The new features of the iPhone

Multi-tasking: Coming soon

With the release of the iPad and its subsequent problems, you'd be justified in feeling that Apple was somewhat dominating the tech-headlines. That doesn't look to change anytime soon with Steve Job's company releasing information regarding the new features for the iPhone's operating system, set to be released later this year.

At Apple's headquarters in California, founder Steve Jobs showcased some of the new features that include a mobile advertising platform called iAd that will enable third party ads to be placed in applications.

This feature could see Apple make even more money from its flagship device by, not only competing with Google's search engine advertising model, but allowing the company to take 40 percent of revenue from ads (60 percent would go to external developers).

The move has been long expected, especially after Apple bought the Quattro Wireless mobile advertising network for almost $300m in January. As such, revenue from mobile advertising is expected to soar over the course of the year.

Not the first... but the best

However the feature that will make many iPhone users have is the long-awaited multi-tasking feature that will finally allow users to run more than one program at a time and switch between apps. Other smartphones have had this capability for a while and it has been a major drawback in the iPhone's OS.

Previewing the features, Jobs showed how the iPhone will now enable people to listen to music while using Google maps, or checking their emails.

Addressing the issue that it has taken Apple a while to finally create a multi-tasking features, Jobs said "We weren't the first to this party, but we're going to be the best."

Other features showcased included the ability to create specific folders to store third party applications downloaded from iTunes, enhanced mail services allowing users to gather mail from multiple accounts into a single inbox and the iBooks feature.

To date, Apple has sold 50 million iPhones, 85 million if you include the iPod Touch. Apple's latest product has also been selling well with 450,000 being sold as of 8 April. As a result, 600,000 electronic books and 3.5 million applications for the iPad have been downloaded since its release.

Relevant articles:

iPad: Hit by glitches? | Will iPhone 4.0 software finally allow multitasking? |Apple Vs HTC: Phone patents

Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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