iPhone 3.0: Highlights of the new operating system

Apple today previewed iPhone 3.0, the new operating system for its smart phone and Touch multimedia player. As expected, many of the enhancements of the new OS are "catch-up" fixes to what's already been offered on smart phones from other makers, including the upcoming Palm Pre. There were, however, a few welcome surprises—though those did not include rumored announcements of new iPhones or other hardware.

Here are highlights of the new OS—available free sometime this summer to iPhone owners, and as a $10 upgrade to Touch owners:

Cut and paste. For the first time iPhone users will be able to cut and paste text within and between documents, even if the documents are in differing applications. You double-tap the display to summon the cut, copy and paste tools; select text by dragging your finger over it; then double-tap again when you're ready to paste your selection. If you make a mistake, you just shake the phone.

Landscape keyboard. Since iPhone's debut, tilting the iPhone on its side has produced a wider keyboard when Web searching. Now that capability, a real plus for rotund fingers, is also being added to e-mail or messaging applications.

Enhanced multimedia messaging. For the first time, iPhone users will be able to send messages to accompany photos, contacts, audio files and locations. You'll also be able to delete and forward multimedia messages individually or en masse, as you can now in e-mail.

Improved Search. You’ll now be able to perform searches across multiple applications, including iTunes, Contacts, Mail, and Calendar. The capability will not extend to the Web, however, as the Palm Pre promises.

An improved home screen. A new homescreen, called Spotlight, a leftward swipe from the standard home screen, allows you to search across all of your applications; you then launch the app with a tap.

Turn-by-turn directions. No applications are mentioned, but the new operating system will support GPS navigation applications that offer turn-by-turn directions—a capability that even some basic phones have been offering for years.

Enhanced Bluetooth support. iPhone will now support stereo Bluetooth headsets and peer-to-peer connectivity, which means you'll be able to beam or receive data from other similarly equipped devices. Again, Palms have had this capability for years.

Tethering. For the first time, you'll be able to use your iPhone as a modem for your laptop, providing AT&T allows that to happen.

—Mike Gikas

Comments

[Tony]

Does the new 3.0 os have a spell checker for email?

[Dave Windsor]

I've had the iPhone for over a year and it is by far the BEST phone I've ever owned. I live in the NY Metro area and have not had problems with acquiring a good signal. I jail broke the phone so I have some of the features that V3.0 will offer. I love the fact that I can tether my phone to my laptop. I've had Verizon in the past and they do have great coverage but the company is notorious for nickel and diming you for EVERY feature.

[Ivan]

Usually annoyances such as dropped calls would put me over the edge with frustration blocking out the ability to enjoy something beautiful, not so with the iPhone and at&t. I left Verizon for the iPhone and haven't looked back. Although I have been longing for some of the features I miss from my Treo 700wx, I look forward to the new firmware release and recommend the iPhone to everyone.

[Rondmc]

I'm glad that the basic features are being added. I've had mobile devices dating back to the good ole Motorala brick (as well as a Palm and a Handspring Visor) and can honest say that the iPhone UI is the best yet. With 3.0, it'll be perfect.

[Erica]

Too bad that the iphone is still on AT&T... The iPhone is probably the only reason why the company hasn't gone under, they expensive with terrible service.. It's about time the iPhone has basic features that every other phone has.
I cant say the iPhone isn't a beautiful phone but I refuse to pay all that money for a phone with no reception, and besides I'm a loyal Verizon Wireless customer.

[Tim]

Still is too bad that the iTouch does not include any Bluetooth at all. Sure would be nice to watch those movies and play games with wireless headphones!