Copy & Paste references spotted in existing iPhone frameworks

[AppleInsider]

One developer burning the midnight oil has stumbled upon references to copy and paste in the frameworks of Apple's first beta of iPhone Software 2.1, potentially offering new hope for one of the most requested and conspicuously absent features of the company's mobile software.

The findings, contained within the English-language 'Localizable.strings' file located in 'System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/WebKit.framework' are also accompanied by references to the Spotlight search, text-to-speech, file uploads, and the Finder.

Therefore, it's unclear whether those references represent the groundwork for upcoming iPhone features or simply exists as carryovers from the WebKit frameworks used to develop applications for the Mac and Windows PCs.

Other findings by the same developer include preferences to an Apple MobileRadio application, which has also yet to surface.

When asked earlier this month about the absence of copy and paste functionality in the iPhone software, Apple vice president of product marketing Greg Woswiak said the feature was not a priority and that engineers simply hadn't gotten around to it yet.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Other findings by the same developer include preferences to an Apple MobileRadio application, which has also yet to surface.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

I would love to see iTunes Radio available on the iPhone.
AOL Radio has a very limited selection.

[casper3]

All we really want is Finder and cut/copy/paste... Give it to us, Apple, in some future software update!

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mozzarella

I would love to see iTunes Radio available on the iPhone.
AOL Radio has a very limited selection.

Even if it can't run in the background, syncing the iTunes Radio stations would be a nice option over the other App Store radio stations.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by casper3

All we really want is Finder and cut/copy/paste... Give it to us, Apple, in some future software update!

What do you need Finder for?

[Funky Chicken]

"...and that engineers simply hadn't gotten around to it yet."

It just kills me how sneaky AAPL is!

[hypermark]

Ironically, just blogged on this gap in a post called 'iPhone's Lingering Raspberry.'

In it I concluded that I can't take my iPod touch seriously as a typing/text-based input device until I can 'save drafts' and do 'copy and paste.'

The main logic is what's the point if you can not easily edit your words, concluding that my Blackberry 7130 isn't going anywhere as a result.

Mark

[macFanDave]

it turns out that Copy & Paste is just going to be another iPhone video game, like Chutes & Ladders and Hide & Seek.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by macFanDave

it turns out that Copy & Paste is just going to be another iPhone video game, like Chutes & Ladders and Hide & Seek.

After reading the ideas people have for implementing the feature (including mine, even though I think it's the best one) it might take a Copy&Paste video game to improve our dexterity enough to use the feature on a capacitance touch screen. Once you reach a certain level the feature opens up on the phone.

[sherwinzadeh]

It's probably localizable strings taken from the Mac and left over. I've seen a lot of these in somewhere the NDA forbids me to say

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by hypermark

Ironically, just blogged on this gap in a post called 'iPhone's Lingering Raspberry.'

In it I concluded that I can't take my iPod touch seriously as a typing/text-based input device until I can 'save drafts' and do 'copy and paste.'

The main logic is what's the point if you can not easily edit your words, concluding that my Blackberry 7130 isn't going anywhere as a result.

Mark

That's not ironic. It's coincidental.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

That's not ironic. It's coincidental.

It's a common colloquial usage, I think the linguistic definition is all but dead. The lexicographers will undoubtedly resist, but eventually it will make it in as an alternative definition.

[hypermark]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

That's not ironic. It's coincidental.

My semantic, bad. ;-)

[bigmc6000]

Originally Posted by solipsism

In colloquial usage I think the linguistic definition is all but dead. The lexicographers will resist it but eventually it will make it in as an alternative definition as it is commonly used.

Yep... Another example that comes to mind is the use of the word "real" being used where it should be "really" - I have no idea when that happened but I've noticed quite a bit lately. I.E. "I'm real tired" seems to be acceptable in most places - I've even seen it pop up in articles written by people who are, suppose to be, accomplished journalists!

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Even if it can't run in the background, syncing the iTunes Radio stations would be a nice option over the other App Store radio stations.

AppleTV just got it, maybe your next.

[8CoreWhore]

Ironically, I really need copy/paste.

[DimMok]

One would surmise this "copy & paste" would have been included with the inception of the iphone,
As it was built from the Mac OS from the begining...

Think back.....copy & paste was always a part of the Mac OS.

IMHO I believe Apple left it out...on purpose. So people can bitch and complain about it...And then bam,
Apple will include it. Appearing as though its some great freebie they have graced us with.

