Digital Compass (Magnetometer) Confirmed in Next iPhone?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/07/digital-compass-magnetometer-confirmed-in-next-iphone/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/05/07/212917-iphonemagnetometer2_300.jpg

BoyGeniusReport posts (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/05/07/magnetometer-in-next-iphone-confirmed/) a screenshot from debugging menus in the 3.0 beta firmware which seems to confirm that Apple has built-in magnetometer (digital compass) support into the operating system.

Evidence of a magnetometer was first reported (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/07/iphone-video-recording-interface-digital-compass-voice-control-and-auto-focus-camera/) in April and MacRumors has heard that the magnetometer will indeed be present in the next generation iPhone expected this summer. We previously explored (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/08/video-in-and-magnetometers-could-introduce-interesting-iphone-app-possibilites/) what additional functionality would come with a digital compass. The possibilities were particularly intriguing:Examples of how this could be used include pointing your iPhone's camera at a building and the phone telling you what building it is by combining GPS, accelerometer and compass information. The iPhone could even overlay graphics and text on top of the image to provide additional information. Another application described is the ability to show information about stars and constellations simply by pointing your iPhone towards the sky.



Article Link: Digital Compass (Magnetometer) Confirmed in Next iPhone? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/07/digital-compass-magnetometer-confirmed-in-next-iphone/)

[ro2nie]

A compass... This could be handy for GPS when not moving. It can tell you the direction you are pointing to

[Virtuo]

I wonder how useful this implementation would really be, however. I perceive that GPS applications will take advantage of this feature, enabling the ability to detect which direction subject is facing without having to relying primarily on movement.

ADDITION: This would be VERY useful in some sort of 3d application; being able to navigate through an interface by moving the device about.

[t0mat0]

Great! Augmented reality like Tonchidot and Enkin etc is seemingly getting closer...

[designgeek]

This is probably a stupid question but what is "Kitchen Sink?"

[phlops]

What I really want to know is how was this screenshot generated? What Apple program has this in it? That'd be new content for the Field Test app.

[zman911]

dude, that's seems pretty cool. looks like i might have to invest in a 3rd gen iphone in a few months!

[Brucey]

This is probably a stupid question but what is "Kitchen Sink?"

It seems like this is a joke. When one takes everything with them, they take "everything but the kitchen sink". Also what is a dump log? Seems like a joke to me.

[SilentPanda]

At a guess, Kitchen Sink probably means "log everything". Dump Log is to output the logfile I would guess.

[chelsel]

What I really want to know is how was this screenshot generated? What Apple program has this in it? That'd be new content for the Field Test app.

Just press power and home at the same time, briefly. You should hear a shutter sound and it will be saved on your phone.

[Spanky Deluxe]

I've been waiting/hoping for this feature more than anything else. Woo!!

[html]

This doesn't look like any settings pane I know. Is it some sort of beta debug app?

[viperguy]

The Compass reminds of Zelda (a bit stupid but it just came to my mind :p )

[Lesser Evets]

Well!

... I won't pack the magnet, needle, and cork, on those long voyages anymore.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Gah! This is making it harder, and harder, for me to not upgrade every single generation. I made a deal with myself to not upgrade until rev4.



.....but rev3 is so enticing.

[MacGohil]

The copy machines and RIM, Palm and Zune R&D centres start cranking once again.... ;)

[timish]

It seems like this is a joke. When one takes everything with them, they take "everything but the kitchen sink". Also what is a dump log? Seems like a joke to me.

Dump log is a bathroom tracking tool :eek:

[t0mat0]

Are these all settings a user won't see in the end? Curious about the ability to "log GPS (in MA)" Anyone know what MA is?
Are these log files just for the beta's ?

[VesperDEM]

You guys are so gullible...

You know I read somewhere that the new iPhones coming out would be made of solid gold and be half the price they are now!

[kastenbrust]

The Compass reminds of Zelda (a bit stupid but it just came to my mind :p )

All we need is an iOrcarina and we're away!

Boy Genius Report is full of rubbish, i can photoshop a compass debugging too. Why would a compass debugging too have its own GUI? Why would that GUI include 'Kitchen Sink'?

[TuffLuffJimmy]

You guys are so gullible...

You know I read somewhere that the new iPhones coming out would be made of solid gold and be half the price they are now!

