MPN Specials

If you have an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch or know someone who does, you have probably already heard the news, rumors, excitement, and buzz about the new Operating System (OS) that is coming out.

Now, keep in mind that until Apple actually officially releases the new OS everything you read or hear about the new OS4 is just rumor and conjecture. It is highly likely to change.

Before I get into the new features, let me explain a few of the basics:

1: What is an OS4? – An OS is an Operating System. The operating system is simply the software that runs the phone itself.  It is the software platform upon which the user interface and all the applications run.
2: The difference between OS4 and 4G. – The OS is the operating system.  It is software based.  Another way to put it is, it is the code or instructions that runs on the hardware.  In comparison, hardware is the physical device.  Since the software is just code or instructions, it can be easily upgraded and changed over time, simply by downloading it onto the phone. Frequently, it is upgraded by the manufacturer as they make improvements.  It is up to the manufacturer to decide whether they want to charge you for those changes or not.  Since hardware is the physical device, if you want to get the latest changes you need to get a new device.  You have to physically change the device you hold in your hand.  Thus, manufacturers or suppliers usually charge for the new version.

In specific, If you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch, it is probably running OS3, or the third version of the Operating System software.  There have been several tweaks and minor updates to this version of software over the past year or two.  In June, Apple is expected to release Its next major upgrade, OS4.  This version of the OS has some really cool and exciting features.

Apple is also expected to release a new version of the hardware in June.  This will be the 4th generation of the hardware.  It has some really cool new features also!

To get ALL the benefits of the new OS4, you will need the 4G version of the iPhone or iPod Touch.  However, if you already have a 3G or 3Gs version of the hardware, you will get many of the benefits of the new OS.

I will highlight some of the new features here:

Apple iPhone / iPod Touch OS4

• Multitasking – This is one of the most exciting new features.  Multitasking is the ability to run multiple programs at once.  This feature already exists in a limited form, but will be greatly expanded in this new release.  The neat thing is, they claim they have done it in a very special way that will not slow it down significantly or consume excessively more battery power. This feature will only be available on the iPhone 3Gs and iPod Touch 3G (and, of course, newer versions).
• Application Folders – This is a really nice/convenience feature. It is the ability to organize your applications into categories. For instance, you can group all your social networking applications into one folder, your financial programs into another folder, etc…  This is not a big deal if you have only a few programs, but if you have a lot, such as I do, it can be significant.  Let me clarify: Currently, to find an application, I either have to scroll through pages to find that application or I need to go to Spotlight, remember the name, and start typing the name.  In contrast, with folders, I should be able to go to my home page, click on the appropriate folder and find all the applications in one place that will fit my needs.
• A New Mail Application – The new mail application will have a unified Inbox, fast Inbox switching, and threaded emails.  If you only have one email account, this is not a big deal.  But if you have multiple accounts, this is a huge convenience.  The biggest benefit here is that you can see all your email at once or view each email account separately.  It is your choice.  See my previous post: Email on the iPhone vs the Blackberry. These changes further closes the gap between the iPhone and the blackberry for business users.
• Fast Application Switching -  Quicker switching between tasks and a better ability to resume an application where you left off, after closing it.
• Game Center – Apple will introduce a centralized gaming service where players can connect to other players in a multiplayer network. This is similar to the Xbox Live and PSN.
• iBooks – This is a trickle down from the iPad.  In addition to reading your Kindle books, you can also buy and read your iBooks. Yes, you can download the books you already bought on your iPad too.
• 5x Digital Zoom – This is the ability to zoom in on a subject before you take a picture.  It is already available with applications such as Free Zoom, but it is nice to have it built into the main camera program.  Don’t confuse digital zoom with optical zoom.  Digital zoom is uses software to extrapolate what the camera sees and expand a certain portion. Optical zoom uses the lens to zoom in on the subject. As a result, it is very convenient, but the quality is not as good as with optical zoom. Most digital cameras have a combination of both optical and digital zoom.
• Bluetooth Keyboard – The iPhone will be able to use a wireless keyboard.
• Other – There are many other changes and enhancements to the operating system.  These are the ones I found most significant.

Apple iPhone / iPod Touch 4G

Unlike the new OS4 release, Apple has not announced the 4G.  Everything about it is conjecture with two caveats: 1) Apple has a history of announcing new versions of the iPhone in June and releasing them in July and 2) an Apple employee “accidentally” left a prototype of the iPhone 4g in a bar, someone found it and sold it to Gizmodo.

• Additional Front Facing Camera – for video chats.
• Improved Main Camera - on the back
• Flash for the Camera – for low light and night pictures.
• Micro SIM Card – Like on the iPad, instead of the regular SIM card found on the current iPhone. This is the card that you can slip from one phone to another and identifies it as yours, with your phone number etc.
• Improved Display – much higher resolution, clearer, crisper images.
• Secondary Mic – possibly for improved noise cancellation, e.g. better pick-up  & less feedback.
• Misc Body Changes – it looks like the physical casing of the phone and some of the buttons have changed, but it is really too soon to tell.

To get more information, you can go to Apple’s site, or do a Google search on Apple iPhone OS4 or Apple iPhone 4G.

I hope this helps you understand Apple’s planned new iPhone adn iPod Touch offerings.

Cheers,
Richard