Watch Out for the Top 3 iPhone 3.0 Apps!

Apple, on the first day at their Worldwide Developers Conference 2009 unveiled their two biggest new releases of this year –iPhone OS 3.0 for both the iPhone and the iPod Touch as well as the iPhone 3G S, a third generation iPhone that offers greater speed and video recording functionality. During the keynote, Apple highlighted all the functions that the new iPhone OS 3.0 is capable of doing with the help of few application demonstrations. Well, the iPhone 3.0 indeed offers functionalities that nobody has ever experienced before on smartphones.

iPhone app developers believe that most of the yet to be released iPhone applications will do wonders as soon as the iPhone OS 3.0 hit the world market. Ranging from blood sugar monitoring apps to in-app purchases, all these applications are going to make waves when they’ll run on the new iPhone OS 3.0. Here is a list of three applications that are sure to make it to the top.

TomTom

This slick iPhone application is pretty much same as the standalone TomTom device in terms of functionality. This application will include advanced planning, searching points of interest, adding favorite locations and above all it will also feature voice turn-by-turn directions. TomTom Car Kit is an accessory that comes in with the app and allows you to dock the iPhone in your car so that you can power it even when you are on the move. The TomTom iPhone application further enhances the functionality of the GPS.

AirStrip OB

AirStrip’s new application will take full advantage of the “push notification” system of the new iPhone 3.0. This system will help you to get application updates even when you are not using the apps. AirStrip Technologies, who provides the ability to monitor different information over mobile phones, has come up with a unique application that will allow you to do the same from your iPhone. The application streams important health information about a patient directly to your iPhone. This way you can keep your doctor updated about the condition of a serious patient and thus help saving lives.


Compass

Compass is one such app that has been long awaited especially for the iPhone 3G S. This app will provide you with the accurate location of magnetic north. From this application itself you can directly navigate into Google Maps. All you need to do is tap on the application and find the map rotate automatically to the direction you are facing. This makes using maps easier on iPhone and also improves GPS functionality.

New Features for iPhone 3G S – taking the smartphone to a new level

Unless you live in a different planet, you’ll surely know that Apple, at their Worldwide Developers Conference had already announced to release the new generation iPhone – iPhone 3G S on June 19^th. iPhone 3G S is the third generation iPhone to be released, since the first device launched in 2007 across U.S. Apple claims that this device is far more powerful and faster than iPhone 3G, the existing version. Even though, apparently the iPhone 3G S is identical to the iPhone 3G, in terms of design and form, there are quite a number of nifty new features that make the iPhone 3G S better and more advanced.

Here are 8 newly added features of the new generation iPhone that according to iPhone app developers and users are the best.

• Speed

The best thing about the iPhone 3G S is that it’s much faster than the existing device. Apple claims the new phone to be twice as fast as the previous one. The company declared that the iPhone 3G S will have a faster processor, more memory space and thus much “snappier performance”.

• Increased Memory Space

Apple said that they will be selling two models of the new iPhone with different memory capacity – iPhone 3G S 16GB and 32GB. While iPhone 3G had the memory storage of 4GB, 8GB or a maximum 16GB, iPhone 3G S is sure to impress all its users as well as every iPhone application developer.

• Better Camera

While the iPhone 3G had a 2 megapixel non-autofocus camera, the new generation iPhone features a 3 megapixel camera with auto-focus. Although the camera still lacks a flash, its increased pixel count would surely produce much better picture clarity.

• Video Recording

Video recording is perhaps the best addition in the iPhone 3G S. People from all over are thrilled to discover that the new device would support video recording, which the existing iPhone was not capable of.

• Built-in Compass

The built-in digital compass in iPhone 3G S might not seem to be very useful as an individual application but combined with Google Maps it will surely be of great help. The compass will always rotate maps to match the direction you are facing.

• Voice Control

This amazing feature will allow you to make calls as well as play music by speaking. The voice recognition feature of iPhone 3G S is indeed something beyond expectation. Voice Control can track any entry from your contact list. To make a call, all you need to do is simply say the name or number in your iPhone’s built-in microphone and let Voice Control do the rest.

• Internet Tethering

With this feature incorporated within the device, iPhone 3G S can now be used a modem if you connect it to a PC or Mac machine via Bluetooth or USB. However, AT&T in the U.S. declared that they would not be supporting this feature yet. But most of other companies from around the world have confirmed that they will fully support this feature.

• Accessibility

Apple has included few features in the iPhone 3G S that would help disabled people to use the device. The VoiceOver function will read aloud what is written on the screen, while the zoom function will magnify a word up to 5 times and the white on black option that increases the visibility by increasing contrast.

So, if you want to enjoy all of these features and much more, go to the next Apple store you can find and get yourself an iPhone 3G S as soon it’s available in the market.

