iPhone OS 4.0, Tablet, iLife 2010 ‘highlight’ of Apple event

An anonymous source, according to Apple Insider, has ‘confirmed’ information that Apple will introduce its tablet, “iPhone 4,” and iLife 2010 at next week’s event (January 27, 2010).

Less than a year after Apple released iPhone OS 3.0, the promise of true multi-tasking on the iPhone appears to be in the offing, as reported by Boy Genius. iPhone OS 3.0 can only run one application at a time. A workaround called “Notifications” was introduced but did not gain enough steam since it also used up a lot of battery power when activated. According to their sources, the new iPhone OS 4.0, which will also be the operating system of the new Tablet, will have multi-touch gestures OS-wide, run multiple applications in the background, and a new and improved user interface for easier and more efficient navigation.

iPhone OS 4.0 expected features

• There will be multi-touch gestures OS-wide. (Would make sense for that as the rumored OS for the iTablet is close if not the same as the iPhone)
• “A few new ways” to run applications in the background — multitasking.
• Many graphical and UI changes to make navigating through the OS easier and more efficient. We haven’t had this broken down, but we can only hope for improved notifications, a refreshed homescreen, etc.
• The update will supposedly be available for only the iPhone 3G and 3GS, but will “put them ahead in the smartphone market because it will make them more like full-fledged computers” more than any other phone to date. Everyone is “really excited.”
• The last piece of information is the most vague, but apparently there will be some brand new syncing ability for the contacts and calendar applications.

Conclusion

Personally, if they found a way to allow multi-tasking while conserving battery is already a big win for me although the improved user interface is also a breath of fresh air after having used the iPhone for quite some time. Some of the things I’m hoping to see in 4.0:

• Longer battery life
• Less crash because of memory limitations
• Improved “Home” screen that displays all important information like appointments, missed calls/SMS, etc.
• Ability to install 3rd party apps without having to pass through the App Store

Tagged as: Apple, iLife, iPhone