendar types

Stock updates
We’ll have news at the bottom of the screen and details in the application.

Spotlight search
Now we can search the device: Mail, Calendar, Apps, you name it.

Note Sync
You can sync your notes.

Auto-fill
For use with form fields, etc. Much like your internet browser.

Stereo Bluetooth

Anti-phising

And these are supposedly some of the hundreds of new updates. So there you have it. Exciting! View the Engadget blog on this with pics here: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/live-from-apples-iphone-os-3-0-preview-event/

myPhone

This is really a pointless post, but I was thinking about utilitarianism and how the iPhone is really a great example of this. It’s exceedingly useful and usable. I set my icons up to be as efficient as possible for me. For instance:

The items I use most I keep in the corners. Phone, Camera, iPod and Safari. Of course, anything on the bottom row is used more frequently than anything else.

Page two is usually where I keep my less used items such as games, iTunes and the App Store. The inessentials.

I’m curious how people have their iPhones configured. I think it’d be an interesting study to say the least.

TVs, iPhones, electronics, oh my

Someone told me we’re in a recession. Then someone else told me the same thing. People keep telling me we’re in a recession. Really?

So what explains the increase in sales for flat screen televisions this year? And why are we standing in lines that wrap a NY block not for soup but for iPhones? And why is overall spending on electronics increasing every year?

Okay, maybe it’s because prices are falling. Maybe we just saw that deal we can’t pass up. And maybe, just maybe we’re getting our groceries at Wal-Mart so we can spend the extra money on “fun” stuff.

Well, either way if we’re in a recession it certainly doesn’t feel like one. Sure, gas is up to around $4 a gallon (that’s what it is here) – but statistics show that we’re driving even more! Come on people. We all claim to be in some huge recession, blaming Bush for destroying our economy, then here we are spending more on gas, spending more on electronics, and spending more on food, but everyone is still at home at night with the lights on.

It ain’t that bad folks.