Speculations Regarding the Speed Source of iPhone 3G S Creates Sensation in iPhone Market

Once the rumors that Apple is using a new chip to improve the performance of iPhone 3G S was at its peak, the next question that popped up in every mind was, where and how does the device get its two time faster speed? Well, the wait was finally over when finally Apple, at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2009 announced the iPhone 3G S. Apple has always been secretive about its chip-level hardware specification. In fact, Apple is clearly trying to convince buyers and iPhone app developers that it not any individual part, but the entire system that’s behind this improvement.

Well, even though nobody can actually find out about the chip or the technology behind iPhone 3G S’s doubled speed, some speculations can be made from Apple’s declaration. So, let’s take a look at what Apple exactly claims. On their website, Apple stated -

"The Fastest iPhone Ever. The first thing you'll notice about iPhone 3G S is how quickly you can launch applications. Web pages render in a fraction of the time, and you can view e-mail attachments faster. Improved performance and updated 3D graphics deliver an incredible gaming experience, too. In fact, everything you do on iPhone 3G S is up to two times faster and more responsive than iPhone 3G."

However, companies from all over the world are making wild guesses on how the device would work and makes it faster. Anandtech, a technology website claimed to know what chip Apple has incorporated in its new generation iPhone. In an analysis published at Anandtech, its chief editor said: "Although unannounced, the iPhone 3GS uses (again) a Samsung (system-on-a-chip) but this time...it's got a Cortex A8 and PowerVR SGX; just like the (Palm) Pre,"

Nowadays, most of the smartphones including the existing version of the iPhone are based on an application processor design, ARM. Cortex A8 is a newer, improved and faster version of the ARM design. So, people are assuming the new iPhone might be based on this processor. According to another feature published on T-Mobile Netherlands' Web page – the device would have a “256 RAM” and “600 MHz-Processor”.

But, these are all assumptions and guesses that people are making to suppress their excitement and curiosity. Truly speaking, it would be rather difficult to find out the exact chip and technology Apple has used in iPhone 3G S until the device is launched in the world market on June 19. Whatever the technology Apple may have used to improve its functionality, the new generation iPhone is sure to open up new horizon for every iPhone application developer as well as user.

The Wait is Finally Over: Scott Forstall Declares the Release of iPhone OS 3.0 on June 17 2009

Since last March, when Apple first unveiled the iPhone OS 3.0, the whole world has been waiting impatiently for the full release. Fortunately, after endless round of speculations and rumors, Apple at their Worldwide Developers Conference keynote on Monday finally revealed the secrets of the software upgrade. Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iPhone software, during his part of presentation announced that the iPhone OS 3.0 will finally be released to the world on 17th June.


Even though people will have to wait until late this summer for AT&T to activate the tethering and multimedia messaging, users of iPhone 3G S, iPhone Classic and iPod Touch will get access to all the other amazing new features that go live from next Wednesday. Within the next two days, Apple will launch their new iPhone 3G S with full update. However, Apple promises that the update will bring in over 100 new features, which will benefit both users as well as iPhone app developers. Once people get a chance to fully explore the OS 3.0, they will reveal more new and exciting features. It is important to note that the video recording and voice dialing features will only be available on the new iPhone 3G S.


At the WWDC keynote Apple declared the different notable improvement that the OS 3.0 is about to bring. Here is a gist of the outstanding features that you can now enjoy on your iPhone and iPod Touch.


Multimedia Messages – the MMS support will enable you to send photos, contacts, map locations and audio files. But AT&T will activate this feature in late summer this year.


Cut, Copy and Paste – the cut, copy and paste will work in notes, emails and text messages.


Landscape Keyboard – the landscape keyboard feature, which was formerly available only in Safari will now work in email, text messages and notes.


iTunes – the iTunes store is now updated with new functions – rent and purchasing of movies, downloading audio books and television shows and users will get a full access to iTunes U for textbooks and will also be able to redeem iTunes gift cards.


Tethering – OS 3.0 will support tethering, but it will completely depend on the carrier. Most of the carriers will support tethering except AT&T. AT&T will activate tethering later this summer.


Full Search – the search feature will allow you to search music, calendar entries, notes, contacts, emails and email messages that are stored on your mail server.


Push Notification – this feature will hugely help all the iPhone developer as they will be able to use the push notification feature accompanied with sound for text alerts as well as instant messages.


Parental Controls – with this, parents and guardians can restrict children from viewing movies and TV shows that are exclusively for adults, using apps that are not appropriate for their age and can further limit the use of browser based and YouTube apps.


Find My iPhone – this feature will allow you to track down the location of your misplaced iPhone through a map from your computer.


In-app Purchase – you can purchase an app or renew a magazine subscription without even going to the iTuunes App Store. You can directly do these when you are using the app itself.


Safari Browser – the new OS 3.0 promises a much faster browser.


