iPhone 2.0 Software

People sometimes point out that there are many other phones that boast better cameras, removable batteries, and offer 3G, wi-fi, internet and mp3 playback capabilities. What makes the iPhone so special? "Well, other than being built on an optimized version of the Mac OS X architecture combined with multi-touch technology...nothing really."

In simpler terms, software is what makes the iPhone shine where no other phone can. The good thing about software is that you can always change it. With iTunes being the master controller for the iPhone, Apple can easily issue a software update that can change any feature that they currently provide. Thus, users of the original iPhone literally have the same functionality as 3G iPhone customers sans GPS and 3G (as these are hardware related)...but there's more...Apple calls it the App Store and already it seems destined to follow in the successful footsteps of its bigger brother the iTunes Store.
You see, before iPhone 2.0, developers were not excited about mobile platforms because there was no easy way to reach customers. Through the App Store, Apple has created an environment where third-party developers can directly reach every iPhone customer and where customers can browse through and purchase applications on the go.

Last week, we reviewed the iPhone 3G hardware, now let's take a look at the iPhone 2.0 software. iPhone 2.0 software reigns supreme in being the most intuitive and graphically appealing user interface on any mobile device.The most impressive thing about first using an iPhone is how realistically it responds to your touches and gestures. For example, using cover flow in iTunes on a computer and on the iPhone are two totally different experiences. The first feels like a programmed response to a mouse action while the second creates the illusion that the data is not on a device but that you are actually holding it in your hand.

 App Store

This is undoubtedly the most anticipated feature of the iPhone 2.0 Software and Apple did not fail to deliver. From games to utilities to apps for random fun, the App Store offers a wide variety of applications that will just truly amaze you!  These apps extend the functionality of the iPhone by 100%. It is only after browsing the App Store can one truly appreciate the power of the iPhone and understand why it is in a league by itself and should not even be compared to smart phones. One app for example called "Remote" allows you to control your iTunes Library and your Apple TV wirelessly over wi-fi. Currently there are more than 1000 applications available with hundreds of them being free and the majority of them costing under $10.00 USD.
 
 GPS

The iPhone 2.0 software now supports GPS technology built into the iPhone 3G. In the bottom left corner of Google Maps, is a 'locate me' button which pinpoints your location on the map by using a combination of GPS, wi-fi and cell tower triangulation.  Of course we had to take it for a test drive - literally. The current application of the GPS does provide the expected functionality. It does not calculate your speed and provide spoken turn by turn directions, neither does it recalculate when you make a wrong turn. It simply tracks your current location along a specified travel path. However, expect to see improved functionality in the future as third party solutions become available. Apple may also opt to rewrite the GPS application to provide such functionality natively.
 
 3G

Ironically, one of the most disappointing features of the iPhone 3G is the 3G..or at least, the lack thereof! Notice that I included this in the software review as it is not a hardware problem. Apple's implementation of the 3G technology was to be unique in that it should automatically switch over to Edge when 3G service is unavailable. I reside in an area in which 3G service is available and am able to access AT&T's 3G network without hiccup on other 3G capable phones. This feature does not work as intended on the iPhone 3G, I often find that I have no bars and am stuck in 3G mode. I have never experienced so many dropped calls with all my previous phones combined! The only solution has been to turn off 3G completely when at home (which I don't mind since I use wi-fi anyways). When I do, I immediately get full service on Edge and am able to make and receive calls.

Exchange & Mobile Me

The iPhone 2.0 software now offers complete support for Microsoft Exchange Active Sync. This allows you to have push email, contacts and calendar on your iPhone from your company's exchange servers. You can create configuration profiles for the iPhone that include the exchange settings, password restrictions, wi-fi settings and much more. There are many security features including the ability to do a remote wipe if the iPhone is lost or stolen. Creating a configuration profile is very straight-forward and it works with Exchange servers seamlessly.

Mobile Me brings "Exchange-like" capabilities to the regular user. We will be looking at its pros and cons in separate review. 

Final Comments
 
Though I enjoy using the iPhone 2.0 software, it is very buggy and crash-prone which is very frustrating at times. I don't believe the software was tested adequately nor was it ready for public release. I do understand the pressure that Apple is under to deliver and meet deadlines considering their habit of pre-announcing product launches. This however should not be reason to release unsatisfactory software to its customers. So do I think it is worth buying? You bet I do! If you have The advantages of having an iPhone far outweigh the temporary bugs that plague it now. Moreover, since these are all software related problems, you can expect Apple to release a minor update soon that will address all of them. Grab a hold of one…if you can at least, considering that they are being sold-out like hot buns…and share your experiences with us at iPhone World!