iPhone OS 3.0

Finally, the moment has arrived. Apple Push Notification service is live and ready for testing by iPhone software developers for the first time. The service promises to extend the usefulness of a wide variety of AppStore applications by allowing them to receive data even when not running.

This method eliminates the need for apps to run in the background constantly and drain the already taxed iPhone battery. All registered developers can now participate in the testing program and use the service immediately.

Apple has released the second beta version of iPhone OS 3.0 to developers (build 7A259). They are making progress and the latest beta includes several new operational features. Application developers can finally start developing for push notification service, as well as in-app purchasing capabilities. Apple will soon provide live testing services to a limited number of developers.

The home screen in iPhone 3.0 beta 2 allows for up to 11 pages of apps instead of the current 9 pages, which including the dock will provide space for a whopping 180 applications. Stability and speed have also been improved in the latest version.

Apple held their widely anticipated iPhone OS 3.0 preview today in Cupertino, California. There are 100 new features on the way in the new operating system, which will ship this summer and cost nothing for existing iPhone users (iPod Touch users will pay $9.95 for the update).

Scott Forstall, the head of iPhone software development, described iPhone OS 3.0 as "a major update to the operating system." Here's a list of the features announced at the event:

Billed as an advance preview, Apple's March 17th event to discuss the iPhone OS 3.0 software and SDK is generating quite a buzz. Most speculation revolving around the event has rehashed old, tired rumors about features that have failed to materialize on the iPhone, however there are some new developments.

Two of the most interesting new firmware 3.0 predictions are reports of a revised SpringBoard and possible iPhone support for magnetometers. A update to the SpringBoard could include features to help organize multiple applications into folders or categories on the home screen. Magnetometer? Think digital compass, à la Android G1.