It's been known for quite a while that a digital compass is coming with iPhone 3.0.

[ruinfx]

uh why is it so hard to believe that the next iphone will have a compass in it when the g1 already has one?

[t0mat0]

You guys are so gullible...

You know I read somewhere that the new iPhones coming out would be made of solid gold and be half the price they are now!

http://www.goldstriker.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=257

What do you mean? There's already a gold one ;)

Has the General page changed? Or is it just a Location Services On Off switch at the moment? Presumably there would be a new menu, an addition to the Restrictions menu for Location also?
Does anyone have a list of applications, other than Enkin, Tonchidot, SatNav for magnetometers?

[dgcaste]

That use suggestion (for geoidentifying buildings) is shaky at best. With the 10-20ft inaccuracy in the GPS, it would be hard to believe that an app could guess what a building is, unless it looks at the camera and looks at all the buildings in a 20m radius that look like it within streetview.

[macduke]

Prediction: Google maps will rotate depending on which direction you are facing. Although that would have to mean that text labels would also have to go for a spin. Would that be really hard to do or are street names and the like a seperate layer in the Google API?

[tnsmart]

Will the iPod Touch get a digital compass too? Or is it something that needs the GPS and connectivity capabilities of the iPhone? I know it wouldn't be able to tell me what building is in front of me, but it would be nice to have a compass.

[zombitronic]

The app possibilities of this are amazing. It may start out with merely text based augmented data, but it could soon evolve into three-dimensional animated augmented overlays. Much like the paper marker augmented demos, but with compass and GPS data substituting the paper.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/augmented-reality-hud.jpg

I'm sold.

If anyone doesn't know what augmented reality is, you need to read about it right now.

HowStuffWorks "How Augmented Reality Will Work" (http://computer.howstuffworks.com/augmented-reality.htm)

Augmented reality - Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality)

This is the future.

[vipergts2207]

You guys are so gullible...

You know I read somewhere that the new iPhones coming out would be made of solid gold and be half the price they are now!

What exactly is so unbelievable about a magnetometer?

[mdriftmeyer]

Be nice when you're backpacking, hiking off the grid and you need to know your location. Of course, carrying a standard compass and learning how to find your latitude and longitude always works.

[ruinfx]

Prediction: Google maps will rotate depending on which direction you are facing. Although that would have to mean that text labels would also have to go for a spin. Would that be really hard to do or are street names and the like a seperate layer in the Google API?

looks like someone is a little behind the times. this functionality already exists in google maps for android so having it added to the iphone is a no brainer.

[iPave]

Built-in kitchen sink :) I've always wanted to have one in my phone.

[pmbooks]

Could of sworn I saw this in a recent iphone tv ad, so what's the big surprise?

[gibbz]

Could of sworn I saw this in a recent iphone tv ad, so what's the big surprise?

A yet to be released (and unconfirmed) feature would not be in an Apple commercial.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

A yet to be released (and unconfirmed) feature would not be in an Apple commercial.
No, he's right. There is a compass app in the iPhone advertisement. It changes direction when the person tilts the iPhone. I'm not sure what mechanism the app uses to get its direction, but it's not a magnetometer.

[t0mat0]

No, he's right. There is a compass app in the iPhone advertisement. It changes direction when the person tilts the iPhone. I'm not sure what mechanism the app uses to get its direction, but it's not a magnetometer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjJiF8YbXN4
Compass Go - http://www.apptism.com/apps/compass-go

It's a mix of Simple GPS compass with "Accurate sun compass"

[the vj]

... I do not not know but reminds me so much Skynet, that little thing has so much technology inside that in no time is gonna develop mind on its own.

[walkingsideways]

This is probably a stupid question but what is "Kitchen Sink?"

"Kitchen Sink" is a software engineering term synonymous with the better known term "Scope Creep". In this case, it is a placeholder for a feature that will be added after no more features were intended to be added.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_sink_syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_sink_syndrome)

[TuffLuffJimmy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjJiF8YbXN4
Compass Go - http://www.apptism.com/apps/compass-go

It's a mix of Simple GPS compass with "Accurate sun compass"
ahhhh I see. That's like how most older GPS units work (not sure if they have magnetometers now)

I just assumed it worked some other way since in the commercial it didn't look like the person holding the phone was walking.

