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Why the iPad’s user agent string presents a problem
Apple marketed the iPad at launch as an internet device designed for the full web. So why then are they explicitly classifying it as a mobile device?Read the story »
Multitask apps can be killed in OS 4.0
Scott Forstall, SVP of iPhone Software for Apple, appeared to dodge the question of how to kill an app running in the new multitasking interface for iPhone OS 4.0. When asked during the Q & A session post announcement, he stated that it wasn't necessary to kill the apps in the first place. Note he never actually said you can't kill an app, and the iPhone Simulator for OS 4.0 confirms directly that yes, rest assured, you can kill a running app quickly and easily, and it's just as you would expect - tap and hold, and a red dash icon appears over the app. Touch again and the process is killed. Simple, expected, works. See the image to the right for a screen shot.
Really, killing apps is the only reason to have the multitask bar anyway - since multiple instances of running apps isnt possible in iPhone OS, you could simply return to the running app by re-tapping the app icon on the home screen. The multitask bar exists solely for a shortcut to running apps and to kill them from running.
No more stressing in the blogs about apps being killed only by the OS! You do have control if you want it. Likely what Scott was implying is that you just don't have to monitor it if you don't choose to.
iPhone OS 4.0 beta does not include iPad device firmware
Officially official - Apple already stated the iPad wouldn't get an end user 4.0 release until the fall, and in line with that developers do not have access to an on-device 4.0 beta in the just released SDK either.
How paid apps increase platform loyalty
If you've ever considered the switch from PC to Mac or vice-versa, you've undoubtedly faced a slew of decisions before opting to take the plunge. One of the biggest that is not readily apparent to many is the cost of software purchased for your platform. Depending on computing needs, the software dollars pumped into one's platform of choice can range from next to nothing if you are internet only user to thousands or more if professional applications are in the mix. But what about switching mobile platforms?
Google’s Nexus One and the future of Android
If you haven't heard of the Nexus One yet, you will. Over the past 48 hours, tweets started rolling in of a potential first party 'Google phone', flying directly in the face of previous statements from Google themselves of staying strictly a platform developer. Actually, Google still hasn't moved into the hardware space. Rather, this appears to be a Google branded HTC device, the Passion / Bravo (engadget link), which makes sense given HTC's history and future plans with the Android platform.
2010 predictions: iPhone OS version 4.0 features
As 2009 draws to a close, it's a good time to start preparing for upcoming trends and advances in the web and mobile space. The first in a series, this post is all about what should be the buzz of March 2010: the iPhone OS 4.0 announcement.
If history is any indication (and with Apple, it definitely is), we know a few things are likely facts about the next major iteration of the iPhone OS.
Jeff dePascale is a web and mobile applications professional based in Fairfield County, CT.
