Christopher L. Smith, Gleaner Online Writer

Apple Inc had its regional launch of the new iPhone 3G on July 11. The device had some cosmetic changes and had the addition of high-speed 3G wireless mobile connectivity.

However, more significant changes were made in the form of the new software update for the Apple mobile platform.

The release, of course, was simultaneous with the new iPhone 3G launch, and shipped with all second-generation iPhone handsets. The new 2.0 software is available free of cost to first-generation iPhone owners, but unfortunately, comes at a cost to those with an iPod Touch.

The App Store

The iPhone 2.0 update carries with it the App Store which opens the device to third-party developers. This means anyone can now develop an application to extend the feature set and functionality of the iPhone.

The App Store can be accessed on the device itself. At present, there are hundreds of games and applications available, some of which are free of cost.

This new distribution system for iPhone applications makes it very convenient to add new capabilities to the device.

Support

Another compelling reason to go with the iPhone 2.0 update is the inclusion of support for Microsoft Exchange Server, which is a widely used messaging and collaborative software used in many organisations.

This, of course, may be more relevant to business-inclined users.

Company employees can now over the air sync emails, calendars (for meetings, etc) and contacts (other staff members).

All updated information on the company's server, whether it be a rescheduled meeting or a change in a co-worker's phone number, is automatically pushed to the handset.

One More Thing ...

Well, actually, a few more. There is now the ability to search for contacts by name. You can now save images on websites that you browse. PowerPoint document attachments in emails can now be viewed.

In addition, there is even a new scientific mode for the calculator application. In what comes as a welcome update is the multi-select feature in mail. You can finally select as many messages as you want and delete or move them in groups.

christopher.smith@gleanerjm.com