iPhone multi-tasking on the cards: report

By Shaun Nichols on Mar 15, 2010 6:50 AM
Filed under Hardware

4.0 update could allow multiple apps to run simultaneously.

Apple may be preparing to allow multi-tasking on the iPhone, according to media reports.

Apple news site AppleInsider cited anonymous sources in reporting that the iPhone OS 4.0 release will allow users to launch and access multiple applications at once, including those from third-party developers.

The site reported that the next version of the iPhone OS will borrow elements of the Mac OS X interface to present and manage multiple active applications.

The current iPhone software is capable of multi-tasking, but the feature is accessible only on 'jail-broken' handsets in which the device's security controls have been modified.

The lack of multi-tasking on the iPhone has become a selling point for competing devices, such as the Motorola Droid.

Apple is widely believed to be targeting the new operating system for a summer release, as has been the case for all previous major iPhone releases and updates.

iPhone multi-tasking on the cards: report

2 comments in this discussion

"The iPhone can multitask now! Only problems is it is just with Apples own Apps such as the iPod and the Phone of coarse. It would be nice to have, but people should be prepared for the downside of ..."

By funkyg

Tags

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Comments: 2

Graeme Harrison (prof at-symbol post.harvard.edu)

Mar 15, 2010 11:14 AM

Actually, of greater usefulness would be simply allowing 'certified apps' to adjust the phone's global settings when absolutely necessary. For example, when you fire up a GPS app, the app can only advise you that the 'location services' are turned off. You need to exit that app, go to Settings -> General -> Location Services to turn the GPS functionality on, then reload the app you wanted. Now the simplistic answer would be to leave the GPS on at all times, but it does seem to shorten battery life to have each extra function turned on, even when not actually in use. So either make the logic better, so the GPS is only using battery power IFF an app is currently monitoring the GPS location, OR allow such GPS-using apps to 'temporarily turn on' the location services.

Similarly, the iPhone's WiFi functionality is great. But it too limits battery life, as the iPhone still keeps checking for local networks, after you leave home or work. Arguably, the WiFi 'listens' (and only if absolutely necessary 'pings') should slow down to one per three minutes, then only one per 10 minutes, if you have been out of range of WiFi known networks for more than 3 then 10 minutes... or try only when you next seek to connect to the internet. Yes, your WiFi link might take a second longer to come back to life once you return home, but you would not have to keep turning on and off such additional battery-wasting features, as you leave your home or work. Ditto Bluetooth, if it is ages since the iPhone communicated with a Bluetooth device.

So multi-tasking would be good, if done well.. but there are some other areas where usability can be tweaked as well.

funkyg

Mar 15, 2010 12:11 PM

The iPhone can multitask now! Only problems is it is just with Apples own Apps such as the iPod and the Phone of coarse. It would be nice to have, but people should be prepared for the downside of shorter battery life.

I guess this does point to what the next gen iPhone will have, and that could be a much longer battery life!