iPhone OS 4.0

News

AT&T Says No Tethering From iPhone to iPad

First an uproar over new data plan pricing, and now another downer from AT&T: although the next iPhone OS will allow iPhone-to-laptop tethering, it will not support iPhone-to-iPad tethering.

First an uproar over new data plan pricing, and now another downer from AT&T: although the next iPhone OS will allow iPhone-to-laptop tethering, it will not support iPhone-to-iPad tethering. According to an AT&T spokesperson, “it won’t be possible to tether the iPhone to the iPad to share Internet access" because the iPad's Bluetooth profile for tethering is not enabled. Womp-womp.

So, if you're looking for Internet access wherever you go, you'll have to cough up the extra cash for an iPad 3G, trying to connect your WiFi model to your phone won't be an option.

Poll

Would You Buy a Phone That Wasn't Supported?

Included in the iPhone OS 4.0 announcement was the fact that upgraded software would only be available to customers with the iPhone 3GS — not iPhone 3G or original iPhone users.

Included in the iPhone OS 4.0 announcement was the fact that upgraded software would only be available to customers with the iPhone 3GS — not iPhone 3G or original iPhone users. The older models just couldn't handle all of the OS 4.0 functionality, including multitasking. Additionally, Apple CEO Steve Jobs explained that Apple would no longer be supporting first- and second-generation iPhones.

While first-gen iPhones are no longer sold in stores, some estimates say that one-third of these (and second-gen) phones are still in use. That means there are nearly 2 million iPhones that will soon be unsupported by Apple.

Most people I know who upgrade to more recent versions of the iPhone hold onto their original as a backup or give it to a friend or family member to use. And if you really want an iPhone but find yourself on a budget, the thought of a $50 refurbished 8G iPhone 3G is quite tempting. But would you spend money on a device that either wasn't supported or couldn't handle all of the latest software updates?

Poll

Would You Rather Pay For an App or View Ads in Free Apps?

This week's iPhone OS 4 announcement came with more than just multitasking.

This week's iPhone OS 4 announcement came with more than just multitasking. CEO Steve Jobs announced a brand-new ad platform for the iPhone and iPad — iAds. The ads will be served directly in applications, and 60% of the ad revenue will go to app developers. According to Jobs, one of the reasons for this is to help developers make more money, as many are creating free or low-priced applications. Since I haven't seen an iAd (and won't until this Summer when OS 4 becomes available), I can't deem the good or bad just yet. But I'm curious whether or not this will encourage developers to create higher priced, ad-free applications. And if they do, would you pay more money to use it?

News

Multitasking, Folders, and More on iPhone OS 4.0

Today in Cupertino, CA, Steve Jobs announced iPhone OS 4.0, which will be released to developers today and ship this Summer.

Today in Cupertino, CA, Steve Jobs announced iPhone OS 4.0, which will be released to developers today and ship this Summer. Highlights include the expected ability to multitask, customizable wallpaper, folders, and more. The new OS will run on the iPhone 3GS and second-generation iPod Touch; older models will see some of the functionality, but key features — like multitasking — won't work on the 3G or original iPhone. Here's a quick roundup of some of iPhone 4.0's notable features:

  • Multitasking: As Apple announced this feature, it acknowledged it was a long time coming — but chose to hold off on the functionality until now so it could be implemented without draining the battery or slowing the phone. When running multiple apps, double-click the home button to display a dock of apps currently in use; touch an app to switch between them. Yes, this means you'll be able to listen to Pandora (or any other streaming app) while doing other things. In fact, Pandora's founder was on hand and explained that you'll not only be able to continuously run the music service while using other apps, but you'll also be able to control it while your phone is locked. You'll also be able to switch between apps quickly and pick up where you left off instead of relaunching the app entirely.

For more new OS 4.0 features, read on.