Honestly I could care less about the ability...but damn this topic is really be blown out of proportion.

So......FTW

[anantksundaram]

Yoo-hoo!!! (And the stock is up $3.28... )

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by macFanDave

it turns out that Copy & Paste is just going to be another iPhone video game, like Chutes & Ladders and Hide & Seek.

Ah, should have read the comments section before getting too excited by the news text........

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by 8CoreWhore

Ironically, I really need copy/paste.

Ironically, I laughed out loud

[wilco]

Originally Posted by solipsism

It's a common colloquial usage, I think the linguistic definition is all but dead...

According to whom, the people who write/speak the phrase "I could care less"?

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by wilco

According to whom, the people who write/speak the phrase "I could care less"?

As opposed to those use the word "couldn't" in that phrase? The use of 'could' has, arguably, evolved into a legitimate 'sarcastic inversion' (e.g., similar to the use "Tell me about it!"):

http://www.bartleby.com/64/C003/078.html

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by wilco

According to whom, the people who write/speak the phrase "I could care less"?

According to history. There are very few words that survive with the original spellings, definitions and/or pronunciations still the same as the original. Typically it does seem to start with people using it incorrectly but that doesn't mean that later usage in that way is incorrect.

Your "I could car less" statement is different as it's not a defined term but a phrasing lacking the negative clause. While technically possible—since language can evolve to fit any need—it's improbable for said phrase to be deemed acceptable. Believe you me, there are plenty of phrases that are odd to the tongue that we commonly use in our everyday chatter, and there are plenty of other phrases that many, if not most, people use incorrectly when compared to the original but that make perfect sense by today's logical standards. Ain't language grande?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

As opposed to those use the word "couldn't" in that phrase? The use of 'could' has, arguably, evolved into a legitimate 'sarcastic inversion' (e.g., similar to the use "Tell me about it!"):

http://www.bartleby.com/64/C003/078.html

I am mistaken.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by solipsism

It's a common colloquial usage, I think the linguistic definition is all but dead. The lexicographers will undoubtedly resist, but eventually it will make it in as an alternative definition.

It may be more common, but it's not correct.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by 8CoreWhore

Ironically, I really need copy/paste.

I weep for our future.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

Yoo-hoo!!! (And the stock is up $3.28... )

From what? A big down?

[Mr. H]

Originally Posted by solipsism

I am mistaken.

No you're not.

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

As opposed to those use the word "couldn't" in that phrase? The use of 'could' has, arguably, evolved into a legitimate 'sarcastic inversion' (e.g., similar to the use "Tell me about it!"):

http://www.bartleby.com/64/C003/078.html

The fact is, that if you say "I could care less", when what you mean is "I couldn't care less", you have to say it in a sarcastic tone of voice, otherwise it doesn't mean what you want it to mean.

When writing, it can be very difficult, or impossible, depending upon context, to imply sarcasm. In this particular case, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if someone really does actually mean that they "could care less", or if they're using the phrase (IMHO) incorrectly and mean "couldn't care less".

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

It may be more common, but it's not correct.

That is the point of my post. With language, commonality is all that is needed to becoming correct.

[bolskevite]

Originally Posted by casper3

All we really want is Finder and cut/copy/paste... Give it to us, Apple, in some future software update!

I agree. I am considering buying an iphone and cut and paste would help seal the deal.

[robogobo]

feature was not a priority and that engineers simply hadn't gotten around to it yet.

I'd say the same thing if I showed up for work with no pants.

Seriously though, how hard can this be? Copy/paste one of the most fundamental features of an OS. Any app can access the contacts database, so let's just make another database and call it, hmmm, I don't know, "clipboard"?

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by Ireland

From what? A big down?

Actually, no. (Check the stock chart, and decide for yourself.)

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by robogobo

Seriously though, how hard can this be? Copy/paste one of the most fundamental features of an OS. Any app can access the contacts database, so let's just make another database and call it, hmmm, I don't know, "clipboard"?

A desktop OS != a mobile OS. WinMobile and BB devices have cut/copy/paste by using a stylus to access right/control-click options. This is not as easy to do when using stubby sausages over a stylus, mouse or physical keyboard.

Plus, it's not as easy adding a Clipboard to the system processes. It's a matter of how you add or retrieve items from the clipboard. I haven't seen an exceptional idea for inputing text on the iPhone. Despite all the wanting for this feature there are very few ideas on how to implement it.

