[Atheist]

Saw it on engadget.

Think we'll see multi-tasking?

[mods can you please move to the OS X forum?]

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Atheist 

Think we'll see multi-tasking?

I'm sure we will. It's the next logical step.

However, it's possible that only the iPad and the next iPhone generation will get real multitasking.

-t

[kman42]

also needed: printing from ipad and some wireless file sharing, perhaps Back to My Mac

[jokell82]

I wonder how soon after the anouncement we'll see the release. Seems kinda quick timing after the iPad release this weekend.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by jokell82 

I wonder how soon after the Nnouncement we'll see the release. Seems kinda quick timing after the iPad release this weekend.

My guess: it will be introduced with the next generation iPhones, sometime in June.

As always, Apple wants to give the developers time to adjust their apps, so that at the start, stuff is already available.
This would give developers (again) about 2 months.

-t

[jokell82]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

My guess: it will be introduced with the next generation iPhones, sometime in June.

As always, Apple wants to give the developers time to adjust their apps, so that at the start, stuff is already available.
This would give developers (again) about 2 months.

-t

Except that the rumor was the iPad would launch with OS 4.0, so it wouldn't surprise me if the release comes much sooner than June.

[Atheist]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

I'm sure we will. It's the next logical step.

However, it's possible that only the iPad and the next iPhone generation will get real multitasking.

-t

The 1st gen and 3G phones are definitely too slow but they might make multi-tasking available on the 3GS.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by jokell82 

Except that the rumor was the iPad would launch with OS 4.0, so it wouldn't surprise me if the release comes much sooner than June.

I never believed that rumor - it doesn't make sense for Apple to suddenly ship a different OS than the developers had to adjust their apps. Has FAIL written all over it.

-t

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Atheist 

The 1st gen and 3G phones are definitely too slow but they might make multi-tasking available on the 3GS.

Yes, possibly.

-t

[Eug]

I NEED a new iPhone. Here's hoping for an imminent iPhone release. My 3G is too slow, has dirt under the screen, and has a cracked shell.

I just hope I can get the subsidized price early. (I'm not supposed to be able to update it until January under the usual contract upgrade rules.)

[turtle777]

I'm eligible for an upgrade, so I wouldn't mind.

But the timing and lack of any rumors of an imminent new iPhone makes me think it's not the likely option.

Plus, why would Apple want to start a brand-new OS w/o any apps available ? That's not how they played it in the past.

-t

[Eug]

I'm thinking April OS announcment, and June iPhone announcement.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Eug 

I'm thinking April OS announcment, and June iPhone announcement.

Yes, same here.

-t

[slugslugslug]

I’m going with the majority here. It’ll be available for existing devices the day the next iPhone comes out, which will be sometime in June. At least some features will exclude the first iPhone and iPod touch (and possibly the 3G, since it’s got the original CPU).

I think third-party multitasking is a shoo-in, and of course the giant question is how to make it elegant. They could just allow users to choose which apps get to multitask (just like we get to toggle notifications on a per-app basis). This has the advantage of preventing sloppily-written apps from using CPU/RAM/Network resources (and hence battery) in the background while not doing anything a user cares about. On the other hand, it adds a lot of complexity from the user perspective, and neither on nor off is an ideal default setting for every app.

[imitchellg5]

I'm pretty excited. I'm sure it'll support the iPhone 3G, but not the original. But why would the 3G iPod touch be excluded? It has a faster CPU than the 3GS.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by kman42 

also needed: printing from ipad and some wireless file sharing, perhaps Back to My Mac

Wireless file sharing already works. Check out Dropbox. It's free (up to 2 GB).

[slugslugslug]

I also keep thinking they’re going to add some other features to make MobileMe look more attractive. I know the NC data center could just be for growth of the iTunes/App/iBooks stores, but it seems like with all the ways people might share information between touch and desktop apps, it’d be really beautiful if they made an API for syncing arbitrary data in the background via the cloud whenever you make changes. For small changes, it might happen just like the current PIM stuff over MobileMe. Big changes might be a bit more complicated. To ease Apple’s server load, it could do something Back-To-My-Mac-like: give the Mac’s IP address to the iPad and let them sync directly over the internet, but they might want to add a user-configurable limit to the size of changes that get synced automatically.

But think how cool it would be if you bought a song on your iPad at the coffeeshop and it just showed up on your Mac before you even got home. Or you edited an iPhoto album on your Mac and didn’t have to remember to sync it to the iPhone…

[slugslugslug]

Originally Posted by imitchellg5 

I'm pretty excited. I'm sure it'll support the iPhone 3G, but not the original. But why would the 3G iPod touch be excluded? It has a faster CPU than the 3GS.

That was unclear, I meant maybe the original touch or the iPhone 3G. I knew at least one of the touches was faster than the first 2 iPhone models, but couldn’t recall the details.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Simon 

Wireless file sharing already works. Check out Dropbox. It's free (up to 2 GB).

It would be nice if the iPad /iPhone could just access Bonjour-advertised local shared volumes.

But, that would mean having to deal with folder structures, which isn't likely to be introduced on the iPad / iPhone.

