Apple's iPhone 4.0 rumored with better maps, multitasking, syncing
Reports about a forthcoming update to the iPhone OS continue to grow, with a new batch of rumors claiming the iPhone will gain "new ways" of multitasking and syncing; and two potential takes on the name of the forthcoming tablet have been presented.
There remains ongoing chatter that the assets acquired in last summer's purchase of Google Maps competitor Placebase could play a part in the new mobile operating system. Currently, Apple relies on Google's Maps service for its iPhone application.
In November it was revealed that Apple was seeking a full-time employee to take the Maps program "to the next level." With rumors that iPhone OS 4.0 could be a part of Apple's Jan. 27 event, it is possible a new Maps application could be a part of those plans.
In addition, Boy Genius Report chimed in Tuesday with alleged new iPhone OS 4.0 info from what they called a "trusty Apple connect." The source said Apple will introduce "a few new ways" to run applications in the background, and a brand new syncing ability for contacts and calendars will be introduced.
It also stated, somewhat cryptically, "there will be multi-touch gestures OS-wide," and user interface and graphical changes aim to make the mobile operating system easier and more efficient to use. The tipster said the update would be made available only for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, leaving first-generation handset owners supposedly out of luck.
While Boy Genius Report has a respectable track record in forecasting iPhone-related announcements tied to its AT&T sources, its predictions pertaining to Apple have often fallen off the mark. Last year the site incorrectly indicated iTunes 9 would add Blu-ray support and said Apple would create a social media consolidation application, both times citing a "reliable" source.
Another claim from the Web site came in the form of a headline that suggested Apple could call its tablet the iTablet, though no mention of that information was included in the text of the article. Conflicting with that report, however, was a new trademark filing for the name "iPad."
Last week, the IPAD name was registered in New Zealand, Australia and Trinidad and Tobago by a company called IP Application Development. Apple was also found to be behind the company Slate Computing in trademarking the name "iSlate." Given the timing, MacRumors said they believe Apple is behind the IPAD trademark.
Earlier this month, another report said some developers had access to a software development kit of a iPhone OS 4.0 beta. It was said that the new SDK includes a new "simulator" for Apple's forthcoming touchscreen 10-inch tablet that aims to make it easy for developers to adapt to different screen resolutions.
In addition, in December, some developers were allegedly asked to prepare full-screen demos of their iPhone software for a public unveiling in late January.
There remains ongoing chatter that the assets acquired in last summer's purchase of Google Maps competitor Placebase could play a part in the new mobile operating system. Currently, Apple relies on Google's Maps service for its iPhone application.
In November it was revealed that Apple was seeking a full-time employee to take the Maps program "to the next level." With rumors that iPhone OS 4.0 could be a part of Apple's Jan. 27 event, it is possible a new Maps application could be a part of those plans.
In addition, Boy Genius Report chimed in Tuesday with alleged new iPhone OS 4.0 info from what they called a "trusty Apple connect." The source said Apple will introduce "a few new ways" to run applications in the background, and a brand new syncing ability for contacts and calendars will be introduced.
It also stated, somewhat cryptically, "there will be multi-touch gestures OS-wide," and user interface and graphical changes aim to make the mobile operating system easier and more efficient to use. The tipster said the update would be made available only for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, leaving first-generation handset owners supposedly out of luck.
While Boy Genius Report has a respectable track record in forecasting iPhone-related announcements tied to its AT&T sources, its predictions pertaining to Apple have often fallen off the mark. Last year the site incorrectly indicated iTunes 9 would add Blu-ray support and said Apple would create a social media consolidation application, both times citing a "reliable" source.
Another claim from the Web site came in the form of a headline that suggested Apple could call its tablet the iTablet, though no mention of that information was included in the text of the article. Conflicting with that report, however, was a new trademark filing for the name "iPad."
Last week, the IPAD name was registered in New Zealand, Australia and Trinidad and Tobago by a company called IP Application Development. Apple was also found to be behind the company Slate Computing in trademarking the name "iSlate." Given the timing, MacRumors said they believe Apple is behind the IPAD trademark.