[jmnikricket]

Be nice when you're backpacking, hiking off the grid and you need to know your location. Of course, carrying a standard compass and learning how to find your latitude and longitude always works.

Lol, if you're backpacking off the grid, the last thing you want is to rely on batteries to know where you are and how to get back. This will never replace a standard compass and topo maps.

[Keebler]

this would be a great feature.

as an avid Garmin Rino user for hunting, the lack of a digital compass hurts the current iphone. I'm not used to a map staying the exact same way despite constant turns. in fact, it drives me nuts that my iphone can't tell in which direction i'm heading.

Granted, I realize that is not the purpose of this device, but it does screw me up b/c i'm used to supreme navigational tools. maybe 'supreme' isn't the right word, but you get the drift :)

[macthetiger85]

I want to play Capture the Flag with my new iPhone labeling landmarks and guards on the playing field o and of course - where the flag is :)

[t0mat0]

Just as another use - with the Army interested in the iPhone/Touch for millitary purposes - this function would be darn useful for people in the field.

[iPoodOverZune]

Who could rate this NEGATIVE, I wonder?? :rolleyes:

It looked like a promising hardware development to me if not exactly what many here were expecting to. Sometimes unheard applications can come into being with developments just like these. I would take that than asking for a 5 MP camera on phones, which are crappy anyway. :p

[8CoreWhore]

I hate to ask what the heck is "Dump Log". :D:D:D

[kas23]

The app possibilities of this are amazing. It may start out with merely text based augmented data, but it could soon evolve into three-dimensional animated augmented overlays. Much like the paper marker augmented demos, but with compass and GPS data substituting the paper.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/augmented-reality-hud.jpg

I'm sold.

If anyone doesn't know what augmented reality is, you need to read about it right now.

HowStuffWorks "How Augmented Reality Will Work" (http://computer.howstuffworks.com/augmented-reality.htm)

Augmented reality - Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality)

This is the future.

Hey I know where that is!

Anyways, I believe this magnetometer is coming to the iPhone, but as another poster has pointed out; "kitchen sink"? Is this a Photoshop joke or something?

[t0mat0]

Hey I know where that is!

Anyways, I believe this magnetometer is coming to the iPhone, but as another poster has pointed out; "kitchen sink"? Is this a Photoshop joke or something?

The picture is from here (http://computer.howstuffworks.com/augmented-reality.htm)

We've come a long way from this
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/augmented-reality-backpack.jpg

or this (http://www.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=augmented-reality.htm&url=http://www.cs.unc.edu/~tracker/)

By adding the magnetometers, and having accelerometers etc -
you can cut out the head-mounted display - The user will learn to tilt the device, and position themselves, whilst being able to see the screen. The GPS is already sorted, and the iPhone has the mobile computing power.

Kinda reminds me a bit of Terminator's HUD -
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/terminator/images/c/cd/T-800a_Clothing.jpg

http://graphics.cs.columbia.edu/top.html

http://microvision.blogspot.com/2005_05_01_archive.html

Who knows - you throw in some of the stuff they've been cooking up with Firefox 3.1/3.5 and HTML 5 and there might be some awesome apps

I'd recommend looking at this (http://arstechnica.com/open-source/news/2009/02/mozilla-demos-impressive-firefox-31-features-at-scale.ars) one


http://arstechnica.com/open-source/news/2007/08/firefox-gets-experimental-support-for-the-video-element.ars

To have basically created a movement tracker, within a web page is pretty darn cool.

http://blog.mozbox.org/post/2009/02/20/Video-Canvas-Worker-thread-A-movement-tracker

[gibbz]

No, he's right. There is a compass app in the iPhone advertisement. It changes direction when the person tilts the iPhone. I'm not sure what mechanism the app uses to get its direction, but it's not a magnetometer.

Oh ok, I misunderstood what he said. Thanks for the clarification.:)

[MacFly123]

I'm excited for this. There is a lot of huge potential for this to take apps to a new level.

Now what am I going to do about updating my 3G?! :D

[tufaw]

walkingsideways is right regarding what "kitchen sink" means in this context, so I'll just add some real life references from Google Code Search (http://www.google.com/codesearch?q=%22kitchen+sink%22).