-t

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Eug 

I'm thinking April OS announcment, and June iPhone announcement.

Sounds just right.

I definitely need to update my 3G this summer. Like you, mine has some dust under the glass and I have a small crack on the back bottom. I have also completely filled up the 16GB and have started leaving music at home so I can fit mission-critical stuff. I can't wait for a snappy 32 GB iPhone and a compass (augmented reality apps).

I was hoping the next iPhone might come 4G enabled, but with the state of 4G adoption in the US that seems to be something we won't see until the 5th generation arrives. Shame really. The town I live in right now is getting 4G (LTE, not Wimax) by summer.

I'm not too keen on multitasking considering the possible cost (battery life, RAM, CPU). The only thing I'm missing right now is background notification for Skype. If multitasking takes care of that then fine by me. I am looking forward to a more snappy interface. The 3GS is already a lot better so I guess the 4th gen iPhone will be much nicer to use in that respect than my old 3G.

[slugslugslug]

Originally Posted by Simon 

Wireless file sharing already works. Check out Dropbox. It's free (up to 2 GB).

I think the idea is pervasive and consistent wireless file sharing. As in, as long as the touch device and desktop machine are on the same network, you can send a file to the touch device without plugging it in or having a specific app running. That would be pretty friggin’ sweet.

[kman42]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

It would be nice if the iPad /iPhone could just access Bonjour-advertised local shared volumes.

But, that would mean having to deal with folder structures, which isn't likely to be introduced on the iPad / iPhone.

-t

Exactly. Dropbox is nice, but no better than an iDisk: they both require that you planned ahead and transferred your document from your computer to the cloud.

I think Apple could implement wireless file sharing in a way that doesn't require a visible file system on the iPad. When you are in Pages and choose to open a file, it gives you the locally stored files and then gives you a choice to browse all local Bonjour machines (and Back to My Mac machines). You then just get a column view Finder-type window that only shows you folders and Pages-friendly documents. Keynote would just show you presentations, Numbers would just show you spreadsheets. They could open the API to third-party apps as well. It would be simple and very convenient.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by slugslugslug 

I think the idea is pervasive and consistent wireless file sharing. As in, as long as the touch device and desktop machine are on the same network, you can send a file to the touch device without plugging it in or having a specific app running. That would be pretty friggin’ sweet.

On the iPhone it would likely always involve an app running. Apple could implement SMP/AFP browsing for Bonjour shares. But I rather doubt they would want to implement a FS viewer on the iPhone making such an app rather unlikely.

Meanwhile Dropbox is quasi-instantaneous and it doesn't require any special login procedure. When I drag something to my Dropbox folder it's pretty much immediately available on my iPhone. Sure, it has to be my Dropbox folder, but in principle that's no different than a SMB/AFP share.

Ultimately because the iPhone doesn't have a user-accessible FS, mounting shares will simply not be part of Apple's playbook.

[kman42]

Originally Posted by slugslugslug 

I think the idea is pervasive and consistent wireless file sharing. As in, as long as the touch device and desktop machine are on the same network, you can send a file to the touch device without plugging it in or having a specific app running. That would be pretty friggin’ sweet.

Close, but I don't want to SEND a file to the touch device. I want to PULL files to the touch device. If you have to physically access the computer, it defeats the purpose as you can already transfer files if you are sitting in front of the computer. It should be that you can access the computer from the device, whether you are on the same local network or using Back to My Mac.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by kman42 

I think Apple could implement wireless file sharing in a way that doesn't require a visible file system on the iPad. When you are in Pages and choose to open a file, it gives you the locally stored files and then gives you a choice to browse all local Bonjour machines (and Back to My Mac machines). You then just get a column view Finder-type window that only shows you folders and Pages-friendly documents. Keynote would just show you presentations, Numbers would just show you spreadsheets. They could open the API to third-party apps as well. It would be simple and very convenient.

That's a nice idea, but it goes against pushing people towards iWork.com for that sort of Mac-iPad sharing.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by kman42 

Close, but I don't want to SEND a file to the touch device. I want to PULL files to the touch device. If you have to physically access the computer, it defeats the purpose as you can already transfer files if you are sitting in front of the computer. It should be that you can access the computer from the device, whether you are on the same local network or using Back to My Mac.

You could use a VNC app to move a missing file on the Mac to the Dropbox folder. Obviously this is not a nice as a true PULL, but it does work around Apple's limitations.

[imitchellg5]

Originally Posted by slugslugslug 

That was unclear, I meant maybe the original touch or the iPhone 3G. I knew at least one of the touches was faster than the first 2 iPhone models, but couldn’t recall the details.

Okay, I gotcha.

[kman42]

Originally Posted by Simon 

That's a nice idea, but it goes against pushing people towards iWork.com for that sort of Mac-iPad sharing.

I hope iWork.com isn't their only solution. It also involves planning ahead and transferring files from your computer to the website. It just seems like a silly extra step given that they already have the technology to do it in a simpler way (Bonjour, Back to My Mac).

[Simon]

I hear you loud and clear, but I have my doubts if Steve agrees with us on this one.