Google Maps – the OS 3.0 will further allow iPhone application developers to embed Google map in their respective applications.




Well, now it is time for all iPhone users and developers to sit back and explore the new iPhone OS 3.0 to find out what amazing features Apple has stored for them.

Will the New iPhone Support Video Chatting - the Mystery Reveals this Week

There have always been great rumors swirling around the launch of any of Apple’s products, and when it comes to the iPhone, the rumors double the number. Well, with the WWDC 2009 on the go, people all over the world are waiting with much anticipation as what the company is about to unveil. There are however, several questions that are boiling in the minds of every onlooker like, whether the new-gen iPhone will be faster than the existing? - will it have more memory space? - will it have a better camera with video recording capability? And so on.
According to most of the iPhone app reviews and iPhone related news, the biggest rumor that tops every mind is that whether the iPhone 3GS will have the capability of supporting video chat or not. In some of the images of the new device, which were published here and there, it showed what appeared to be a frontward view of the iPhone camera in action. Some of the images indicated that the iPhone camera can also be used to take self-portrait and for video chatting as well. In one of the images, it was clearly indicated that the iPhone will be supporting a picture-in-picture chatting system.

While most people including iPhone developer and marketers are banged on these images being fake, rumor about AT&T’s faster wireless network known as HSPA 7.2, which is heard to be released sometime later this year to enhance the experience of the device’s video chatting feature somewhat confirms the addition of this feature in the new iPhone. However, some believe that video chatting may not be coming up in July, but the feature will surely be added to the next-gen iPhone in near future.

But, if the rumor and the images are true, then it could mean a lot to the users as well as developers. This would open up a new horizon for every iPhone app developer. They could be a lot more creative and innovative while developing iPhone apps. As far as the users are concerned, they would be able to chat face-to-face with their friends, families and even have important meetings with clients while still on the move. This would really mean a lot more than just video chatting or taking self-portrait.

Well, whether this rumor is true or not – that is yet to be revealed. Thankfully, onlookers would not have to wait for long as the Worldwide Developers Conference 2009 has already started at San Francisco's Moscone Center.

Next Generation iPhone Hardware and Software to be Expected by Early July

All you people who swear by the iPhone, there is some great news. The iPhone 3.0 operating system is going to be launched very soon across all Apple stores. The consumers will be able to download the OS by next week’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which is hosted by Apple. It is unlikely that Apple will be releasing the new iPhone before the OS is available for download. The software and next-gen handset will be available in the stores within the next four weeks.

Apple is yet to distribute in-app commerce, one of the most important components of the software, to developers for beta testing. The developers have admitted that many features of the iPhone 3.0 OS are almost fully-baked. This feature was first showcased in March at Apple’s iPhone 3.0 SDK event and is expected to create a new revenue stream for developers, who wish to sell additional items and features within their iPhone applications. These features range from song titles to weapons used in shooter games.

However, this feature is not working presently, according to an iPhone application developer from a major iPhone company. The iPhone app developer, on condition of anonymity, has said that they are building the catalog system for selling within your application. He also said that based on the fact that the final date has not been announced, the iPhone 3.0 will be available in the first half of July.

The new handset will probably be available along with the 3.0 operating system. There is also a chance that Apple may release iPhone 3.0 at WWDC without in-app commerce capability and add that feature later. Apple had previously announced the current iPhone 3G in June 2008 and officially released the iPhone 3G concurrently with the iPhone 2.0 software a month later.

Apple is still to make any official announcement about a hardware upgrade for the popular iPhone. However, according to leaked information like screenshots and photos suggests a hardware upgrade is imminent. Noted and tech columnist Walt Mossberg’s review hints that the hardware upgrade may be revealed at WWDC next week.

Apple has recently released iTunes 8.2, which includes compatibility with iPhone 3.0, indicating that the OS is close to completion.

As the Big Day Approaches - WWDC

With Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) coming up within two days, the entire mobile world’s speculation has reached its boiling point regarding what the company is about to unveil during the conference. Well, this scenario is quite common when Apple products are launched. But, the question that arises now is will Apple be able to meet the expectation of millions of people looking up to the event and amaze them by unveiling something magnificent? Or will they fail to surprise them?

Worldwide iPhone app development companies, independent iPhone app developers, users, mobile market researches, mobile manufacturers and of course the media is waiting with too many questions on their minds. Here are four most significant questions that top the list.

• Will Apple release a new iPhone? What would be new in it?

Apple has been quite open about its upcoming release of the iPhone OS 3.0 update. So, what people are eager to know is whether the upcoming WWDC is about to bring a brand-new iPhone or not? Early this week, on an anonymous blog, photos were posted of an iPhone, which is supposed to resemble the next generation iPhone. The images indicated that the new iPhone would have a built-in MMS support, a voice recorder and probably a video recorder as well. Other rumors further suggested that Apple might come up with a mini iPhone.