As for a compass, I wonder how good it will be. The digital compass in my old Garmini GPSMAP 60CSx (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=310) works so bad that I never use it (all it does is eat battery).

[bit density]

This makes turn by turn GPS work. By knowing which direction, you, the car, or the phone is facing, it can display the map in FRONT of you, at a view that displays the road.

This is very difficult to do without a compass, and requires you to be moving, which you are not always doing, so the software has to guess which direction your are moving or facing.

Now, all they have to do is to have location based alerts or activities (along with server based events).

[pika2000]

Can't wait to see how it works with Google earth. :)

[Mukei]

Having the compass+the tilt sensor would help the GPS.

This is the principe of Inertial Navigation System (INS) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inertial_navigation_system).
The idea is that if you get a GPS localization, and stop receiving during a more or less long period of time (depending on the accuracy of the motion sensor) you'll still be able to estimate your localization.
It is very nice for people getting localization from WIFI for example, they could get an estimation of their localization even after disconnecting...
Though I can see this helping the GPS to get geolocalization even after getting inside building and things like that.

What you suggested before could also be nice and fun though ^_^
It would be used by 3rd part developpers to make funny stuff for sure

[jav6454]

3D in progress.... if this magnetometer is something for GPS enhancement I have no objection.

[MasterNile]

Without reading most of the posts in this thread yet, I ask, wasn't this already demonstrated on an iPhone commercial? I vaguely remember something about seeing an iPhone used as a compass on a commercial.

[Hazkan]

Without reading most of the posts in this thread yet, I ask, wasn't this already demonstrated on an iPhone commercial? I vaguely remember something about seeing an iPhone used as a compass on a commercial.

You should have read the other posts ;)

So I was wondering... Is the star application example really realistic? Don't you need a far better camera to be able to see any stars at all with it?

[ensee]

I wonder if you scroll up in that screenshot, do you think there's a "Log Location" feature here too?

It was rumoured - your phone kicking out a gps track that links up with iPhoto and geotags all your photos. This would be great.

Anyone know?

EDIT: sorry, just checked BoyGenius and yeah, it's there. Wonder if it does what I hope it does.

[sticky]

You should have read the other posts ;)

So I was wondering... Is the star application example really realistic? Don't you need a far better camera to be able to see any stars at all with it?

No Hazkan, the camera doesn't come into it.. the screen shows you the stars so you can name them when you look around the sky holding the iPhone in front of you.

If this story is true, I'm very excited to update my Pocket Universe (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=306916838&mt=8) astronomy application!

[SydneyDev]

The novel "Rainbow's End" by Vernor Vinge explores the idea of a gadget that overlays information on reality.

e.g. The kids go to school, and in reality it's just plain buildings, but through their visors they see nice buildings with their lessons scrolling on the walls.

How long before there is a visor accessory for the iPhone? :cool:

[vvebsta]

so glad I didn't follow the crowd and buy the 3G iphone...now my 2 years is up and I'm ready to upgrade ;)

anyone think that this new iphone will at least have 4G capabilities? even if 4G is down the road a little?

[kas23]

"Kitchen Sink" is a software engineering term synonymous with the better known term "Scope Creep". In this case, it is a placeholder for a feature that will be added after no more features were intended to be added.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_sink_syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_sink_syndrome)

Good. I hope your right with this one. More features = good.

[Donz0r]

so glad I didn't follow the crowd and buy the 3G iphone...now my 2 years is up and I'm ready to upgrade ;)

anyone think that this new iphone will at least have 4G capabilities? even if 4G is down the road a little?

No way. Camera/Video and this compass thing will be the selling points. 4G is too far off. Apple wouldn't put it in unless the network was substantial.

[macduke]

looks like someone is a little behind the times. this functionality already exists in google maps for android so having it added to the iphone is a no brainer.

Yeah...I'm behind the times because I haven't memorized some obscure feature of an OS that has maybe a half a percent market share at best?

I don't really have the time to keep up with the advances of every phone operating system out there. Honestly I waste enough time on this blog already and I hardly post. All I really care about is iPhone OS 3.0. Android? Not important. The G1 was a joke and a half. I know of only two people who own one and that is ONLY because they work at T-Mobile and honestly they don't really care for it. However, it is probably the best phone on T-Mobile aside from the JB iPhones.