Earlier this month, another report said some developers had access to a software development kit of a iPhone OS 4.0 beta. It was said that the new SDK includes a new "simulator" for Apple's forthcoming touchscreen 10-inch tablet that aims to make it easy for developers to adapt to different screen resolutions.
In addition, in December, some developers were allegedly asked to prepare full-screen demos of their iPhone software for a public unveiling in late January.
Comments
... and doesn't someone in Star Wars try to 'iSlate that power coupling' or something?
May be original iphone buyers had to pay for the update like ipod touch users used to pay.
Also, I recall that 'multi-tasking' was the big rumor for OS 3.0. I get this feeling it won't happen this time either. Not for the phone.
New syncing is overdue, if it is indeed the update that makes the phone/tablet less an iPod-style peripheral and more a proper peer.
I also wonder if OS 4.0 will support multiple resolutions for the iPhone. It seems less and less likely that Apple can keep on going at 480x320 for very long. Maybe this year. Certainly not next.
No free Update for original iPhone, I guess. Free updates for any model is valid for the next two years.
May be original iphone buyers had to pay for the update like ipod touch users used to pay.
I actually believe it would be a hardware issue, not just that they don't want to do it or charge for it.
either way can't wait, maybe they'll show a HP Slate!
iTablet sounds clunky, iPad or Slate ( not iSlate, isolate ) both sound better to me.
They might bring back the name iBook. That ties in with the e-reader part, at least. Ah well, it's just a name... it will probably be something no one has suggested.
They might bring back the name iBook. That ties in with the e-reader part, at least. Ah well, it's just a name... it will probably be something no one has suggested.
Newton?!
They might bring back the name iBook. That ties in with the e-reader part, at least. Ah well, it's just a name... it will probably be something no one has suggested.
I doubt they'll call it iBook. When an iBook was a computer it was okay, but I think as a tablet it would limit people's thinking into a "it's just an electronic book" dead-end.
I'm guessing "iBook" is back. But who knows, they may have hit upon another name with even better associations. Who knows?
Also, I recall that 'multi-tasking' was the big rumor for OS 3.0. I get this feeling it won't happen this time either. Not for the phone.
If it doesn't, it will be an outright embarrassment. There is no excuse for the inability to run multiple third party apps.
I hope this is correct about OS 4.0 being available for the iPhone 3G. I've been a little concerned, good support if true. Memory and processor are same as the 2 1/2 year old original iPhone, so getting a little old in mobile phone terms!
Engadget is saying it will be available for the 3G and 3GS. Kinda sucky for first gen owners, like you said it uses the same processor and RAM so there is no reason why they cannot get it.
iTablet sounds clunky, iPad or Slate ( not iSlate, isolate ) both sound better to me.
i-Pad it is.... thats def a better name, i must concur
the i-Tablet sounds like a big Pill to swallow and iSlate is like u said earlier 'Isolate"
so come APple give us a better named device
iTablet sounds clunky, iPad or Slate ( not iSlate, isolate ) both sound better to me.
iPad? What is it, a tampon?
If it doesn't, it will be an outright embarrassment. There is no excuse for the inability to run multiple third party apps.
I believe this is a good time for Apple to add multitasking to the iPhone since Push Notification is widely used. This way only non IM apps, such as internet radios apps, need to run in the background.
Just yesterday I downloaded a new audiobook just to be disappointed when I got into the car because I had forgot to connect my iPhone to the digital ball and chain!
Engadget is saying it will be available for the 3G and 3GS. Kinda sucky for first gen owners, like you said it uses the same processor and RAM so there is no reason why they cannot get it.
I'm using a 1st gen iPhone, right now we don't get MMS, which makes no sense seeing as we can do pretty much everything else the 3G can. Even so, if you have a first gen iPhone by this summer, you'll have had it 3 years. That's a long time for a phone, if Apple wants to cut off OS updates for it, fine by me, I'm ready to upgrade.
No free Update for original iPhone, I guess. Free updates for any model is valid for the next two years.
May be original iphone buyers had to pay for the update like ipod touch users used to pay.
If it doesn't, it will be an outright embarrassment. There is no excuse for the inability to run multiple third party apps.