• What is Steve Jobs up to?

This is perhaps the second biggest question on everybody’s mind. Well, according to recent buzz, Steve Jobs is likely not being able to stay for the upcoming WWDC. Although Apple was cagey in making any comment on this issue, it is quite clear that Jobs is not eager to make extended public appearance at the conference.

• What is about the video feature?

Since the existing iPhone does not support video, it is quite likely that people are being very inquisitive about the video recording feature that according to the rumors will be featured in the next generation iPhone. The iPhone OS 3.0 updates and the upgrade of Apple’s iTunes Store made people hopeful about the updated iPhone to be enabled for recording / editing video. The availability of the video contents through the iTunes store is again another question.

• What about a tablet device?

From the early speculation of WWDC, a hot rumor emerged saying – Apple is steadily working on developing a multipurpose tablet that will support Web surf, which will enable users to read e-books efficiently. However, according to recent news, even if the tablet device rumor turns out to be true, it is not releasing until 2010.

However, all you can do now is hold your breath and wait for the big day instead of wasting time on making speculations and guesses.

Apples Release of iTunes 8.2 Indicates the Upcoming Launch of iPhone 3.0 OS

As the time for the release of iPhone 3.0 approaches, Apple starts preparing the base for this huge launch. The first step of which is the release of iTunes 8.2. On Monday Apple released iTunes 8.2, which is the updated version of the existing music jukebox software and the online store interface for Windows and Mac. You can download this updated version of iTunes through the Software Update system preference.  

During the release, Apple explained that the iTunes 8.2 will support the iPhones and iPod Touches comes with the iPhone 3.0 software update. The company further declared that few other accessibility improvements and certain bug fixes have also been made in this new version, which makes it more accessible and user friendly.  

According to many iPhone developer and market analysts, the iTunes 8.2 will not only be beneficial for users, but its added features will also help iPhone application developers in terms of flexibility and functionality. Apple further improved the security system of the iTunes 8.2. It was reported that Apple has indeed worked on the bounds checking and improved it to prevent a stack buffer overflow problem, which could lead to unmanageable difficulties like unexpected termination of application or random code execution.  

But what makes the news of the release of iTunes 8.2 remarkable is that the iPhone 3.0 software update, which is the reason why Apple designed the iTunes update, is not yet available in the market. And the company has not even fixed a date for the grand release. However, as the report says, Apple is expected to launch the software at their Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), which is starting from 8th of June and continuing till the 12th in San Francisco, California.  

According to several iPhone app reviews, the iPhone OS 3.0 is currently in beta stage featuring over 1000 Application Programming Interface (APIs) that rightfully exposes the new features and functionalities of the device. Purchasing downloadable contents in applications, accessory support, “Push” notification, Bluetooth based peer-peer connectivity, Map Kit access and iPod library are some of the notable features and functionality that users will enjoy on the next generation iPhone. 

iPhone Application Development – is it a great way to make money?

Since Apple’s iPhone and the App Store has reached the peak of success, most people think that developing iPhone application is perhaps the best and easiest way to make it to the top and earn loads of money. To a certain extent this maybe true, but even if you get into the store, it may not be enough to get what you desire. After the huge success of the App Store, the press has been highlighting the lucky iPhone developer and programmers who made a lot of money through their iPhone programs.

But, truly establishing yourself as a successful iPhone application developer is not as easy as it sounds – it is much more than just hitting the chart. According to most developers, being in the chart maybe an easy job but making it to the top, in terms of money as well as popularity depends entirely on the number of times the application had been downloaded. A LA- based iPhone app developer Rick Strom notes that his app named Zen Jar ranks around 30th in the App Store under the social networking category, and gets around 35 downloads per day, which earns him more than a dollar/ hour even after giving away Apples share. In his blog Strom wrote:

"Keep in mind there are over 36,000 apps in the App Store,". "If the apps on the category charts are doing those sorts of numbers, what do you think the rest of them are doing? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. They aren't selling at all."

However, developers strongly admit that the figures actually start rising as you get to the top of the app chart in the App Store. Initially, hitting the top 25 will give you enough exposure and at the same time will boost downloads of the app. Nevertheless, there are some genres of applications that will earn you more profit than the rest - like games, entertainment or productivity.

According to the market survey, top apps have been downloaded by almost 30% of iPhone users and that too from an estimated user base of more than 15 million people in the US alone. However, this proves that for top-selling apps there is undoubtedly big money – but to get that the app needs to be at the top end of the chart and get as much downloads as possible.

Despite of its several odds and risks, iPhone application development has undoubtedly made its place as one of the most happening industries in the whole world. So, if you are planning to make it big in this field, tighten up your belt, prepare yourself for the fight in every respect and make your way to the top of the App Store list.