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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.

Further reading:

Has The iPad Excessive Hype Ruined Potential Interest?

Is Apple Really At Fault?

iPod Touch 3.0 Software Review

10 Reasons You Should Buy A Mac

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