Apple announced the next version of the iPhone OS 4.0 which includes some heavily anticipated features - especially multitasking. Here's a quick look at the upcoming OS and other important features it introduces...
Multitasking
Apple claims to have previously held-off on the ability to run several applications at once because of the impact on battery life. In the 4.0 OS, multitasking is expected to have little impact on battery life. Available to 3GS and third generation iPod touch users, multitasking allows the user to jump from one application to the next by double-clicking the Home button. This action will reveal a tray (expected to pop-up from the bottom) that allows switching between apps (keeping previously opened apps opened in the background). Watch the video.
Folders
Apple is also reportedly bringing Folders to the new OS. Folders will allow a user to organize apps by type (for example), which is not only a handy organizational feature, but one that is expected to push the app limit from 180 to more than 2,000.
iAd
Apple keeps developers happy with a proposed advertising platform dubbed iAd. With the ability to embed advertisements within apps, developers can earn as much as 60% of proceeds from Apple-hosted (and Apple sold) ads. For users, the expectation is that developers may offer additional apps for free.
One of the notable features iAd, is that when a user acts upon an ad, they will not be taken away from the app, but rather see the ad content within the app itself. iAds can even include interactive content, run trailers, etc.
Due to arrive at some point this Summer, the iPhone OS 4.0 has some highly anticipated features for more than 50 million iPhone users. Multitasking is only expected to be available to 3GS and second generation iPod touch users. A more complete list of multitask-related features for owners of these devices can be found here, (e.g. background audio, multiple Exchange accounts, Exchange Server 2010 and SSL VPN support). Even without multitasking, most iPhone users will benefit from the other OS improvements.
Comments
"Multitasking is only expected to be available to 3GS and second generation iPod touch users."
Actually it multitasking is available for 3GS and THIRD Generation iPod touch users.
Hope that helps
Gerald - good catch, I've updated the text!
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