The iOS SDK 4.1 Beta and iOS 4.1 Beta are available for download to any of the registered iPhone developers. It includes some new features, including new modem firmware software. The update seems to be packed with even more interesting features, which may be why they decided to name it 4.1 instead of 4.0.1 (which is normally reserved for minor updates and bug fixes).
Here are some of them for you to consider:
- New signal bars algorithm, which would make a “better” calculation of the iPhone’s signal strength showing new and taller bars on the phone
- Checking spelling can be turned off now in keyboard preferences
- There’s a new version of the Apple’s new social gaming network: Game Center
- Flash/Camera buttons reposition themselves in landscape
- It seems they’ve removed the possibility to install the Beta unless you provide your device’s UDID
- Favorites in the Phone app can now be added as Voice or Facetime
There are also some rumors about Apple getting harder on the jailbrake community. It seems the company is implementing a new encryption technology to apply a digital watermark or fingerprint that will check periodically if your iDevices have been jailbroken (presumably to inform Apple employees when you try to validate your warranty or AppleCare).
Even though the new algorithm seems to be more accurate and the phone is reporting network status correctly, it’s been reported that the problem with the “Death grip” is still present (which is what you would expect, unless you believe in fairy tales).
Some sites over the web are reporting that Apple has many other features, some of them that could be considered “great,” and which are not yet present in the developer builds released this day.
We’re still waiting on Apple’s true response to the iPhone 4 antenna problem. We know for sure there’s no easy solution to that, but we also know what Apple is made of, and we’d like to think something good is coming from Cupertino to solve this critical issue. After all, I’d hate to wait until an iPhone 5 to get my hands on Apple’s phone for the first time.
Read [MacRumors and RazorianFly]
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Having some sort of case allegedly solves the problem. How many people are NOT going to buy a case for their new multiple hundred dollar iPhone, even if there wasn't a reception issue?
You'd be surprised. Apple prides itself in its designs and as such, so do many of its customers. Cases, to myself and many, ruin the look of the phone. Not personally owning an iPhone, I purchased an Evo and have not bought a case only because I cannot find one that just plain looks good.
The "Bumpers" cover the only area on the phone that isn't glass. And replace it with either neon colors, black, or white. The neon just gives the iPhone a childish look. The black or white would probably be my choice if I HAD to pick one. But if I purchase an iPhone, I would most likely not get any of them. Metal is so much more stylish and visually appealing than rubber.
@Bob: I do agree on this one with @Greg, I've had a few iPods since they came out and I only bought a bumper for the first one. After noticing how that case sent away everything I loved about my iPod's looks, I just took it off and never bought one again.
Now I have the iPod Touch 2nd Gen and it is so thin and stylish that putting a case over it would be like a crime to me. Of course, my iPod has now some scratches that could be avoided, helping me keep it in better shape but still, I rather see it just the way it is that cover it with anything.
The real problem here is that Apple has done something considered uncommon for the company. They released a new product with a real hardware problem, something that can not be fixed with a firmware update or a software update like some other times.
This is a major issue and I'm really interested in finding out what they have to say in that press conference tomorrow. They took a pretty low position denying any real issues, and trying to justify their faulty phone with excuses. I hope tomorrow they do what's right for their customers and act like a multi-billion dollar company, taking responsibility and somehow fixing this problem.
I don't have an iPhone but this one really made me crave for one. If they fix it properly I'll be getting it by the end of the year, if they don't…… I don't even want to think about it
What about the big issue for most of us iphone 4 users…..Proximity sensor…….NEEDS TO BE FIXED ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've heard a lot about that problem being fixed in the next software update. I hope it's true.
Good luck!
A lot of the thing I've been reading about features and fixes on the upcoming iOS 4.1 have been geared for the iPhone 4. What about the issues that 3GS users have been experiencing ever since we've updated to iOS 4.0. The most recent 4.0.1 didn't make any fixes to 3GS issues, and some have even reported that it's made their phone even worse than with 4.0.
Maybe this is Apple's way of forcing people to upgrade to the iPhone 4? Not very Apple like if you ask me.
Hi Shawn, I should say I agree with you regarding Apple's total focus on the iPhone 4 in detriment to older models. Not only older iPhones but iPod Touches as well.
I have a 2G iPod Touch and after installing the latest version of the iOS it behaves like a first-gen Intel Celeron running Windows Vista.
I don't think though, that this is part of the company's strategy to make user's upgrade to a new model. Even though iPhones sales are a pretty big deal, everyone with an older iPhone or iPod can still make the company money through the App Store, accessories, etc.
Maybe that's not even a reason, but I hardly believe that when Apple's engineers are thinking about software designs and implementation they think of ways to make the OS and the apps run slower just to make us buy new products. Maybe I'm just being naive. It wouldn't be the first time.
Let's hope they introduce performance improvements for older models.
Thanks for reading and posting.
Cheers.