[moonmonkey]

I have a sneaking feeling this will be the best update yet:

Features (confirmed by a friend that works in an Apple Store):get your hand off it, i'm on joking
Multitasking for 3rd party apps, but within a certain no of cpu cycles and strict memory requirements
optional unified inbox (sms, mms, mail)
unread messages displayed on lock screen
wallpaper on springboard
Turn by turn on maps, possibly augmented reality tied into maps

[jokell82]

Originally Posted by moonmonkey 

I have a sneaking feeling this will be the best update yet:

Features (confirmed by a friend that works in an Apple Store):get your hand off it, i'm on joking
Multitasking for 3rd party apps, but within a certain no of cpu cycles and strict memory requirements
optional unified inbox (sms, mms, mail)
unread messages displayed on lock screen
wallpaper on springboard
Turn by turn on maps, possibly augmented reality tied into maps

The people that work in the apple store have no advanced knowledge of anything. Your friend got all of those from rumor sites.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by jokell82 

The people that work in the apple store have no advanced knowledge of anything. Your friend got all of those from rumor sites.

QFT.

-t

[moonmonkey]

Actually they happen to be quite senior (branch Manager), so it's unlikely they wouldn't know this.
oh my god, I can't believe you people are eating this crap up.

[turtle777]

What are you ? A trollmonkey ?

-t

[moonmonkey]

sorry, i'm in a cheeky mood today, but my guess for features still stands.

[Andy8]

Originally Posted by moonmonkey 

sorry, i'm in a cheeky mood today, but my guess for features still stands.

It is the humidity here my friend.

[kenna]

Is this event about 4 hours away now?

If someone could post the actual amount of hours we are away, that'd be helpful. I'm overseas.

Looking forward to the announcement.

[jokell82]

4 hours from the time you posted, yes.

[slugslugslug]

Lots of rumors about iAd. Makes sense in light of Apple’s purchase of Quattro. I’m sure a lot of developers would love it, since users seem to want everything to be free, or at least under $5 on the App Store. If you’re going to get paid through Apple for your apps or updates anyway, may as well have an account with them for the advertising.

I think if they do announce an API for their ad platform, they’ll need to balance it out with more than one announcement that end users will be excited about. App Store shoppers may accept that ads can help keep prices low, but they’re not going to be thrilled to hear about it.

I really think Apple should push more MobileMe integration with the next OS. They’ve got a huge head start in the smartphone and new touchscreen tablet markets, but I think Tim O’Reilly had a great point in the NYT: services are going to be really important in keeping people using and buying your stuff. Hell, I think they should treat MobileMe as a bit of a loss leader to sell hardware, like the iTMS originally was (I have a feeling Apple’s not losing money on the App Store). Give away 6 months or a year of MobileMe with every iPhone OS device, make it seem essential to operating the thing, and make it $50/year thereafter.

[Atheist]

Originally Posted by slugslugslug 

Hell, I think they should treat MobileMe as a bit of a loss leader to sell hardware, like the iTMS originally was (I have a feeling Apple’s not losing money on the App Store). Give away 6 months or a year of MobileMe with every iPhone OS device, make it seem essential to operating the thing, and make it $50/year thereafter.

I agree wholeheartedly. MobileMe is a great service but way overpriced. They don't give you much of an incentive to subscribe.

[jokell82]

Originally Posted by Atheist 

I agree wholeheartedly. MobileMe is a great service but way overpriced. They don't give you much of an incentive to subscribe.

I never pay more than $60/year, which is only $5 per month. I don't think it's overpriced, but I wouldn't argue with it being cheaper either.

[ort888]

No comments?

Bluetooth keyboards and multitasking so far.

Hells yeah!

[Mrjinglesusa]

MULTITASKING! Sweeeeeet. Me wants NOW. And it looks like it is perfectly implemented to boot.

[The Final Dakar]

BOOO Multitasking!!

[ort888]

I wonder when multitasking is going to hit the iPad and why they didn't announce it sooner.

EDIT: I guess now CNN can run 7 front page stories on how multi-tasking is coming to the iPad...

[lpkmckenna]

Activate multitouch with double-click home. I called it.

[Mrjinglesusa]

7 Multitasking Services available to developers:

1) BACKGROUND AUDIO - yes, that means we can now stream Pandora stations while playing a game. Keeps playing when you lock the screen (Took the Pandora developers only one day to make it background aware)

2) VoIP - yes, you can now run VoIP apps IN THE BACKGROUND. You can receive Skype calls with the phone locked Skype call stays open and tappable at the top of the screen

More to come...

All information posted here is essentially copied and pasted from MacLife Live Feed

[Mrjinglesusa]

Originally Posted by ort888 

I wonder when multitasking is going to hit the iPad and why they didn't announce it sooner.

EDIT: I guess now CNN can run 7 front page stories on how multi-tasking is coming to the iPad...

Same time as the iPhone 4.0 software I'm certain. Summer 2010.

[lpkmckenna]

This "seven services" looks like a great way to handle background tasks.

[osiris]

Folders! It's the thing of the future!