PhoneTalk

Apple announced iPhone 4.0 would have 100 new features. The company spotlighted 7 of those features at a press conference this week. A lot of what was discussed had to do with applications and ways consumers can get more apps for their iPhones. Also, the biggest enhancement was about an updated user experience that allows consumers to multitask - essentially easily switch between applications via an updated interface. Here's a quick overview of what to expect:

• Multitasking - The new feature will help preserve battery life and should not have an adverse effect on the smartphone's performance. It will also let you do a couple of things at once. The example given at the press conference was for Pandora. Essentially, you can have Pandora playing in the background, you can get more information about a song being played and then go to iTunes to purchase that song and the music will keep on playing.
• Folders - This will help users better organize their screens and apps. You'll be able to click on an application icon and drag and drop it to the folder. Initially, the name of the folder will be based on the applications iTunes category, but users will be able to change the name of folders.
• iAd - There was a lot of time spent on this feature. Mobile Advertising is coming to the iPhone in a big way. Apple has created a way to have ads interactive. For example, say you're using an application and an ad for a wallpaper appears. From the application you'll be able to click on that wallpaper, purchase it, and never leave the application. The new wallpaper you purchased will appear on your cell phone's background screen. The good news for developers is that Apple will be giving 60% of mobile advertising revenue to the developers of the application from which the ad was purchased.
• Skype - You'll now be able to call and instant message anyone else on Skype for free. You can also call landlines and mobiles and send SMS anywhere in the world, at great rates. Location Services E-Mail - The iPhone will support more e-mail options. There will also be unified mail inbox, fast inbox switching and threaded messages.
• Social Gaming - Think XBox Live on the iPhone. So you'll be able to invite friends to play a game, start a multiplayer game through matchmaking and track achievements and compare high scores on a leader board. That's pretty interactive.

When is the update coming and what devices will be getting it?

According to the Apple Press Release the iPhone OS 4 beta software and SDK are available now for iPhone Developer Program members at developer.apple.com. iPhone OS 4 will be available as a software update to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer. However, only iPhone 3Gs and some (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB) iPod Touch models will support all the features.

Topics: Observed Music E-mail Accessories Apple