iOS 4.0 was unveiled to the world in April by Steve Jobs, with a launch expected sometime in June. Immediately after the announcement of this new version, it was released to registered iPhone developers to begin testing their applications ahead of the launch.

I have been using iOS 4.0 on my iPhone 3GS on a daily basis now, and I am pleased at whatit has to offer. Here is a glimpse at the new features you can expect.

Note: As this review is based on a beta version, some featuresmay be added / removed before iOS 4.0 is released.

Multi-tasking
At the unveiling of iOS 4.0, Steve Jobs said, “[Apple] wasn’t the first to this party [multi-tasking], but we’re going to be the best.” It took Apple quite a length of time to include this feature –2 or 3years depending on how you look at it — and the company tried a Push Notification service tocover overprevious versions of this operating system not having the ability to keep more than one third-party app active at once. Even though Push Notifications are good for some things, Apple’s new multi-tasking feature is much, much better.

When you hit the Home button twice, the current page you are looking at shifts upward, and up from the bottom rises icons for four applications that are already running. From here you can just tap one of those applications and be taken to it, while theapps you were just using will remain in the state you left them.

There is a nice transitioning effect when you switch between applications which has given the wholeuser interfacea more streamlined feeling.

To close apps, you bring up the multi-tasking dock and then tap and hold an icon for a few seconds, which will give all the currently-running applications a red circle and a minus sign. Tap on the one you want to close, or you can swipe to the left or right to quit all applications.

Let’s look at an example: say you are using the Skype application to make a phone call. What happens if you get a text message while still on a Skype call? Before, you would have to close the Skype application, go to the messaging app, read the message, leave the app, return to the Skype app, and start the phone call again. Now, Skype can simply be running in the background while you respond to a text message, check baseball scores, or even while taking a picture. This feature really allows you to get more done at once, and is extremely easy to use.

If you swipe the multi-tasking dock all the way to the left, you will get some basic iPod controls.

Say the music streaming application Pandora is being used to play songs in the background. Let’s say you leave your iPhone in your pocket for a few minutes, and a new song starts playing and you want to skip to the next song. You can double tap the home button from the clock screen, and change the song like you would with the standard iPod controls.

Developerswill needto build their applications to work with the multi-tasking system and the other new built-in iPhone controls Apple is adding.

The pop-up windows also gives you theability to lock the screen orientation. As of now it will only let you lock the screen in portrait mode. This software feature seems to be the answer to the iPad’s physical lock screen orientation switch.

Keep in mind, though, that this will not be “true” multi-tasking, in which all apps continue to run in the background. If it was, all the apps would use way too many resources and eventually will bog down the phone. Apple’s multi-tasking method is a little different. The applicationsis essentially paused, and only some special service tasks will be truly running in the background.

According to Apple, these services are: Background audio, Voice over IP, Background location, Push notifications, Local notifications, Task completion, and Fast app switching.

AlthoughiOS 4.0doesn’t offer true multi-tasking, it’s pretty effective, I must say.

Email

The email application in this operating systemhasn’t really been touched since the first iPhone’s introduction back in 2007.This is about to change. Theupcoming versionfeatures a unified inbox, which means that all yourmessages from your various email accounts will be displayed on the same screen.

This is a great feature for anyone that has multiple email accounts, and they want to see all their new messages at once, rather than going into each account looking for new mail, which can take quite a bit of extra time for someone that emails frequently.

Other new features in the email app include supportfor multiple Microsoft Exchange accounts, threaded messages, resizing photos embedded in emails, and the ability to have contact pictures in emails if you are sending/receiving an email from a contact in your phone.

These features are not ground-breaking in any way; they are just nice little improvements to make the iPhone faster and easier to use.

App Folders
With iPhoneOS 3.1 and earlier,the application launcher can display only 148 applications in total. Besides the limitations in how manyapps you could have installed, there was no realorganization. If you want organization, youcan rearrange theicons onto different screensbased on how you wanted them, and that is it.

The upcoming iOS 4.0brings the ability to create folders by simply draggingone app iconon top of another. Apple automatically names the folder based on the category of apps that are in it, but you can re-name it to whatever you want.

Instead of only having enough room for 148 applications, you can now have 2160. That’s quite a big increase, but that should dissolve some of the complaints on the limitation of space. You can also have folders in the dock, which is kind of nifty.

iBooks
The iPhone version of Apple iBooks appis pretty much the same as the one that debuted with the iPad.

You’re able to download and read e-books on your iPhone just like you could on Apple’s tablet computer. You can also sync the same book on both devices if they are on the same iTunes account.

Game Center
Those who are familiar with Microsoft’s mobile gaming center will probably call the iPhone version “Apple Live”.

This feature is going to be used as a social gaming network. Since the demand for playing games on the iPhone/iPod Touch is ever increasing, this was a brilliant part on Apple’s behalf.

You will have the ability to invite friends, be matched up with someone and play against them, leader boards, and achievements. Right now it’s still a work in progress, and no one’s sure if this will be ready for the launch of OS 4 and the new iPhone.

Other New Features

The new version of this operating system is going to include some smaller improvements:

• Custom Home Screen Background
• Spell Check
• Bluetooth Keyboard Support
• Alternate Keyboard Layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ)
• Alpha-Numeric Passcodes

App Improvements
Apple’s iOS 4.0 also brings a number of enhancements to the standard software:

Messaging: You can now search text messages. There is also a character count feature so you know when you exceed 160 characters. In addition, when a text message fails to send, there will be an exclamation point where it would normally tell you how many new texts you have.

Calendar: There is a newoption to view birthdays on the calendar — thesebirthdays are compiled from all your contacts stored in your phone.

