So, there was an event today to show developers what they can do with the next version of the iPhone (and iPod Touch) software, due out in "Summer" - just in time for the next version of the hardware, no doubt. Free for iPhone users, $9.95 or equivalent local currency for iTouch users.
Much of the presentation was taken up showing off the new features developers can use to create cool applications, but there was some time at the end devoted to new features that will be built in.
First and foremost - cut, copy and paste, MMS messaging and the ability to forward messages. Yes, these features have been available on pretty much every other phone for years now, and Apple are very late to the party, but at least they're coming, and they're well implemented too. I'm sure they'll be much appreciated!
Other tweaks include landscape (and therefore larger) keyboards available in every major application, and system-wide search. This last item was a pretty inexcusable omission, given the excellent Spotlight search feature in the Mac operating system.
One feature I'm quite excited about, and another one that should have been there from the start, is full A2DP stereo Bluetooth support. With the new software, you'll be able to use bluetooth earphones in the gym, or connect your iPhone to a compatible car stereo, no wires in sight. Marvellous!
There's plenty more to the new software, and I for one am excited to see what software developers are going to come up with, given these new toys to play with.
For a pretty concise guide to all the newly announced features, see this Gizmodo article.
One final point - first gen iPhone and iPod touch users are out of luck with some features - no Bluetooth for the iPod, and no MMS for the iPhone. I don't really understand that - my little Nokia 6300 isn't 3G, and it handles MMS absolutely fine...
