Posts tagged multitask
Multifl0w for iPhone 4 (or 3GS…)
Aug 26th
Oh how iPhone users are just loving multi-tasking. Even though it was possible in iOS 3.1.3 with Cydia hack “Backgrounder”, the new native environment for multi-tasking is so clean. But now there is an even fancier method for multi tasking, and it is called Multifl0w.
Multifl0w is an Expose-like backgrounding interface for iOS 4 and iPhone 4 (also works with iPhone 3GS and iPad). Multifl0w allows for a graphical display of open applications down to the last screenshot of that app loaded onscreen. This brings the true Expose feel one might be accustomed to on a Mac straight to their iDevice on the go.
You can find Multifl0w in the Cydia store for $4.99. Let us know what you think!
[video via adampollack]
iBooks Available Now, Many Apps Updating
Jun 21st
The official release of iBooks is available now for download, get it here. In my quick look, it’s super smooth. Definitely blows GoodReader out of the water for PDF support. Animations are smooth, and effective. Like the iPad version, the application has hardware control over the brightness (cheaters). Chapter selection on PDFs does not appear to work, it goes by page instead. Bookmark syncing, notes, highlights and searches (on words) are all fully functional…, except in PDFs. I can’t seem to get it to work there. Don’t forget that Winnie-the-Pooh is free!
Also pouring in are iOS 4 enabled applications. Many simply getting fast app switching (which is just like multitasking for apps that don’t “do anything” like WordPress), but others getting legitimate multitasking capability as well. Engadget has a preliminary list here. Ars Technica has a massive, seven page epic on the new operating system for those that have some free time.
Reminder: iOS 4 Drops Today
Jun 21st
Plug in your iDevices and mash that update button. The update apparently has come through for some, but not all. Patience everyone. As far as I know, no multitasking enabled apps are in the store - or none that I use. Unfortunately we’ll have to wait on developers for that. On a personal note, I hope iBooks drops today as well. If you’re a little anxious waiting for it, you can read the sneak peeks. MobileCrunch has some info too.
Skype For iPhone Gets Updated To Include 3G Calling
May 29th
Finally, the day has come! Even though Apple and AT&T lifted the restriction on 3G VoIP calls just under six months ago, it seems truly ironic that the only application people wanted to use hadn’t been updated to support it. This update comes about thirteen months after its original release. If it took this long just for 3G support, imagine how long it will take for multitask support.
But don’t break out the cake and party favors just yet. Skype’s VoIP calls are arbitrarily free until August, then afterward, we expect it to have a monthly fee (which appears to be undetermined at this point). I’m fairly certain this is a Skype thing and not a carrier thing. Data is data, so there should be no technical reason they need to charge — this is purely a profit thing (which isn’t wrong, just sad). I’ve tested it, it works, and the whole application feels less janky — always a plus.
Skype for iPhone 2.0
What’s Left To Complain About?
May 22nd
When the original iPhone launched, there was a lot to complain about. Despite the iPhone being a revolutionary step forward for the entire cellphone market, it still had many shortcomings. No MMS, camera flash, copy/paste, GPS, multitasking, or, even apps to multitask with. Whiners everywhere proclaimed the iPhone a failure because it didn’t have X, Y or Z feature. Over the years, Apple has been slowly improving upon the hardware design and software. Now, even minute details have been covered. Features that few people would use, but complained enough about. Like A2DP or bluetooth keyboard support. Still, there are many that will not concede to the iPhone nor admit its power. This must have something to do with the religious war that is smartphones, except the iPhone is always the victim.
No, no one ever complains that the most innovative Blackberry apps available can crop photos or shorten links. Oooh. Wow. Sarcasm aside, there’s definitely a problem when in order to play Guitar Hero, one must download the track you’re playing for every round. The platform and operating system are dated and stagnant. “Oh, but the iPhone doesn’t do email.” Cool it, I’ve owned two Blackberries and the iPhone does email fine. Just because it doesn’t have a keyboard doesn’t mean email is impossible — that’s absolutely ignorant.
Then there’s the Android folk, whose entire getup is a mishmash of failed attempts to copy the iPhone with the confusing “geeky” (read: complicated) nature of Windows Mobile 5. Nah, Android deserves more credit than that. However, when I talk to people with Cliqs or Droids and they say “My phone is so much better than yours…” I always prompt them with a “Why?” To which I get a fumbled response about it being open or something. Here’s what being open has gotten Android, a collection of poorly ported iPhone apps and a ton of dumb 2D games (also clones). Oh right, and the phone’s hardware will be outdated in a month, and kiss OS updates goodbye.
Okay, so I’m a little on the offensive here, sorry. I just don’t get it. The iPhone does everything. With the impending 4.0 release, there will be nothing to complain about. The phone that didn’t multitask, didn’t have a front facing camera, didn’t MMS, didn’t have GPS, didn’t have 3G,.. will now have everything anyone could care about ever. So, don’t even think to say that your Storm 2 or Incredible can even come close to comparing to an iPhone 4, cause it can’t. Yes, you may like your phone, but attacking the iPhone for what it doesn’t have is entirely hypocritical. Make your statements now, because after this summer, they’ll mean nothing.
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