[SydneyDev]

Good. I hope your right with this one. More features = good.

We only know how to make reliable software up to a certain size. Past that size, more features = more unreliable.

[sticky]

The novel "Rainbow's End" by Vernor Vinge explores the idea of a gadget that overlays information on reality.

e.g. The kids go to school, and in reality it's just plain buildings, but through their visors they see nice buildings with their lessons scrolling on the walls.

How long before there is a visor accessory for the iPhone? :cool:

There already is a visor :-)

I hacked my application to display to the external video port, and connected up some video goggles for watching movies on the iPod.

I then attached the iPhone (well held it) to my head, so when I looked up and down, the view moved too. Now I will be able to make it work side to side as well (if there really is a compass coming). Hurrah for virtual reality!

As long as you don't mind looking like an idiot, (http://web.mac.com/john_kenn/JTK/Mac_Coding/Entries/2009/2/27_A_few_other_things.html) the goggles are very cool!

[SydneyDev]

There already is a visor :-)

Nice one! Looks futuristic.

[vvebsta]

So the only question on my mind is will the new iphone 3.0 beat the palm pre???

I dunno why more people aren't talking about this on macrumors.

[SydneyDev]

I dunno why more people aren't talking about this on macrumors.

Maybe when you can actually buy a Palm Pre more people will talk about it.

[fixmdude]

pointing your iPhone's camera at a building and the phone telling you what building it is

one word:

TRICORDER! :eek:

[bobbleheadbob]

But what if the magnet in the Magnetometer erases the data in the flash memory!?! :eek:

[hiimamac]

You guys are so gullible...

You know I read somewhere that the new iPhones coming out would be made of solid gold and be half the price they are now!

Apple does come out, every so often, with cutting edge, I hope it's just that and more, cutting edge, useful , pro app minded, not all cute, bubble iLife, although in andor itself is matched by none. LOL

[hiimamac]

... I do not not know but reminds me so much Skynet, that little thing has so much technology inside that in no time is gonna develop mind on its own.

Well like another just said, this is the future. We are finally going to get stuff like mapping, objects, persons, and in time, even who in the crowd, likes you or is a threat. Sci fi stuff. Only, my sister was in the air force for 8 years. Worked in Nevada fir several. Anyway, she says the govt is at least 5 years ahead if what we get so we're finally getting some if the cool stuff.

[hiimamac]

Lol, if you're backpacking off the grid, the last thing you want is to rely on batteries to know where you are and how to get back. This will never replace a standard compass and topo maps.

Yeah but still, the problem is, cell towers. Once we move from a to satilite, then we will really be stylin'. LOL

[s2jcpete]

accelerometers drift over time. the X / Y axis can be error corrected using gravity, but the Z axis needs a magnetometer.

[edesignuk]

My Magic (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7585484) has this, moving your device around in Google Street view and having the images move with you is incredibly slick. Lots of other uses for it too, it's all good stuff. Will be a great addition to the next iPhone.

[hiimamac]

looks like someone is a little behind the times. this functionality already exists in google maps for android so having it added to the iphone is a no brainer.

I want to play Capture the Flag with my new iPhone labeling landmarks and guards on the playing field o and of course - where the flag is :)

Well that's a really good idea. I bet some would buy the iPhone just for that feature. Really. Capture the flag, friend, iPhone would be sweet. Just hope it's more accurate

[hiimamac]

This makes turn by turn GPS work. By knowing which direction, you, the car, or the phone is facing, it can display the map in FRONT of you, at a view that displays the road.

This is very difficult to do without a compass, and requires you to be moving, which you are not always doing, so the software has to guess which direction your are moving or facing.

Now, all they have to do is to have location based alerts or activities (along with server based events).

My work phone was a htc sprint. It told you traffic jams on the gps phone which was 100% accurate. Would like to see the iPhone at least, catch up.

[DELLsFan]

Gah! This is making it harder, and harder, for me to not upgrade every single generation. I made a deal with myself to not upgrade until rev4.



.....but rev3 is so enticing.

I hear you ... Which reminds me ... when does one qualify for upgrade discount to a new iPhone at AT&T if you already own an iPhone? I just signed up a few months ago.

:cool:

[iGod 2.0]

Simply amazing. That's it. I am sold. I am getting the new iPhone. I cannot wait till its released.