[†MiMiC]

Originally Posted by solipsism

That is the point of my post. With language, commonality is all that is needed to becoming correct.

Unfortunately, it is not limited to language, but also social behavior.

[quinney]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

I weep for our future.

Originally Posted by †MiMiC

Unfortunately, it is not limited to language, but also social behavior.

See the movie "Idiocracy".
It is meant as satire of the future, but at times it seems
more like a documentary.

[Daniel0418]

First of all if your going to push this phone as if it were "enterprise" ready you need a copy/paste tool. Second to add copy/paste just make it so you can double tap on the screen and instead of lifting after the second tap and allowing it to zoom in hold it down. Drag your finger across the text you want to copy then when it's all highlighted let go. Push your finger down on the highlighted text until the menu pops up giving you the option to 'save image' but also add saying .copy text' then go to a blank page or a spot your typing hold your finger down allow the same menu to pop up but with 'paste text' if your fingers are fat delete any excess text you might have copied. This is simple I know apple can figure this out. Btw I have the new iPhone... I love it but I need copy/paste and I hate that driving around new York I am forced to use edge because there is no 3g coverage.. And when there is I get maybe 2 bars which is still worse than using edge

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by quinney

See the movie "Idiocracy".
It is meant as satire of the future, but at times it seems
more like a documentary.

There are obvious extremes, but English isn't like math. There countless kludges in the language that have been there for a long time because of its evolution. If you pay too much attention to it, you'll just get needlessly angry. It can be slowed down, but not stopped.

[steviet02]

Originally Posted by solipsism

According to history. There are very few words that survive with the original spellings, definitions and/or pronunciations still the same as the original. Typically it does seem to start with people using it incorrectly but that doesn't mean that later usage in that way is incorrect.

Your "I could car less" statement is different as it's not a defined term but a phrasing lacking the negative clause. While technically possible—since language can evolve to fit any need—it's improbable for said phrase to be deemed acceptable. Believe you me, there are plenty of phrases that are odd to the tongue that we commonly use in our everyday chatter, and there are plenty of other phrases that many, if not most, people use incorrectly when compared to the original but that make perfect sense by today's logical standards. Ain't language grande?

Do you really need to be posting this on the thread? There comes a time when you just sound like a dolt with all this, you are well past that point in my opinion.

[winterspan]

Originally Posted by hypermark

Ironically, just blogged on this gap in a post called 'iPhone's Lingering Raspberry.'

In it I concluded that I can't take my iPod touch seriously as a typing/text-based input device until I can 'save drafts' and do 'copy and paste.'

The main logic is what's the point if you can not easily edit your words, concluding that my Blackberry 7130 isn't going anywhere as a result.

Mark

Exactly. Writing emails, text messages, and blog posts is a major PITA without cut/copy/paste. I manage ecommerce websites and I am constantly copying and pasting order numbers, client IDs, shipping data, etc from a web app backend into emails and notes. This is easily done with an old Treo, and next to impossible with the iPhone/Touch. If you have to wrote info down with pen and paper to transfer it between applications, something is very wrong.

I cannot see how Apple would expect to take over the corporate smartphone market without something as incredibly basic as cut/copy/paste. I'm sure your average business user can get over the fact that it's a media-oriented "hip" phone and even learn to enjoy using the touchscreen keyboard, but not having cut/copy/paste?? I highly doubt it. It's incredibly frustrating...

[aegisdesign]

Originally Posted by solipsism

A desktop OS != a mobile OS. WinMobile and BB devices have cut/copy/paste by using a stylus to access right/control-click options. This is not as easy to do when using stubby sausages over a stylus, mouse or physical keyboard.

On UIQ (on Symbian) you hold your stubby finger over the text for a short while and drag to select. Apps then have an edit menu and pull down like desktop OSs to cut/copy/paste. The delay in holding your stubby finger there for long enough signifies you're wanting to select text rather than just move the caret.

On the iPhone I'd guess they'd do the same but instead of the edit menu they'd pop up a box asking what to do with the selection since adding an edit menu to every app now is out.

Originally Posted by solipsism

Plus, it's not as easy adding a Clipboard to the system processes. It's a matter of how you add or retrieve items from the clipboard. I haven't seen an exceptional idea for inputing text on the iPhone. Despite all the wanting for this feature there are very few ideas on how to implement it.

I really don't think that's an issue. They've had a clipboard since they borrowed the idea off of the Xerox Star. I don't see why they can't borrow the UIQ method too.