iPhone 3GS & iPhone OS 3.0
The launch of the iPhone 3GS in June 2009, also ushered the release of iPhone OS 3.0, which is a newer version of the mobile operating system developed by Apple for the iPhone and iPod Touch. This is compatible with all generations of the iPhone, OS 3.0 addresses many shortcomings of the previous iPhone software.
MMS
The first and foremost feature is the rudimentary Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). For two years since it launch, the iPhone was unable to send and receive messages that included multimedia objects such as images, audio and video. OS 3.0 brings this basic feature to the iPhone. In the US, support of MMS is expected to start by October, whereas Pakistani iPhone enthusiasts overcome this barrier via a minor software hack in order to enable MMS on a cellular network.
Mobile Me
Users with a tendency to misplace their mobile phones will fine the Mobile Me service included in the iPhone OS 3.0 quite useful. It takes about two minutes to locate your phone on Google Maps (Through the Mobile Me Web Interface). Users can also send an alert beep or an “Important Message”, deactivate it, or remotely wipe its contents.
Copy & Paste
Catering to the popular demand of iPhone users, OS 3.0 enables users to select text, copy it and paste it between applications.
Magnification
This is another useful feature not found in many smart phones. Unlike the zoom feature, which blows up the entire page, magnification can enlarge a section of static text around which a user’s finger is held down on the screen.
Internet Tethering
Internet tethering, although not officially supported and mentioned, is built into the new operating system and is available to OS 3.0 users through a minor hack that enables them to use their carrier-provided internet service on their computers.
Shake & Shuffle
Before, iPode Touch users could brag about this particular feature initially absent in the iPhone. Apple has now enabled this feature using the built-in accelerometer. Users no longer need to look for that forward button; a simple shake can change the song. Apple has also enabled the shake feature to undo changes made in a document.
Push Notifications
Unlike some smart phones, the iPhone does not support multitasking with applications. With OS 3.0, however Apple introduced a push notification system where an activated application could at least push data to iPhone – such as reminders for Namaz on iPray or chat messages on Fring – through the internet to notify users of application events and updates.
