iOS 4: The 3G Experience
Apple's latest and greatest mobile OS has finally been released today.
If you are not one of the fortunate ones who've been able to test the iOS 4 on the 3GS or iPhone 4, you're in luck, this post will focus on a features that you get, and don't with the 3G.
With the hardware focus ruled out, lets focus on the software features that make up iOS 4 and what you get on the 3G; lets start with multitasking. Unfortunately, 3G owners will not be able to take advantage of the official multitasking in iOS 4. This is due to the hardware requirements set by Apple. To quote Steve Jobs on the matter, "the hardware just can’t do it." For the adventurous, there are other multitasking solutions out there such as Multifl0w" and "Backgrounder", but these require jailbroken devices.
Bluetooth keyboard support could have been an update that gets lost in the details of all the other major OS updates. I am glad to see it but would have liked this a little sooner, especially during the development of our latest title "WordUs2". A quick search on the internet and you'll find that many people criticize the iPhone for not having a physical keyboard. While this won't be a completely realistic solution when on the move, it's a nice addition to the OS. With that said, on my attempts to get a Bluetooth keyboard working with the 3G, I failed.
iAd; Apple's newest revenue stream. According to Apple, they introduced this platform because developers of free apps need to "make some money". From a developer's point of view it is actually a good solution as Apple will sell and host the ads, thus relieving those headaches from developers. Now if only Apple could come up with a similar hosting service for in-App purchases. All the ads are delivered with HTML5 (no surprises there), the latest part of Apple's battle with Adobe. One scary feature I do not like about the iAd framework is the ability to access location services. I have never been a fan of location based services (paranoia) and this is no exception. I dislike advertisements in my apps, and customized ads based on my location doesn't make me like it any more. Since I have no choice but to accept ads in my new apps and games, I will speak of one thing I think Apple did right with the user experience for iAd: you can deliver the ad, interact with it, and stay within the app the whole time.
Although its not a huge issue, custom wallpapers seem like a no-brainer, but this feature is not accessible to 3G owners. Third party developers have provided a solution for this for quite some time but, again, a jailbroken device is required. Why is Apple's implementation lacking for the 3G?; "The icon animation with backgrounds didn't perform well enough."
What you do get with iOS 4 are nice touches throughout the OS such as Folders, Threaded Email, and iTunes playlist creation. Nothing crazy, but a little better in the usability department.
The iOS 4 is certainly a step forward for Apple's mobile platform but you will not fully experience it until you upgrade to the latest hardware offering which can be frustrating if you've recently purchased a 3G; this obsolete device is still for sale.
