Those who’ve been giddily anticipating the iPhone OS 3.0 since it was previewed last March 17 can now make the most of the iPhone’s new features. Multimedia messaging? Check. Cut, copy, and paste? Check. Landscape keyboard? Check. Parental control? Check.
To upgrade to the new software, simply plug the phone to the computer via USB then open iTunes 8.2 , where you can download and install the iPhone OS 3.0. Users of the original iPhone and iPhone 3G can get the update for free, while iPod touch users need to shell out $10 (about P500).
The new iPhone software is expected to quash all criticisms attributed to OS 2.0, which failed to address the issues plaguing the device – mainly features that are present in most, if not all mobile phones, such as MMS and copy and paste. Whether or not iPhone OS 3.0 helps Apple leapfrog over competition from the Palm Pre and Android mobile phones remains to be seen. Check out our in-depth review here.
Apple claims over a hundred improvements in iPhone OS 3.0. The more notable improvements include:
- Push Notification – it’s been a long time coming, but this feature is now available in apps;
- Tethering – share your iPhone's Internet connection with your Mac or PC;
- Spotlight Search – search contacts, emails, iPhone apps, music, podcasts, and calendar events from a single box located on the left side of the Home screen
- Find My iPhone – helps you find your lost iPhone (requires a MobileMe subscription);
- Share Contacts – attach your vCard to an outgoing email; and
- Sync iPhone notes – create notes and sync them with your computer.