[hiimamac]

You should have read the other posts ;)

So I was wondering... Is the star application example really realistic? Don't you need a far better camera to be able to see any stars at all with it?

Well, actually, no. Depending on the time of day/night and location, altitude, angle, all of this info would calculate into what you are seeing, or should be seeing. To do what you suggest, calculate based in imagery, would cost millions and you wouldn't be able to hold it. At least this is how I understand the technology.

Peace.

[hiimamac]

The novel "Rainbow's End" by Vernor Vinge explores the idea of a gadget that overlays information on reality.

e.g. The kids go to school, and in reality it's just plain buildings, but through their visors they see nice buildings with their lessons scrolling on the walls.

How long before there is a visor accessory for the iPhone? :cool:

I've been waiting fir the while visor thing for any device since like forever. I think it will come to other devices before the iPhone. LOL

[hiimamac]

so glad I didn't follow the crowd and buy the 3G iphone...now my 2 years is up and I'm ready to upgrade ;)

anyone think that this new iphone will at least have 4G capabilities? even if 4G is down the road a little?

I have seen companies do this, release a product with future proofing but you have to ask yourself. This us Apple we are talking about. Fir Apple this means a new product. If course, they would if they had to, but they don't. People will buy this one only to replace it 6 months later.

[jamesarm97]

A compass... This could be handy for GPS when not moving. It can tell you the direction you are pointing to

This would make for a much needed Geocaching update. It is hard to locate those things sometimes because the compass heading requires you to be moving to get a gps location, and jumps around alot.

[guzhogi]

What I really want to know is how was this screenshot generated? What Apple program has this in it? That'd be new content for the Field Test app.

While holding down the home button, press the lock/unlock button on the top of the iPhone. That'll take a screenshot. This feature has been around for a while.

As for the magnetometer, sounds cool. The Google Street View would be cool with this. You can look around, and if it could overlay information about the buildings around you (like address, or business info, etc.), that would be cool!

[twoodcc]

now this would be awesome! i really like the stars idea as well. looking forward to wwdc

[hiimamac]

This would make for a much needed Geocaching update. It is hard to locate those things sometimes because the compass heading requires you to be moving to get a gps location, and jumps around alot.

We are all expecting high sci fi when in reality, albeit useful, it will be about locating pictures from you recent trip to Boston/L.A. Or in Apples case, camping in Rome.

[Bye Bye Baby]

What would it be good for?

[Bevz]

"Kitchen Sink" is a software engineering term synonymous with the better known term "Scope Creep". In this case, it is a placeholder for a feature that will be added after no more features were intended to be added.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_sink_syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_sink_syndrome)

This article (and phrase) relates to Project Management, not Software Engineering.

I think it's more likely related to the everyday expression "Everything but the kitchen sink".

[audioteknika]

Am I the only one who could care less about a Magnetometer ?
I'll stick with my 3G, thank you.
See you for Rev4 or 5..

[Bevz]

What would it be good for?

My hopes for it are rather small... All i want is the maps app to rotate in the direction in which you're facing... The reason is i often go to cities i've never been before for work and the maps app is great for finding my way around when on foot except for the fact it can sometimes be pretty confusing which direction you're actually headed... I need to walk 20 yards to see the pointer move before i can figure it out, and then change my direction... In which time i look like a complete nutter and have probably almost bumped into a few buildings... When you do know which direction you're heading i have to keep rotating the phone to help me keep on track!

It would make the maps app a LOT more useful for walking directions and would save me looking like a plonker! ;) For that alone, i'll be buying the new iPhone!

EDIT: Mind you, even with a magnetometer in rev3, i'll probably have to wait until OS4 before they upgrade the maps app :(

[brucebrendon]

perfect, i always lose track of dumps

[avn]

perfect, i always lose track of dumps

funniest thing I've read in a while.

[Santa Rosa]

Killer feature alert!!! Dump Log :D. Think of the possibilities here people.

Your iPhone will alert you when it feels that you are constipated and then using the GPS, Cell & Wifi Triangulation and Magnetometer will direct you to the nearest shop to buy bran or laxatives, then direct you to the nearest toilet.

