Developer Opportunity: It takes more than iOS 4 to multitask on an iPhone

When we spoke to a number of developers, that aren't keen to be named in this article for fear of backlash from Apple, they all confirmed to Pocket-lint that, for any app to take advantage of the new multitasking features, it will have to be updated. Furthermore, many of those we spoke to felt that many apps simply won't be.

via pocket-lint.com

Aside from requiring iPhone 4 or a 3GS, you also need apps that have been modified to multitask. I suspect quite a few won't, and no one will care or even notice.

I also expect a bonanza of opportunity for some types of apps to be the first to support it. For example, as much as I use Twitter I'll be keenly interested in a client that multitasks. Would I try a different Twitter client for this feature? Absolutely. Same is true of RSS/news readers, and chat clients, and notes apps, and others.

So, while I understand this is work for developers, it's also a chance to get their app back in front of people who had previously chosen a competitor. It's not often developers are handed such a key and much-anticipated differentiator to add to their apps. Multitasking will be hot; smart developers will grab the opportunity quickly.

Tagged App Store Multitasking Software developers iOS iPhone 3GS iPhone 4

Comparison: iPhone 4 Retina Display vs. iPhone 3GS and HTC EVO 4G

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via cultofmac.com

Nice shots of the new iPhone 4 Retina Display compared to the current iPhone and flagship Android device. When you can see the difference this clearly in photographs, I can understand why those who've seen the display in person praise it so highly.

Tagged Android Apple EVO Google HTC iOS iPhone 3GS iPhone 4

Hipstamatic For The iPhone: One Fun App

This is not a full-blown review, but if you've got a few bucks to spare (even just two) and like taking pictures with your iPhone as I do, then take a long look at Hipstamatic.

This slick little app recreates the plastic "toy" cameras of yesteryear, and does so in a fun and engaging way. It comes with three types of "film" (that only affect the picture's border), two flashes, and three lenses. You can mix and match these elements for varied looks. You simply swipe the elements to pick and choose. Tapping an element provides a brief description of it.

In addition to the included elements, there are "Hipstapacks" for purchase (99 cents each) that include additional lenses, film, and flash.

Pictures are stored in a Recent Prints section of the app, and from there can be uploaded to Facebook, Flickr or email. This app is for taking pictures only. Once taken, they're not editable within the app (e.g., you can't try a different lens on an existing print), nor can you import an existing picture to modify it. However, all pictures taken are also stored in the usual iPhone camera roll, so you can post-process and upload them via any other app you like.

In just the short time I've used it I can recommend this app. I love its simplicity, yet the mix and match style allows for many effects. If you always want to take a picture "cleanly", and then try out different styles, this is not the app for you. For me, however, I tend to know whether I want a photo in this style and it's not a problem for me.

Below are sample pics. The last four were taken of roughly the same scene so you can get a feel for the different lens effects. Keep in mind the pictures are somewhat compressed for purpose of this blog entry, and can be a higher quality if desired. Note that I'm using an iPhone 3GS, but "tap to focus" feature does not apply when this app is in use.

John S lens, Kodak film:

Photo_1
 
Jimmy lens, Ina's 1969 film:
Photo_2
 
John S lens, Ina's 1969 film:
Photo_3
 
Kaimal Mark II lens, Ina's 1969 film:
Photo_4
 
The above are standard lenses and film. I then bought the Williamsburg Hipstapack for $.99, and took a similar picture with the Helga Viking lens and Pistil film: 
Photo_5
Tagged App Store Apple Apps Hardware Photo Software iPhone iPhone 3GS mobile photography

Dear Apple: I Wish My iPhone 3GS Would Lay Flat

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I bought an original 2G (EDGE) iPhone one week after they debuted. There wasn't enough in the 3G upgrade a year later to compel me to switch, but I upgraded to a 3GS the day they were made available. I love the 3GS. It provided things I was hoping they'd introduce in the 3G a year earlier, and was worth the wait. I had a couple glitches, but they were rectified the day after receipt and it's been great since then. But I have two complaints with the new model (they apply to the 3G as well). One of them is pretty trivial, the other is a real pain:
  • The glossy back feels slippery to me. I really liked the stainless steel back. It's not so much the look, but rather the "rougher" texture in the hand.
  • I hate the rounded back. Am I the only one who used this thing while it sat flat on a table? If I try to now, it wobbles when touching the screen edges. That really sucks, and makes it pretty much unusable. It's been six weeks and I'm still not used to being unable to do this.
I realize the stainless steel back almost certainly had to go to allow for the additional antennas for 3G and GPS signals. I'm fine with that, but why not a textured back so it doesn't feel so slick? As for the rounded back, it's ridiculous. The 3G actually added to the thickness of the device. I believe they narrowed it at the edges to camouflage that fact, so it wouldn't feel thicker. It's doubtful anyone would've noticed the extra thickness, but I notice that it wobbles when you use it while it's laying down. OK, I'll admit this is a little thing, but it's the "little things" at which Apple usually excels. I miss the usability, especially when typing a lot. Perhaps in the 4G...?
Tagged Apple Hardware Mobile iPhone iPhone 3GS

Singapore iPhone 3GS Debut: Talk About a Long Line!

Check out this video, shot with an iPhone 3GS. This guy was the 10th in line at the store, and filmed the queue as he walked out. Wow. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4XXJNGUmq0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]
Tagged Apple Hardware Mobile iPhone 3GS

Another Reason Sunday Mornings Are Great

An outside breakfast in beautiful Southern California. The food will be great, but so is this wonderful marriage of grape and citrus. The Mimosa: Accept no substitutes.

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Tagged Food Photo iPhone 3GS

iPhone 3GS JavaScript Speed is NOT Faster Than Apple Claimed

Lots of stories making the rounds that the JavaScript speed of the new iPhone 3GS is even faster than Apple had claimed. Most of the stories originate from this one from Medialets, but it's simply not true the performance is faster than Apple claimed. JavaScript speed is very impressive. However, if you compare Medialets' results with those Apple presented during the WWDC keynote, you'll see they're essentially the same. Let's take a look:

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I'd say Medialets' findings of 133/49/17 for the iPhone 3G-os2/3G-os3/3GS match up very well with Apple's reported results of 126/43/15. Apple's numbers are a bit better, but not excessively so. It's clear that all Medialets has done is confirm Apple's stated speed claims in this area. This is a huge speed improvment, and I'm not trying to diminish it, but Apple's claim of "twice as fast" was a generic one regarding the 3GS in general, whereas their JavaScript claims were very specific. Medialets has shown they were accurate, not underrated.
Tagged Apple Safari Software iPhone 3GS

Blogging From the Mall

I came out to the local Apple store to get a case for the new iPhone since the one for the original model feels loose. I get there, and am stopped at the door. I have to wait in the line even though I don't want an iPhone. Bummer. The line was maybe only 10 people, but I don't know how fast it was moving, and it just didn't seem worth it for a case. So instead of a nice leather case I got a cheap vinyl one from one of the mall's "sidewalk vendors". It'll do for now. Mission accomplished, I'm sitting with a cup of Go Juice and posting this via the Wordpress iPhone app.

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Tagged Apple Hardware iPhone 3G S
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