Jan 16 2008
New iPhone 1.1.3 features
So, I finally got my iPhone updated after the retarded iTunes debacle earlier today. Unlike previous upgrades, this one actually introduced some valuable new features that make the iPhone a more powerful device.
I’ve been talking about this one a lot, but it’s really worth it…Virtual GPS is a great new feature in 1.1.3 that enables you to estimate your location on your iPhone in Google Maps. I say estimate, because your location isn’t really pinpointed. Depending on your location and connection, virtual GPS will provide you with a circle on Google Maps that contains your location.
This feature works by triangulating your location with cellular towers or wifi hotspots. Basically, what happens is you push the locate button in Google Maps, and a circle appears where you are located. In my testing, the circle was sometimes very large - like a mile in diameter or so. But other times it was accurate to within a couple of blocks. I found that virtual GPS was much more accurate with wifi connections, rather than just pure cellular…and this makes sense since the range of wifi is way smaller than that of a cellular tower.
Another feature is the ability to move around icons. This is exactly what it sounds like…the only cool thing here is how the icons jiggle when they’re ready to move.
You can also save webpages to the mainscreen. This saves a couple of steps by enabling you to open webpages directly from the main screen.
SMS texting is improved as well. You can send a single TXT to multiple recipients. A pretty simple feature, but one that was missing from previous versions.
Finally, 1.1.3 allows you to manually update your iPhone, rather than relying solely on playlists…FINALLY. You can now drag and drop items into your iPhone, just like your iPod. This was a big pet peeve of mine when I first got the iPhone…and thank god Apple finally took care of it.
Apparently, song lyrics can be displayed on the iPhone now, as well. I don’t really know how to get these lyrics, and I don’t really care, but I guess some people may find this useful. I’m betting you’ll need to buy songs directly from iTunes to get lyric support.
So that’s 1.1.3. It must be noted is these features are pretty much exactly the same as the features previously leaked with 1.1.3 rumors. That means that Apple has a big leak somewhere - I mean there were YouTube videos of 1.1.3 iPhones up a few weeks before today’s launch.
Oh yeah, Steve Jobs also announced that these features, along with weather, stocks and more will be available for the iPod Touch, as well…but it will cost you $20. Yep…this is probably the most desperate move by Apple so far, and perhaps why the stock fell so much today. I mean, charging for applications on a device that is not open to third party development - that’s monopolistic. And cheap. And not…well, not Apple. Yet another sign that Apple is turning into Microsoft.
Google is now rolling out AIM support in Gtalk. From Gmail, just go to Settings, then Chat, and you can add your AIM username and password. Then, your AIM contacts show up in the Chat window just like your Gtalk contacts. Cool.
Japs are to little computers like blacks are to fried chicken. I love these things - especially now that they’re getting a bit more affordable, more powerful, and generally more useful.
Tired of iPhone news yet?
We’re still 3 weeks away from the launch of the Apple iPhone, and competitors continue to pop up. The HTC Touch, which was officially launched last week, seems to be a legitimate competitor.
I’ve already mentioned the
Is already
Ever been at a Sushiboat restaurant and wondered “how long has that Maguro been riding around the restaurant?” Well,
Wired Magazine is reminding all its readers that Monday is officially the deadline