On Friday, Apple announced their new operating system for the iPhone. The most highly anticipated new feature on Apple’s new operating system is the ability to multi-task. Steve Jobs, Apple’s Chief Executive Officer, acknowledges Apple weren’t the ‘first to this party’, but he reassures fans they will ‘be the best’. According to Jobs, Apple has found a way to support multi-tasking without slowing down other features and draining the iPhone’s battery.
While the new operating system supports more than 100 new features, there are some stand-out functions that will appeal to the iPhone’s broader fan base:
Multi-tasking
Multi-tasking is limited to audio-streaming, VoIP and GPS apps. It may not be the comprehensive multi-tasking many had hoped for, but it will keep some fans satisfied this time around. For apps that are not GPS, VoIP, or audio streaming, users will be able to suspend the app in the background so they can continue where they left off.
Folders
App folders allow iPhone users to organise their home screens and have quicker access to applications.
5x Digital Zoom
This addition means the new iPhone will finally feature a higher quality camera.
Mail
Users will be able to consolidate their multiple email accounts into the one unified inbox, as well as having the ability to use multiple Exchange accounts.
iAd Advertising
This plug-in will allow developers to keep iPhone users in an app whilst displaying advertising. People will be able to watch videos, play games and buy apps from within these ads.
Other features include a new spell check function, as well as the ability to purchase apps and send them as gifts to someone directly through their iPhone.