Inside next-gen Apple iPhone

Computing giant Apple is back to safeguard its turf in the smartphone market with the launch of next-generation iPhone OS. The new operating system, called iPhone OS 4.0, adds as many as 100 new features, including the much-wished multitasking feature and an all new look.

Apple iPhone which created a revolution in the mobile industry, has been facing onslaught from smartphones based on Google's open source OS Android and some other big smartphone manufacturers who have just launched a slew of iPhone rivals.

Here's looking into all that's new in Apple iPhone OS 4.0.
The most-sought after feature multitasking will finally make its way in the next-gen iPhone. This means the upcoming iPhone will be able to run more than one programme at a time, an ability that phones from Apple's rivals already offer.

iPhone OS 4 will deliver seven new multitasking services that allow apps to perform tasks in the background while preserving battery life and performance. These multitasking services include Background audio, Voice over IP, Background location, Push notifications, Local notifications, Task finishing and Fast app switching.

Though the current iPhone model allows minor multitasking, the feature is limited to Apple's own programmes. For instance, currently a call automatically ends if iPhone users exit the Skype app. With multitasking, that call could continue, or users could receive incoming Skype calls even if they are reading news.

Finally, iPhone gets a camera update. The upcoming model will have a 5x digital zoom. Present iPhone version, iPhone 3GS, packs a 3 megapixel autofocus camera.

Other new features include the ability to create playlists on the phone.  
Another interesting addition is folder support. The new iPhone OS will come with folders to organise and access applications.

According to Apple, the feature will let users simply drag one app icon onto another and a new folder will automatically be created. The folder will automatically get a name based on the App Store category of that app.
 The new operating system also features a spell check function and will allow users to buy applications and gift them directly through their iPhones.

Other new features include larger fonts for email, texts and alerts, tap to focus video, Bluetooth keyboards, Birthday calendar, Web search suggestions and Search text messages.  Mail to friend
Apple's new OS promises improved mail functionality that will let users funnel incoming mail from multiple email accounts into a single inbox.

This means the new OS will allow users to see messages from all their email accounts displayed together in a single inbox. With just a few taps, users can quickly switch between inboxes to see messages from any single account. The new OS will also let users thread their messages by conversation, making it easier to stay on top of email discussions, as well as open email attachments.

Among other features, Apple has introduced an iBooks reader that will allow users to download electronic books online and transfer them between their iPhones and iPads.

The iBooks function will wirelessly sync between the two devices so readers will not lose their place when shifting from one to the other.
Apple also introduced iAd, a mobile advertising system that is built into the phone.

According to Apple, The iAd system will allow developers and ad agencies to build advertising directly into their applications, compete with the emotional impact of television ads and earn money beyond selling their applications.

Currently, when users click on mobile ads they are always taken out of their app to a web browser, which loads the advertiser’s webpage. However, iAd will display full-screen video and interactive ad content without ever leaving the app, and letting users return to their app anytime they choose.

Apple also announced the launch of a social gaming network for the iPhone, claiming the device had more than ten times the number of games available for traditional hand-held consoles like the Nintendo DS and Sony's PSP.
iPhone OS 4 will be available as a software update to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer. The OS will soon be available for iPad users too. However, the multitasking function won't work with the original iPhone or the iPhone 3G. The 3GS versions released last summer will get the mutitasking feature. For the iPod Touch, multitasking feature will be available for the models that came out late last year.