Im sold :D

[iPhoneNYC]

A lot of creativity seems to be finding it's way into 3.0. I get the feeling that there was such a rush to produce the first editions all this fun funky stuff get left behind. Certainly the App Store has created a great rush of inspiration but this upcoming edition feels like its full of the complete picture.

[azdude]

Magnetometer/compass? Yeah, cool.

But what I find far more interesting in this screenshot is the fact that "Motion" and "Accelerometer" are considered separate. To me, this suggests separate devices for:

Orientation - magnetometer
Rotation rates - multi-axis rate gyro
Linear accelerations - existing accelerometer

With this, you can get much more accurate, truly one-to-one motion control. And it's completely feasible --- the Wii MotionPlus accessory adds a three-axis rate gyro to the Wiimote. There's no reason the next iPhone can't have all of the above.

[guzhogi]

Killer feature alert!!! Dump Log :D. Think of the possibilities here people.

Your iPhone will alert you when it feels that you are constipated and then using the GPS, Cell & Wifi Triangulation and Magnetometer will direct you to the nearest shop to buy bran or laxatives, then direct you to the nearest toilet.

Im sold :D

While I appreciate the occasional bathroom joke, this is getting ridiculous. Maybe "dump" in this sense means delete/clear logs or something (just in case someone didn't think of that).

[W1LLk]

This is probably a stupid question but what is "Kitchen Sink?"

It's something found in the food preparation section of your home. I think it was a "filler/joke", you know, a visual aid to go with the confirmation report.

What I really want to know is how was this screenshot generated? What Apple program has this in it? That'd be new content for the Field Test app.

1. Photoshop; 2. Adobe, not Apple;

It seems like this is a joke. When one takes everything with them, they take "everything but the kitchen sink". Also what is a dump log? Seems like a joke to me.

See Next...

perfect, i always lose track of dumps

No, that would be called a fecalometer.

[davidangel]

Already accomplished with Android: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EA8xlicmT8

[nomand]

this will be really awesome for SekaiCamera (http://www.appbank.net/2009/02/18/iphone-application/9937.php) app.

[zombitronic]

How long before there is a visor accessory for the iPhone? :cool:

There already is a visor :-)

I hacked my application to display to the external video port, and connected up some video goggles for watching movies on the iPod.

I then attached the iPhone (well held it) to my head, so when I looked up and down, the view moved too. Now I will be able to make it work side to side as well (if there really is a compass coming). Hurrah for virtual reality!

If you're really crazy, you could try disassembling the iPhone and building it onto some video goggles. Magnetometer right in the center.

While you're at it, use stereo cameras, one over each eye, to give you a three-dimensional view!

[apple101]

A compass on a phone, interesting.

[born4sky]

June 8th, cant Wait!

[TimUSCA]

This will be great for geocaching... as of now, you have to start walking in the direction you want to go to see which way the compass points. This way, you can just rotate and it'll make things much easier.

[brownapple]

The copy machines and RIM, Palm and Zune R&D centres start cranking once again.... ;)

the G1 has had this.

So maybe apple should unplug their photocopiers. Whats next on Apples plate a iPhone-s with slideout keyboard. No other phone has that.

[t0mat0]

the G1 has had this.

So maybe apple should unplug their photocopiers. Whats next on Apples plate a iPhone-s with slideout keyboard. No other phone has that.


And a Nokia handset had it 6-7 months before the G1 with the 6210 Navigator (http://www.nokia.com/A41229034).

Myvu goggles work with the iPhone - $300 for the gogles, $25 for the cable - the 1st video eyewear to get a "Works with iPhone" certification
http://www.macworld.com/article/136407/2008/10/myvu.html

[Schizoid]

This is probably a stupid question but what is "Kitchen Sink?"

It's where you Dump Log, no wait... that's something else...

[Sehnsucht]

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/TheDavidFrom1988/ballmer01.png

Sounds awesome. I'm sure I'll be in line to get an iPhone as soon as the next one is released. :D

[Bonte]

uh why is it so hard to believe that the next iphone will have a compass in it when the g1 already has one?

Every new hardware feature makes buying apps more complex, having a phone with numerous different hardware versions and software that only work on some of them is a bad strategy. That is the main problem with windows and Google phones, users buy almost no software for them compared to the iPhone.

So adding new hardware to the iPhone is a big step, even normal things like video, mms and a compass.

