IPhone OS 4.0: Ten Pressing Questions

Apple is set to give the public a sneak peek at all the new features packed into iPhone OS 4.0 on Thursday morning starting at 10 a.m. Pacific. This preview of the next iteration of the iPhone OS follows on the heels of Apple's iPad launch, and as such speculation for this Apple launch is relatively low compared to the guessing games that surrounded last year's iPhone OS 3.0 preview. Nevertheless, there are still some pertinent questions that need to be answered by Apple on Thursday about the future of the iPhone OS. So after looking at all the rumors about coming features, and wishlists to improve the iPhone's functionality, I've assembled this list of 10 pressing questions I'm

By Ian Paul
Thu, April 08, 2010

PC World — Apple (AAPL) is set to give the public a sneak peek at all the new features packed into iPhone OS 4.0 on Thursday morning starting at 10 a.m. Pacific. This preview of the next iteration of the iPhone OS follows on the heels of Apple's iPad launch, and as such speculation for this Apple launch is relatively low compared to the guessing games that surrounded last year's iPhone OS 3.0 preview. Nevertheless, there are still some pertinent questions that need to be answered by Apple on Thursday about the future of the iPhone OS. So after looking at all the rumors about coming features, and wishlists to improve the iPhone's functionality, I've assembled this list of 10 pressing questions I'm hoping to get answered by Jobs and co. on Thursday.

Five Predictions for IPhone OS 4.0

What kind of multitasking?

The most prominent rumor about iPhone OS 4.0 is that it will introduce multitasking for third-party apps. Apple may no longer be able to leave third-party multitasking off the iPhone since competing platforms, like Google's (GOOG) Android, feature this functionality. But what kind of third-party multitasking would the iPhone get? Will it allow multiple apps to be open at once? If so, how many? Will it include background processes for things like instant messaging? If so, what kind of controls will users have to kill those background processes if they are eating up battery life or slowing down device performance?

What happens to push notifications?

If third-party multitasking in the form of background processes comes to the iPhone, what does this mean for push notifications? Originally, push notifications--a system that pushes updates out to your device instead of having individual applications call home for updates--were used as Apple's answer to the absence of background processes. Although Apple was slow to launch push notifications and some have criticized the functionality, Apple's push system actually works quite well. So what's going to happen to it? Will multitasking replace it or simply augment the infrastructure that's already there?

How does the iPad fit in?

Both the iPhone and the iPad are running different iterations of the iPhone OS (the most current version for the iPhone is OS 3.1.3, and the iPad runs OS 3.2). Will this continue with the introduction of 4.0 or will the OS merge into one version for both devices? If the OS versions are merging, will the iPhone get any features that are currently exclusive to the iPad, such as iBooks?

1 2 3 next page »

Originally published on www.pcworld.com. Click here to read the original story.

What is Tech Briefcase?

TechBriefcase is a new, free service where IT Professionals can Search, Store and Share IT white papers and content like this. Learn more

Bookmark content

Speed up your research efforts with content across the web.

Search and Store

Find the white papers you need. Create folders for any topic.

View Anywhere

Open your briefcase on your iPhone, tablet or desktop. Share with colleagues.

Don't have an account yet?

You are here: Technology Topics » Mobile/Wireless » News

Most Recent Mobile/Wireless Stories

White Papers »

Gartner Report on BYOD: Media Tablets and Beyond

This research assesses the impact of the growth in media tablets and other "off desktop" form factors entering IT deployments and makes recommendations on building an enterprise management plan based on industry best practices.

BYOD Policy Implementation Guide

This BYOD implementation guide from Absolute Software provides three simple steps to legally secure and manage employee-owned devices within a corporate environment.

The most simple & secure solution for Intranet access from mobile devices

The promise of enterprise mobility means that employees are more productive and address business issues in a timely, untethered manner.

Mobile Middleware Strategies

Learn why a mobile development platform is critical to be able to support today's complex enterprise mobility strategies. Learn what to look for in a mobile development platform and how apply these tools whether you're developing a dedicated app for one device or multiple apps running across multiple devices.

Native & HTML5 Mobile Apps: Not an either or, but a where and when

Learn how developers are using HTML5 and native development methods to build mobile apps. Get practical insights on how these tools are being used, what's driving their usage, and how to choose the best development approach for your business.

The Evolution of Enterprise Mobile App Development

Driven by explosive growth in smartphone and tablet sales, enterprise mobility has become an essential part of business. Organizations across industries are developing internal- and external-facing mobile applications that drive revenue, build brand loyalty, strengthen communication with partners, and enhance employee productivity. Learn how keeping pace in this market requires an agile, flexible, and iterative approach to application development.

Webcasts »

Set It & Forget It - Apple Devices in the Enterprise

Ben Snyder, Desktop Support Analyst at Under Armour, discusses how this fast-growing company with thousands of mobile employees uses an automated process to manage its mix of PC and Apple devices from a single console.

Take Control and Empower users with BlackBerry Mobile Fusion from RIM

At one time, a smart phone was only on executive tool that increased productivity. But now, more employees than ever before are bringing their own mobile devices and tablets into the workplace. CIOs must satisfy this new class of users but they need the tools to manage the growing number of devices and tablets over a wider variety of mobile operating systems.

Join David Heit, Senior Director of Product Strategy for Research In Motion (RIM) and award-winning technology editor Stan Gibson for a look at the forces that are transforming mobile IT today. In this Webcast you will learn about BlackBerry(R) Mobile Fusion and now you can manage and secure BlackBerry(R), iOS and Android(TM) devices all from one unified interface.

Mobility KnowledgeVault

How "mobile ready" is your infrastructure? This Mobility Knowledge Vault provides a wide variety of expert advice on how to strike a balance between end user ease-of-use and security. Prepare your organization with primers on data encryption and user authentication, device disablement and devising an employee-liable device strategy that makes both IT and users happy.

Successful Mobility: Access and Performance Anywhere

Today's workforce is truly mobile. At the office, from customer sites, even at home or in a hotel - their connectivity and application performance needs remain the same. But even though their requirements don't change, the challenges in meeting their expectations do.

Workday's Mobile Solution for iPad

Stay connected while on the go
As the workforce around the world becomes more mobile, enterprises are enabling their workers to stay informed and connected while on the go. Deploying Workday's cloud-based mobile solutions could not be easier!

Embracing BYOD: Best Practices from the Front Lines

Mobility is reshaping business worldwide. It's also reshaping how IT operates, fueled by the "Bring Your Own Device" trend, a trend that's been in the making since at least 2008. In this webcast, you'll learn how world IT leader SAP has embraced BYOD for lower costs, higher employee satisfaction and better business outcomes.

Newsletter Sign-Up »

Receive the latest news test, reviews and trends on your favorite technology topics

Choose a newsletter