What’s Hot in iPhone OS 4.0 Beta 3?
Apple has recently released the iPhone OS 4.0 Beta 3 to developers. A report from BGR has uncovered several new features in the latest beta including File Sharing through iTunes, iPod Widgets, Orientation Lock and streamlined closure of multiple applications. Apple continues to enhance the multitasking interface as the iPhone OS 4.0 release date is inching closer. From a usability perspective, the single biggest change in latest beta is that you no longer need to close the existing apps in order to open a new app.
Overall, Beta 3 appears more stable as compared to Beta 2 release. The capability to take screenshots has been duly restored by Apple in this version.
Multitasking: Closing Applications Gracefully!
The current iPhone OS has a woeful way of closing applications. You press the icon, then you hold it there for a few seconds and then you tap the ‘x’ to exit the application. Simply awful! Thankfully, the latest beta provides a mode that will display all apps running in the background with the same gestures as above. Then you can tap on “-” in a rapid fire round and close them quickly and easily.
Transfer Files To/From Your Computer
You will finally be able to drag and drop files from your computer to your iPhone, albeit in a not-so-simple manner. To enable file sharing, you need to plug your iPhone to iTunes and navigate to the apps page. The apps page has a widget which allows files to be dragged and dropped to/ from your computer. Not the best way to do it, but after all something is better than nothing at all.
Orientation Lock: No More Turning Screens
Not many users are fond of the iPhone UI flip from portrait to landscape and vice-versa. In fact, it is irritating for people who are using their iPhones lying in bed and the screen just keeps turning on its own every now and then. One tap on the Orientation Lock and your screen will stop rotating. Thank you Mr. Jobs, I need that badly!
iPod Controls
Right next to the Orientation Lock is a set of new widgets that control the iPod app. Just swipe to the left and the iPod app multitasking interface lets you play, pause, next, back and access your music. Enjoy!
The latest beta is available for registered developers at the official iPhone Dev Center. I’m mighty impressed with whatever I’ve seen in the iPhone OS 4.0 beta 3 so far. Multitasking, handy features and a really cool user interface. Great Job – Steve and co.!
[Image via BGR]