[zachplaysguitar]

Every new hardware feature makes buying apps more complex, having a phone with numerous different hardware versions and software that only work on some of them is a bad strategy. That is the main problem with windows and Google phones, users buy almost no software for them compared to the iPhone.

So adding new hardware to the iPhone is a big step, even normal things like video, mms and a compass.

A good idea would be for iTunes to know what device you have, and only display compatible apps. That way there would be no confusion. I don't think it's very unreasonably to implement.

[deconstruct60]

That is the main problem with windows and Google phones, users buy almost no software for them compared to the iPhone.


The App store is how old? How long ago was it that Steve Jobs was saying "no apps allowed" and still managed to roll out a successful phone?

There is an effect with funneling everyone through the app store that gives it more exposure/news coverage that for now has a snowball effect.

[ageha]

Wow, a compass like in my 5 year old Nokia...

[iphones4evry1]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/07/digital-compass-magnetometer-confirmed-in-next-iphone/)

"Examples .. pointing your iPhone's camera at a building and the phone telling you what building it is by combining GPS, accelerometer and compass information .. even overlay graphics and text on top of the image to provide additional information."

Remember just ten years ago when we watched the movie Terminator and data appeared on his vision every time he looked at something and we thought to ourselves: IMPOSSIBLE! in the real world. But perhaps this right here is just the first step ........

[madpsintst]

A compass will be a great addition to any geocaching application. At present, GPS apps depend on motion to compute bearing. This is fine when you are moving fast (jogging, running or driving) but when walking slowly the iPhone gets confused by GPS signals bouncing off of trees. The addition of a compass will allow geocache app programmers to improve their apps.

[kdarling]

Augmented reality overlays have already been done on the Android G-1:

Wikitude AR Travel Guide (http://www.mobilizy.com/wikitude.php)

I hope Apple includes a compass as well. I look forward to it becoming standard fare on smartphones.

[Manic Mouse]

The copy machines and RIM, Palm and Zune R&D centres start cranking once again.... ;)

Erm, this has been in the G1 since launch...

[MH01]

Not fussed about the compass, more interested if Apple will allow TomTom or similar software to run on the next gen Iphone. Unless you live in one country and do not travel, Google maps is fine, but once you roam data charges get damn expansive. I dumped my current iphone 3G for a HTC touch hd, just so i could run tomtom (live and travel around europe, so lots of roaming). Part of me thinks that apple will only allow google maps as they get a cut from the $$. though have not been following the rumours around the new phone.

[Goona]

Not fussed about the compass, more interested if Apple will allow TomTom or similar software to run on the next gen Iphone. Unless you live in one country and do not travel, Google maps is fine, but once you roam data charges get damn expansive. I dumped my current iphone 3G for a HTC touch hd, just so i could run tomtom (live and travel around europe, so lots of roaming). Part of me thinks that apple will only allow google maps as they get a cut from the $$. though have not been following the rumours around the new phone.

Tom Tom is apparently just hiring programmers for the iphone.

[kdarling]

Tom Tom is apparently just hiring programmers for the iphone.

Only rumor. Some company in Amsterdam is hiring iPhone programmers, and as usual, the net goes crazy.

[SpitzerCR]

this sounds awesome.. even though im clueless what all the possibilities are...:rolleyes:

[Hazkan]

No Hazkan, the camera doesn't come into it.. the screen shows you the stars so you can name them when you look around the sky holding the iPhone in front of you.

If this story is true, I'm very excited to update my Pocket Universe (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=306916838&mt=8) astronomy application!

Ah. I had an application in mind which would mark the visible stars on the screen and name them instantaneously. But this idea is pretty neat anyways...

[mook]

Here is a short video of Google Streetview on Android, the digital compass works really well:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timo/2984214472/

[t0mat0]

Only rumor. Some company in Amsterdam is hiring iPhone programmers, and as usual, the net goes crazy.

What about Gomite? Just went off the radar - they and others were showing the potential for a GPS accessory, to do GPS on an app, then they went quiet...

Even if TomTom doesn't get in early to the tbt app market, there will be others no doubt - building up from basic apps, no? There were rumors about devs having a SatNav app on tester iPhones already, so why not have a tbt app ready by WWDC?
They'll want to showcase the OS - And I'd imagine they'll showcase tbt.