Software
Apple is rebranding the operating system that powers the iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone to “iOS inch. This is a clarifying move, as it was once referred to as the iPhone OS, but that is no longer quite accurate. Apple claims that iOS 4 has over 100 new features, and the update will bring additional feature parity between the iPad and iPhone devices.
iOS 4
Version 4 of the iOS will ship with the iPhone 4 and will be available as a free update for the iPhone 3GS/3G, and iPod Touch 2nd and 3rd gen in the near-future. The first generation iPhone and iPod Touch are being left behind with the release of iOS 4. Multitasking (one of the big features of iOS 4) will only be available on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3G and presumably the iPod Touch 2nd gen will not be able to multitask in iOS 4. And yes, you read that part — about the update being free for iPod Touch users — correctly. Apple has previously charged iPod Touch users $10 for each major update to the OS. Now they say “we finally found a way to get them for free to our iPod touch users. inch [Source: Engadget Keynote Live blog]
Multitasking and Folders
Per the supported devices listed above, iOS will enable multitasking. Check the video below (folders will be available for all supported iOS 4 devices):
iOS 4 will offer local as well as push notifications. What this means is that you can run an IM or VoIP application in the background, for example, and receive a local notification if you have an incoming call or IM. Instead of a push notification, which has to run through a push server then get sent to your device through the web the backgrounded applications will be able to simply notify your device directly, then you can simply switch to the app when it requires your attention.
Facetime Video Calling
The iPhone 4 will utilize the front and rear cameras for video calling, which Apple is naming “Facetime inch. Apple says that Facetime will be limited to WiFi for 2010, but it sounds like they are hoping to work with carriers to get it working over 3G in the future. For now it works between iPhone 4 users only, and can be enabled while on a phone call, or directly from your contacts list. Apple has a zero-configuration back-end which connects the phones over WiFi once the Facetime call has been enabled, which is rather impressive, as users will be able to do video calls to other iPhone 4 users right out of the box — no screen names or accounts to deal with. Users will be able to flip between the front and rear cameras on the fly. Check out Facetime on the iPhone below:
Video Publishing and Editing with iMovie for the iPhone 4
The iPhone 4’s 5MP rear camera will take HD video up to 1280×720. While previous devices featured a simple but effective video cropping method, the iPhone 4 will be able to do advanced multi-clip video editing with Apple’s iMovie app which will be priced at a reasonable $4.99. With iMovie, you’ll be able to clip and crop multiple files together into a finished video with transitions, titles, and music. Once you are done, the iPhone can export at 360/540/720p to be sent via email, MMS, MobileMe gallery, or sent to YouTube.
Additional Questions?
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I love it!
This is the first Apple phone i’ve taken a real interest in because it focuses on battery life, camera, outdoor use and on-phone editing. Despite the lack of Xenon, I bet we’re going to see some amazing low-light performance. The Milestone XT720 will be one to compare it against although for on-device video editing, the iPhone will blow the Milestone away for sure.
http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_milestone_xt720_now_official_the_first_xenonish_droid-news-1716.php
With the A4 chip and tight OS, it’s likely to be the fastest pocketable web browser. (Although a little short of Full Internet Experience)
Steve
Perhaps the Nokia N8 would be a better comparison and the ability to directly connect a USB storage device has cinched the choice for me.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/nokia-demonstrates-n8-video-editing-capabilities/
The question ist how much bang you get for the buck. In Germany it will easily cost 700-800 € without contract, if your lucky enough to get one. For that money you can get a smartphone + digicam + mp3-player + internet-tablet and have still some change in your pocket.
Don’t forget to buy a bag too, to carry all of the above.
The battery capacity is said to be 19% larger than the 3GS. That corresponds to 1450mAh.
I have to admit they know how to perfect a design. One of the most impressive on the 3GS was the on-screen keyboard, no 3rd party or Windows based on-screen keyboard comes close to matching its simplicity and functionality.
PS: I don’t have any Apple products, the 3GS is my friend’s.