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100 new features coming with the iphone 3.0 software (including copy & paste!)

by Phil Barrett

This afternoon I decided to follow the live blog from Apple on their new iphone 3.0 software over at CNET.

Here are some highlights:

  • Copy & paste functionality is finally coming to the iphone. It will work across the platform – including SMS messages. This has been the longest running complaint since the original 2G version
  • Cross-device search feature also arrives – allowing you to search for anything from anywhere – including applications.
  • Landscape keyboard now available in all applications – not just web browsing
  • New voice memo abilities
  • MMS capability – but only for 3G phones
  • Expanded software developer kit (SDK) that will allow for subscriptions for applications and increased video and audio streaming abilities
  • Expanded bluetooth capabilities – including support for stereo bluetooth (only for 3G). This should be especially exciting for proximity marketers who have not been able to bluecast to iphones until now

Things we were hoping for that didn’t happen:

  • Tethering – which would allow your device to act as a wifi hub for your laptop, game machine etc… although they did say the ability to do so was now part of the platform but it would be up to the carriers to enable it on their side
  • No multi-tasking / background abilities. This means you can only run one application at a time – unlike the Palm Pre which will allow you to run several background apps. The reason is apparently the need to conserve battery power
  • No flash lite support (unlike new Nokia & Palm devices)
  • No hardware preview of the next generation iphone

Overall the updates addressed most of the major user complaints about the iphone and positions them well to stay competitive with the Palm Pre.

  • What I understand about Flash support for the iPhone is that Adobe is working on it. The iPhone has some limitations that probably make getting a functioning Flash player in there difficult -- especially memory restrictions, etc.
  • Hey, I justed wanted to give you a compliment on your blog, keep up the great work. I will be back to check it out in the near future.
  • Tony - huge hype around the Pre - let's hope they can delivery on it!

    Keith - I totally agree... did you know that most people only use their downloaded apps a few times before forgetting about them completely?

    Having a subscription model + the ability to push updates to device when apps are updated means developers / brands / marketers now have a way of re-engaging people beyond those first few access experiences
  • Keith
    Subscriptions & in-app payments should be interesting too! With pricing & strategies for the iPhone already an integral part of releasing a successful app, the ability to charge for additional features withing the app will certainly lead to some interesting models. With 30% of this too, Apple is certainly doing something right...
  • Tony Naldinho
    The lack of multi-tasking capabilities is a major point of concern. Seems odd that they wouldn't include it. The enhanced Bluetooth capabilities is nice as is expanded SDK kit but more needs to be done to compete with the Palm Pre.
  • I think it's only a matter of time before flash support is included. Apple is probably concerned about giving up too much control over the user interface / experience by allowing flash - or say something like it will negatively affect battery power (yah right)

    The second comment above also makes a good point - it's really no longer about the hardware... or at least not as much. Even my first generation 2G iphone will be able to enjoy most of the new features without having to upgrade.

    Software on mobile is becoming more important than the device - kind of like how you refer to your laptop in terms of mac vs. pc and not so much hardware type / configuration.

    having said that, a new iphone(s) will come later this year and i hope it will come with a 5 meg camera, video conferencing and a faster processor.
  • iPhoneBitches
    Hejj,,

    sorry.. the presentation of the 3.0 wasabout SOFTWARE..

    do duhuh nothing about the new hardware...
    and if I'm right they only launch the big 3.0 os this year..

    en not a whole new iPhone.. because the 3g is getting more than 100 new things.. where everyone was thinking that it would be able in the new iphone... not in the 3g..

    a new iphone is not nassesery ^^
  • NO Flash support?? As a new iPhone user, I find this alone to be inconvenient and surprised this wasn't addressed. Am I missing something?
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