iPhone OS 4.0: It has all been done before, but…
Within minutes of the iPhone OS 4.0 announcement yesterday the nay sayers were filling Twitter and various blogs with comments like “that feature has been on (insert mobile OS here) for years!” To be fair they are completely correct and it does seem odd that Apple can announce ‘new’ features that have existed in some mobile operating systems for over 5 years.
However, these negative comments mean nothing to iPhone users who use their devices every day because they consider them easier to use and to provide a richer experience than other mobile platforms, and completing the circle with a set of features that the others have makes them even happier with their iPhones.The fact is that iPhone OS 4.0 includes everything that people like me have been annoyed about for many months. Calendar access is a big one because this should open the door to third party alternatives which brings PIM up to scratch in one fell swoop. Unified email will stop the crazy tapping frenzy that is required to access multiple accounts and the addition of folders brings some much needed organisation to the simple, but annoying icon setup we have to live with at the moment. Wallpapers will be overlooked, but is needed to offer the user the personalisation they expect in any smartphone in 2010.
