iPhone 4

It's no new news that Apple is releasing the 4th generation iPhone this month after the keynote last week.  Very exciting stuff!  This is definitely a larger upgrade then the past updates and really sets a new standard for where the mobile phones are going in the future.  Here are a few of the key features and how they can possibly change application trends.

1. Multitasking: This is a great new feature that a lot of people think should've been included in past updates (this feature will also run on the 3GS models).  Finally!  No more reloading of Safari pages every time you open up, no more total reloads of applications every time you have to exit out to respond to a quick text or check your voicemail.  This will really encourage more mobile application use and make it easier for people to go back and forth between applications becoming more efficient.  I bet we'll see the GPS applications become a bit more used - as well as apps such as Pandora or other audio streaming applications that you can run in the background while doing something else.  

2. HD Video Recording: While you might think this wouldn't effect everyone (and to some degree you're probably right), this basically combines so many other devices into one!  Why would you need to buy a Flip HD if you can already record HD on your iPhone?  This is a major jump in really becoming the only device you'll ever need.  I anticipate applications will come out that really let the users interact with each other through video - also probably more people posting videos to social networks while "on the go" (ie: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube).

3. Cameras: Both the front camera and the camera on the back are major upgrades.  I personally have been waiting for a mobile phone that really pulls off a camera that can actually replace your point and shoot digital camera and this appears to be the first real attempt.  I know other phones have built-in nice cameras in the past, but this appears to be the first phone that does that but not add bulkiness or annoyance (however, I haven't seen a picture from the new camera yet, so I could be wrong).  Anyway, excited to see how the images look and if this is a step towards a replacement for your point and shoot camera.  The front camera is also a first step in introducing a new technology.  This really is something that feels like it's from "Back to the Future".  This could open up a whole new array of mobile applications that incorporate video interaction with another.

4. Battery Life: I know that this isn't something that has been getting lots of press on - but this is really a great jump for phones (especially iPhones).  Apple is saying that standby time is at 300 hours, you can browse the web on wi-fi at 10 hours, and talk time is up to 14 hours on 2g.  This is a major step - better then laptops by far and looks to be better than most cell phones.  Another reason that Apple is really trying to incorporate smartphones and all the uses (applications, mobile web, ipod, video, photos, etc...) into your everyday life.

The new changes to the iPhone are very exciting for consumers and companies like us (developers)!  We anticipate a new wave of apps that push these new technologies that Apple is introducing in the coming year.