Photos:Apple is addingthe ability to organize your photos from iPhoto by Albums, Events, and Faces

Camera: A 5X optical zoom is included, as well as auto-focusing in video mode now. The next-generation iPhone is supposed to have a higher-resolution camera, but there’s no way to confirm this on my iPhone 3GS.

YouTube: Videos can now be played in vertical orientation.

Calculator: Just a new icon.

Notes: You can now sync notes to Apple’s Mobile Me online service.

Safari:The web browser lets you play videos straight in Safari without going to the Quicktime video player.

iPod: There is now the ability to create and edit playlists right on the iPhone.As someone that listens to a lot of music while I’m on the go, this is a feature that should have been present a while ago (like most of these improvements). There is also now an art in album view which resembles the one in theiTunes store.

What’s Missing from iOS 4.0?
The main thing that is still missing is an Adobe Flash Player. I’m sad to say but I don’t think we will ever see flash for the iPhone or iPad. Everything on the iPhone in Steve Jobs’ eyes has to be perfect, or close to it. Flash on mobile devices just aren’t that stage yet. Plus, how would you interact with flash on a small touch screen phone? I for one can do without all the annoying flash advertisements in Safari for now.

Availability
The next-generation iPhone model expected next month will almost certainly launch with iPhone OS 4.0. In addition, Apple has promised free upgrades for the iPhone 3GS and 3G models this summer, while second and third-generation iPod Touch owners will get an upgrade at about the same time for $10.

Not all features in iOS 4 will be available on the iPhone 3G/iPod Touch (2nd Gen), though,while Apple’s first generation smartphone and handheld will not get an upgrade at all.

Expectthe new version of this operating systemto hit the iPad some time this fall.

Construction

Experience this and more on its large Multi-Touch screen, measuring 9.7 inches. With a high resolution, LED-backlit screen, the crisp display allows for an impressive 178 degree viewing angle, with perfect colour and contrast in any light. The touch response has been re-engineered, and the large surface makes it easy to do exactly what you set out to.

The bonus of tablet computers is their portability, and the iPad is no exception. At just 1.5 pounds and 0.5 inches thick, its easy to take everywhere you go and were sure there are a bevy of slick cases on the way. For those who are always on the go, theyll appreciate the ten hour battery life and built in 802.11n wireless network, as well as an optional 3G model when Wi-Fi isnt available.

Inside, there is also an enhanced, custom designed A4 chip allowing for extreme productivity this is combined with your choice of a 16, 32 or 64GB flash storage, for your collection of files, photos, movies, apps and more. Although it seems to be lacking specific connectors (such as a USB), it does include a 30-pin dock connector. And the built-in speakers allows for movie watching and music listening with ease (headphone jack is included).

Built In Apps

The new iPad can easily run about 140,000 apps available at the app store. It also comes with many of the applications that we already know and love.

Safari: You can make your way around the Internet using your finger. Clicking, pointing, scrolling and zooming has never been easier on the enhanced touch screen.

Mail: Compose, read, delete and send your emails in all of your favourite mail programs. Use two orientations portrait or landscape to view and organize your inbox to your liking. Photos: The high resolution, LED-backlit screen lets you see photos in a whole new light. Zoom, edit, email and organize with a new software that makes your iPad into personalized, portable album.

Video: Any kind of movies will make the cut, including television shows and podcasts. The picture completely fills the screen, keeping distractions at bay and letting you enjoy. It also includes a YouTube app, so videos are easy to find and watch.

iPod and iTunes

Your music awaits, organizing your songs by their information. Simply tap to play a song, and listen through the speakers or headset letting you take your music anywhere. You can also buy your music (or videos) from iTunes right from your iPad.

App Store and iBooks

Keep boredom at bay with about 140,000 apps and loads of new books. The LED-backlit screen display allows for reading in dim lighting, and the loads of choices will keep you busy during long flights, nights in or boring meetings. Five of North Americas largest trade book publishers, including Penguin, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan and Hachette, have signed as head suppliers of the new iBook store.

Notes: Those who love Stickies will love pnote taking on their iPad with its large, on-screen keyboard.

Calendar and Contacts

Just like on your Mac, Calender and Contacts are easily organized, keeping all your information at the touch of your fingertips. One thing were not sure of but would be ideal would be easy syncing with your Macbook.

The Environment

We also love the eco-ness of the upcoming iPad, designed with specific features to be earth-friendly. This includes a mercury-free LCD display with arsenic-free display glass, as well as being completely BRF0free and PVC-free. It is also made of a recyclable aluminum and glass enclosure.

What Its Missing

Were surprised that the iPad doesnt include a camera, wireless sync, and multitask abilities but well await to see how these might come aboard.

The Cost

The Apple iPad Wi-Fi models are set to launch in late March 2010, and the 3G models in April 2010. For the Wi-Fi versions, pricing starts at $500 for 16GB version, $600 for 32GB, and $700 for 64GB (US Dollars). The 3G is a little sturdier at $630 for 16GB version, $730 for 32GB, and $830 for 64GB (US Dollars). International pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.

Specs

Size/Weight
Height: 9.56 inches (242.8 mm)
Width: 7.47 inches (189.7 mm)
Depth: 0.5 inch (13.4 mm)
Weight: 1.5 pounds (.68 kg) Wi-Fi model; 1.6 pounds (.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model

Display
9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen
Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)
Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
Support for display of multiple languages and characters simultaneously

Capacity: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive

Processor: The Apple iPad is powered by a 1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip
Battery and Power: Built-in 25Whr rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system

The design captures the evolution of the mobile phone in Russian Babushka doll style starting from the earliest Motorola DynaTAC 8000X to the current Apple iPhone. A lesson or two for schools to make history more interesting.