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Apple iPhone OS 4

Frank — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:00:04 +0000

credit attributed to http://www.flickr.com/photos/edplant/

This is a guest post by Charles Zink.

Apple. Several years ago, people would think of the red thing that falls off trees. In todays technology race, we think of iPhones and iPods. It is safe to say that Apple and Steve Jobs (the current CEO of Apple) have changed normal life for almost everyone. They set the standard for smart-phones and how we think about them, they practically invented the MP3 player and have created an operating system so simple that even the elderly can use it with ease. Now Apple is re-defining mobile-computing once again with the iPad. A device small enough to take with you on short trips or to a relatives house, but large enough for satisfactory browsing of standard websites. Within days of the release of the long awaited iPad, they release iPhone OS 4, leaving us even more stunned.

The Cupertino based company loves to surprise people. They also love to hold back important features and advancements in their devices years after the release of the initial product. This last week when Apple announced iPhone OS 4, I believe that they have finally are going to let the true powers of their devices shine. Users and developers alike have asked for features like multitasking and background music, now of which is possible.

Steve Job’s came on stage Thursday and unveiled the curtain in front of OS 4 and what it’s limitless capability’s are. He started his presentation by announcing the rising numbers of iPhone and iPad sales, and then got straight to the point. First up was by far the most important feature of all. Multitasking. They once again have created a beautiful way to switch between applications, and also claiming that it won’t drain battery life at all. The system allows a way for developers to not only run applications in the background, but integrate with popular controls like the iPod controls on the lockscreen. They demonstrated using Pandora, which can be controlled from your lockscreen just like the standard Music app! They showed how you could pause mid-game (Using Tap Tap Revenge by Tapulous) as an example while they gamed, checked email, and answered phone calls, all by just a touch. Just simply double tap your home button, and a neat looking dock slides up from the bottom showing all apps that are running, and allowing you to switch between them with ease.

Next up in the presentation, folders. Now I must say that this is directly stolen from the Jailbreak community and Cydia app store. There has been folders for as long as I can remember if you have Jailbroken your iPhone or iPod touch, but having the two key features most used by Jailbreakers avalibale as a default it bound to set alot of Jailbroken guys off to hit the reset button and un-Jailbreak. Folders come up almost as a widget, popping up a dock like box on the springboard with your apps inside of it. Also, intelligent naming. If you put Tap Tap Revenge, Need For Speed, and Scrabble in a folder, it will get the drift and name it “Games” for you, of course, you can change this if you like.

Now onto Mail. Not alot going on here except for a unified mailbox. I know personally that with having 5 emails I check on my iPhone, it gets time- consuming to switch between each one, so this feature will definitely benefit the masses. Also, iBooks. Not too breath taking. It’s only natural to put it on the little brother too. Oh wait! Winnie the Pooh is coming free on it too!

They dabble on a bit about Enterprise and better data management, nothing of any concern to the general public. Then, another killer. They are adding a Game Center for the platform! Just like Xbox Live, you will have stats, leaderboards, and the ability to invite friends to a game, all in one central place! I’m sure developers like Tapulous will jump on this. Other than those key features, Mr. Jobs didn’t speak of much more about the 100+ features that OS 4 will bring. There are rumors that the rating option when deleting an app will be removed, but nothing has been confirmed.

Overall, iPhone OS 4 will finally release all the potential of the iPhone, and now with the iPad just out, it seems as enticing as ever. Now we are only left to wait for the release and to wonder what next big idea Apple has up their sleeve. Untill next time, Cya!

Fun fact: Go to the Apple website and look at pictures of all of their touch-screen devices. Notice anything strange? All of them have the exact same time! Now, go dabble on and turn this into a conspiracy

Charles Zink is the Founder of The Nerd TV. He is very passionate about technology and enjoys blogging about it. Charles runs a live stream on his site as well as an Android Development team along with his staff.

Is Apple Really At Fault?

Frank — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:52:37 +0000

Today I wanted to delve into the latest Apple news buzzing around the technology world. Lately on almost all major websites, especially ones related to technology have been talking about Apple removing the Google Voice app from the app store. However, many are saying that the persuasion for this removal has come from AT&T. No surprise to me since Google Voice is providing better features and accessibility than any other cell phone company. Although, I don’t think Apple deserves to be having the blame soley put on them. That’s just my opinion. If Apple is partners with AT&T and they have a contract with them, than Apple has to obide by it.

I was getting really frustrated to hearing, “Apple has made a huge mistake for removing the Google Voice app.” Take your own business for example. If you don’t have one, pretend you run one. If you are working together with another company and you both have equal say and if one side says, “I don’t like that.” You can’t do it, it’s that simple! You both need to agree on terms. In this case AT&T didn’t like the threat Google Voice was posing towards their cell phone rates and plans. They looked at Google Voice and thought the app would be taking revenue away from them. I can’t say I blame AT&T because that’s exactly what Google Voice would do.

Apple is not soley responsible for this decision. We need to take a step back and understand that even though the iPhone is developed and created by Apple, the service is provided through AT&T. I don’t really think anyone is at fault, but unfortunately the Google Voice app is going to have to find a market elsewhere. (What about with the Palm Pre or Windows Mobile?)

In other news related to Apple, I have read a lot about Apple’s tablet computer that they want to release to the public by the holidays. However, after looking at the design, I can’t say it’s that impressive. I know, I can’t believe I am saying this either. I usually like all of Apple’s products because they show an advancement in technology. The people over at Gizmodo made a great point about Apple’s tablet computer and that was, “it’s a larger version of the iPod Touch.” I hate to say it, but I agree. I was one of the people pushing and hoping that Apple would make a “netbook like” computer, but this doesn’t sell me!

The price is pretty high, but that’s not surprising with Apple products. Although, would you rather pay a high price for a tablet computer or spend a little more and get a MacBook? I think the MacBook seems more logical if you ask me. I have always been a huge fan of all the new technology being distributed by Apple, but the question you need to ask yourself is are the people at Apple making a mistake? The idea for creating the tablet computer was decided upon not too long ago and they want to have it out by the holidays? That seems like cutting it close and they usually take longer when creating new technology. Let’s just say I am surprised by Apple’s actions.
You yourself can believe that Apple isn’t at fault in this scenario either. They are just trying to meet demand with the fact that netbooks are selling well and becoming an increasing interest to consumers. This is one of the rare times I am questioning Apple’s decisions. For more reading on the many issues concerning Apple’s tablet computer, read this article by Gizmodo.

Finally something that I think is Apple’s fault is there long process for accepting new apps into the app store. Since I work with an iPhone app developer, we were recently waiting for one of our apps to be approved and it was rejected immediately for reasons beyond comprehension. Interesting enough, this Gizmodo article felt the same way the developer I work with felt.

Overall, it seems like there may be some issues with Apple’s policy’s more than their innovative technology. From what I gather, people are frustrated with their ways of handling situations. Then again, what company doesn’t give people frustration in some way. I want to conclude this post by asking you a poll question where you can vote on where you stand in regards to Apple’s three situations I have analyzed here. You have heard my thoughts and breakdown, now it’s your turn.