東西 | dongxi

With the announcement of WWDC, rumors quickly spread on the possibility of an iPhone 5 delay. While the next iteration of iPhones are normally announced at the conference, analysts have been pointing to a possible fall delay for the phone. The conference meanwhile will focus primarily on the iOS and MacOS software. Though this possible change would be a shift in Apple’s normally time-based strategy, really isn’t that big of a shock. For one thing, Apple can afford to wait. Apple at this point isn’t pressured to release out the next iteration; their current phone is still in the lead and selling extremely well. What Apple does need to work on, however, is updating their relatively “dated” operating system.

The iPhone is due for a revamped iOS. The hardware, which had been a main focus the past few years, is still on top. The retina display, HDR camera, and slim design are still unrivaled, even against the latest smartphones. The pressure now is in the software. While iOS is extremely easy to use, it’s started to look dated, especially as new competitors such as Android and WP7 have come to market. Features such as multitasking, widgets, pre-installed GPS, and cloud storage have given other phones an edge over Apple. While Apple might not rush to get all these features out in its entirety, iOS 5 should have some pretty significant changes to not only keep their position as a marketplace leader, but to also address a much larger lineup of iOS devices since the original iPhone. With larger devices like the iPad and a rumored move of their PCs adopting an iOS-like operating system, iOS needs to evolve.

So what can be expected of iOS5? Here are a few predictions and a couple of wishes:

1. Multi-finger Gestures: As patents for multi-finger gestures leaked out, rumors of a home button-less iPhone have been circulating. With iOS 4.3, developers have been able to use multi-finger gestures for additional commands and functionality (e.g. “Back” and “Forward” comments on a browser). Especially with larger devices like the iPad this is almost certainly a guarantee.
2. Cloud storage and Wireless Syncing: Long rumored for Apple as well, Amazon this week pulled the trigger with their cloud-based service. iOS devices have truly grown to be a multimedia device. With the strength of the iTunes Store, Apple can easily “lock down” users by offering streaming services for music, movies, and other files.
3. Maps & Geo-location: While seemingly a small feature, other smartphones have been excelling in their maps and geo-location services. Google maps on Android phones offer 3D vector graphics as well as touchable links for ratings, transit schedules, street views, etc. Android phones have a built in GPS as well, taking full advantage of voice commands, Google Search and Google Maps. Given Apple and Google’s recent rift, there’s a strong possibility of a revamped non-Google maps program. Apple’s been long rumored to be considering additional geo-location functionality for their devices as well, allowing users to tag media and find nearby friends.
   

   Google Maps

4. Widgets: Widgets have really given Android a “wow” factor that Apple once received. The only “widget” currently on iOS is the calendar icon that reflects the date. Even the weather and clock icons are but a static image, non-reflective of actual conditions. At the very least these icons can use a revamp to provide users with additional information. Especially with the iPad, much of the screen real estate is unused and wasted on bland icons. Email, calendar, and iPod can easily be revamped to allow users to access data without opening the app itself. Other functions, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G/4G should be re-considered for easy access. Currently turning on/off any of those functions requires several clicks into settings. Third party app developers could also clearly take advantage of an on-screen RSS feed as well.
   

   Xoom Widgets

5. Home Screen Navigation: As the app store has exploded, users are now dealing with several “pages” of apps to scroll through. Swiping through several screens is quite cumbersome and definitely does not reflect the style and ease Apple likes to represent. Considerations include hiding or shifting less used apps (a la “Menu” on Android), revamping app folders for better grouping of apps, and a quick view of all the “pages” of apps to allow for quicker access to programs on the device.
6. Notifications: Honeycomb made a big splash with their side notification system. With mail, instant messengers, calendar alarms, device connectivity, etc., the new OS should focus on better delivery and access to notifications to fix their pop up notification system. Handcent SMS for Android has a great popup notification that allows to user to write/speak/pick a quick response back.
   

   Notifications

7. Lock Screen: Apple is rumored to be testing an Android-like pattern based unlocking system. Additional protection options are always welcome. The lock screen could also use some widget functionality, much like how the iPod is available. Access to weather, email, or RSS feeds would be a great feature.
   

   iPhone Lock Screen Widgets

8. Multitasking: Apple has remained fairly conservative when it comes to multitasking for very good reason. Unchecked, multiple apps can quickly slow down the entire system creating a dreadful user experience. So far, Apple has skirted around the issue, allowing for light multitasking across specific apps. Music players can run in the background. Games are paused when another program is running. In all fairness, the cries for multitasking have mostly dissipated. Still, there is room for improvement. With the iPad as well, the ability to run a few programs simultaneously (on the same screen) would be an interesting move as well, such as allowing a user to watch a video on the top third of the screen while using the browser with the rest.
9. Multiple User Accounts: While Apple would love to sell a device for each user, iOS devices are often shared, especially between parents and younger kids. Given the recent in-app purchase controversy (with children “accidentally” spending money in freemium games), Apple should consider allowing multiple user accounts on their devices. Users can set restrictions (for minors) as well as customize apps and screens per account.
10. RFID/NFC: Rumors have gone back and forth for implementation of some sort of payment system through the iPhone. There has been a recent rash of moves by major corporations to adopt digital payment systems and Google moreorless confirmed to be testing with Android phones in New York and San Francisco. To turn the iPhone into a payment device could give Apple a similar wow-factor as a game changer the iPhone initially received as a “first” smartphone device.
    

    iPhone NFC

The main concern with a drastic change to iOS is its compatibility with older devices. The newer iPhone 4 and the iPad 2 should be able to keep up, but no matter the scale in change, the oldest models will most certainly be left out. Still, iOS is long due for some major upgrades and Apple is more than certain to deliver this June.

Tags: apple, cloud storage, google, honeycomb, ios, iOS 5, iOS5, ipad, iPad 2, iPhone 5, ipod touch, lock screen, multitasking, NFC, RFID, widgets, xoom