If you have an iPhone or an iPod touch, chances are you’re sitting at your computer right now waiting and wondering when Apple will release the latest firmware update labeled “iOS 4″! The big day is already here for most (June 21st), but the question is what time will they finally release it?
I thought it would be appropriate to go over what new functionality you’ll find in iOS4, and give some basic information…
How Much is it?
First of all, if you are an iPod Touch user, iOS 4 is still a free update for you! While previously Apple has chosen to charge $9.99 for major updates, this one will be free.
Will it work on my iDevice?
According to Apple iOS 4 will run on all iPhone and iTouch devices except the original iPhone 2G, and the first generation iPod Touch. Multitasking, however, will only run on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and 3rd generation iPod Touch. This is due to the memory constraints of the older devices according to Apple.
What Does it do?
There are literally hundreds of changes and tweaks in iOS4, but here are a few
of the major things to look forward to!…
- Multitasking! – iOS 4 implements a custom version of multitasking that will allow app developers to push certain tasks into the background and keep them running, as well as offer the ability to save “states” to help launch apps more quickly and to take you back to the same state where you left them(again this only works on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 3rd generation).
- Better HTML 5 video support – Video will be able to play from within the browser without launching the “quicktime” window.
- Software Orientation lock – While there is no hardware switch for this like on the iPad, iOS 4 will include software support for it when you double tap the home button and swipe left.
- iTunes file sharing – iOS 4 includes the ability to sync documents associated with various apps through iTunes for access from your computer. The ability to open up files inside of specific apps like on the iPad is also enabled.
- Bluetooth Keyboard Support – People have been waiting for this feature for a long time. This will make mobile document editing much more viable on the iPhone and iTouch
- iBooks – Apple introduced the iBooks store on the iPad. iOS 4 opens up the ability to read these books on your iPhone and/or iPod Touch.
- New Email functionality – iOS 4 supports threading messages (yay for Gmail users!) and a unified inbox much like in the Mac OS
- iPod update – iOS 4 includes several updates to the iPod app, including hte ability to create and edit playlists directly from your device!
- Folders – Sort all of your apps into folders using a simple drag and drop interface!
- Game Center – Apple’s new gaming network to help you make and connect to friends that play games on their iDevices!
These are just a few of the new features included in iOS 4, so which ones are you most excited about? Do you feel that iOS 4 will live up to all the hype? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!
- David H.
© 2010, Davidh. All rights reserved.