The introduction of a gyroscope was an unexpected feature. This feature will allow developers to create apps using a 3-axis gyro system, allowing rotation about gravity and pitch, roll and yaw.
The technology effectively allows developers to create new apps that can be controlled by moving the iPhone in different directions. Jobs previewed a “Jenga” app to show how this would work.
Think of it like an upgraded version of the phone’s accelerometer, which allows developers to create apps controlled by moving the iPhone in different directions.
The iPhone camera has been criticised for being too underpowered. Jobs referenced these criticisms, but said the important factor here was not megapixels, but other features like light-sensors.
As a result, the new camera features 5 megapixels and a backside illuminated sensor – along with an LED flash.
Jobs said the LED flash will even stay on for video recording, so users can shoot at night or in low-light areas.
The updated camera will allow users to even film in HD, and the company is bringing its iMovie software to the iPhone as a result. It’ll cost $US4.99 on the App Store, and features new ways to edit films and create slideshows.
Although iPhone OS 4.0 was already announced a few months ago, Jobs made a surprise announcement – a name change.
The iPhone OS 4.0 is now titled iOS 4.0, and will be released with no charge for iPhone users in about two weeks’ time on June 21. iPhone 3G users will receive the software for free, but will have limited usability, while only third-generation iPod Touch users will be eligible for the upgrade.
There were no new features announced for the iOS4, with the previously mentioned multitasking capabilities, folders, background pictures and the universal mailbox making an appearance.
But the biggest announcement in this section was Apple’s addition of Microsoft’s Bing search engine. Users now have a choice between Google, Yahoo and Bing, with Jobs saying Microsoft had “done a great job”.
The new high-resolution display will allow users to take advantage of the new iBooks Store. It works the same as the iPad version, with both to be updated to include a PDF reader, with Jobs announcing some integration capability.
“We’ll have it on the iPhone, the iPad and the iPod touch. What can we do with these together? First, you can purchase and download a book. It will download wirelessly.”
“You can download the same book to all your devices at no extra charge. Buy it on your iPad, download to your iPhone. And iBooks will automatically and wirelessly sync your current place, all your bookmarks, and all your notes.”
Jobs took the opportunity this morning to display some iAds, the company’s new mobile advertising platform.
A number of ads were displayed, including a Nissan ad which allowed users to interact with a digital model of a car. These ads, he said, allow companies to create new and interesting ads so they can continue to develop apps.
But like all ads, he mentioned, they can be deleted off a screen if users don’t want to see them.
The iAd platform will be switched on July 1, and the company already has $US60 million committed for the second half of the year. Jobs is so confident in the iAd product he predicted the company will control 48% of the mobile advertising market in the second half of the year.
The feature Apple users have been waiting for – video conferencing.
The new front-facing camera on the iPhone 4 allows users to create video calls through a feature Apple calls “facetime”. While the initial feature will only allow calls between iPhone 4 models, and only through WiFi connections, Jobs says this will allow the best quality before deals can be worked out with carriers.
FaceTime can be used with both the front and rear cameras.
The iPhone 4 will hit American shelves on Thursday, June 24, in 16GB and 32GB models for $US199 and $US299 respectively. The gadget comes in two colours, with a slight change – the white version now takes up the entire front and back plates.
The iPhone 4 will be released in the US, France, Germany, Britain and Japan on the first day, while an Australian launch is expected during July. If last year’s release is any indication, local users can expect differing launch dates for the local telcos.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
