Apple Preps iPhone 3.1 Software

Only two weeks after releasing 3.0 firmware, Apple is giving developers the next version that includes improved voice controls, more APIs, and improved video editing.

Apple's work on the iPhone's operating system continues. Weeks after the release of version 3.0, it has given developers a software development kit for the 3.1 version of the software.

The company just released the 3.0 software to the public two weeks ago, and it brought features such as cut and paste, a push-notification system, and Spotlight search to iPhone and iPod Touch owners. The updated firmware was also preloaded on Apple's iPhone 3GS, which sold over a million units in its debut weekend.

The iPhone SDK 3.1 was delivered to developers Tuesday, and it offers a handful of new features. One of the appealing factors of the iPhone 3GS is its ability to record, edit, and upload videos with its 3.2-megapixel camera. The latest firmware will enable users to trim videos without losing the excess parts, and will give third-party applications access to the video editing software.

Another new aspect of the 3.1 SDK is the ability for the iPhone 3GS to use voice control functionality over Bluetooth. This means users will be able to use various Bluetooth headsets for voice dialing, or to give audible commands to play music. Additionally, developers said the new SDK has various small user interface improvements, and more tactile feedback when moving applications.

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New iPhone 3.0 Beta Software Brings More Improvements

Apple released last night a third beta build of the iPhone 3.0 software, taking developers one step closer to the final release in June. Arriving exactly two weeks after the previous build, the iPhone 3.0 third beta software build brings speed improvements and plenty of under-the-hood goodies.

One of the most significant additions to the latest beta of the iPhone 3.0 software is the way individual apps will be able to notify users of updates or additional content. At the moment, individual apps flag users only in iTunes of new events, but with the 3.0 build, they will be able to do so right on the phone via badge, text or sound notifications.

Developers are also reporting further improvements in the latest beta carrying the 7A280f build number: Spotlight (phone-wide search) will now let users save the last search they made, and can set restrictions for inside-application purchases and location data.

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Apple's iPhone 3.0 Software Stokes Developer Hopes

Developers and Apple fans chime in on the features they'd like to see in the new mobile operating system when the company reveals its hand March 17.

Apple plans to hold a media briefing March 17 to introduce version 3.0 of its iPhone software, an event that developers hope will bring long-promised features to the iPhone.

Among the most desired features missing from the iPhone is the ability to copy and paste data between iPhone applications.

While Apple has not said anything about what will be announced, developers have been hoping for copy and paste with every iteration of the iPhone SDK and one of these days, they'll get their wish.

Multimedia Message Service and tethering are two new features that The Boy Genius Report, citing unnamed sources, claims will be introduced.

Veteran Apple watcher John Gruber reiterated his wish list from MacWorld in January. He's hoping for a new home screen application to make managing multiple screens full of application icons easier. Like many other developers, he'd also like to see the promised background notification API.

Apple said it was working on an API to enable developers to push data to applications that aren't active. Background processes that do this are currently forbidden by the iPhone SDK license agreement, partly to prolong the iPhone's battery life.

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