TOI Tech
iPhone's latest mobile operating system iOS 4 is finally available for download. The new iPhone OS iOS4 made available via iTunes almost four days prior to the launch of iPhone 4, offers an array of new features.
But, does the new iPhone OS release fulfills the long overdue wishlist of iPhone users? The answer would be Yes and No. While with iPhone OS 4.0, Apple grants some of the long-time demands of iPhone users like multitasking in iPhone, it still disappoints users on several fronts.
Here's looking into pluses and misuses in the iPhone's latest OS.
Plus 1: Multitasking
The most-sought after feature multitasking finally makes its way in the fourth-gen iPhone. This means the latest iPhone will be able to run more than one programme at a time.
iPhone OS 4 will deliver seven new multitasking services that allow apps to perform tasks in the background while preserving battery life and performance. These multitasking services include Background audio, Voice over IP, Background location, Push notifications, Local notifications, Task finishing and Fast app switching.
However, the multitasking feature will be available only for iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS models.
Plus 2: Folders
The new iPhone OS will come with folders to organise and access applications. With the new OS, iPhone users can organise apps into folders with simple drag-and-drop feature.
According to Apple, the feature will let users simply drag one app icon onto another and a new folder will automatically be created. The folder will automatically get a name based on the App Store category of that app.
Plus 3: iBooks
Among other features, Apple has introduced an iBooks reader that will allow users to download electronic books online and transfer them between their iPhones and iPads.
The iBooks function will wirelessly sync between the two devices so readers will not lose their place when shifting from one to the other.
Plus 4: 5x digital zoom & tap to focus video
Apple's latest device promises improved camera functionalities with 5 megapixel camera and 5X digital zoom. A second VGA camera has been added for video calling. Also, while shooting videos, users can use the tap feature on the display to choose where to focus.
Plus 5: Spell check
The new operating system also features a spell checker and will allow users to buy applications and gift them directly through their iPhones.
Other new features include larger fonts for email, texts and alerts, tap to focus video, Bluetooth keyboards, Birthday calendar, Web search suggestions and Search text messages.
Minus 1: Email attachment
The new OS upgrade fails to meet the email attachment support. The next-generation iPhone OS too offers no way of attaching documents or pictures in mail. This means that users cannot attach files within the Mail app.
However, users can open attachments in third-party apps.
Minus 2: FM radio
pple again misses out on one of the most basic feature found in almost all mobile phones. iPhone 4.0 will ship without an FM radio.
Minus 3: Built-in photo editing
With no built-in photo editing software, Apple's new OS disappoints. iPhone users will still have to depend on a third-party app for photo editing.
Minus 4: Flash
Apple once again disappoints on Flash front. The new OS release too lacks Adobe Flash support.
This is a big miss for users who may want to see those multimedia files that require Flash or browse through Web pages with Flash on their iPhones.
Minus 5: File manager
The new iPhone OS lacks a file manager that can be a central programme to manage photos, videos and documents.