I still don't get it

[ritmomundo]

His point is that while you may see no use for such a feature, it doesn't mean others don't. You should have the ability to understand this. For example, I listed an example where a person may need to switch between apps from page 4 to 10 quickly. This is where this feature comes in handy. My reply was met with "Well why don't you just put it in the same folder?" While that's doable, not everyone wants to do things like you.

Exactly, thank you.

I know what he's saying, I'm just saying that those are 2 entirely different scenarios. And all I did was give you a third option in your scenario that does much the same thing as the "multitasking bar" which currently is more of a recent-apps-which-may-or-may-not-be-multitasking bar.

The multitasking/recently-opened-apps toolbar is a convenience for those who use it. If you don't find it practical, no one is forcing you to use it.

Also, for those looking to add functionality to the multitasking feature, try "backgrounder" from cydia - you can keep any apps you want running in the background.

 

[Sedrick]

The multi-task bar gives you a place to go where you can close those 57 apps that never close...

 

[3282868]

Nope, actually, you are wrong. Apps are shown in the bar in order of last use. This does not mean they are actually running or even simply suspended. The OS controls the multi-tasking, state-saving, suspending operations regardless of what's in the bar. Go to the very last app in your "bar" and I can almost guarantee that it needs to be started from scratch.

Edit: Or, figure out which is your last run app, go to the home screen and start it from there. It switches to it exactly the same as if you tapped it from the bar.

As a developer, this is false. The apps may be in order of recently used apps, but they do run in a saved/suspended state.

For example, on a jail broken device using multitasking and the stat menu indicating how much RAM/Memory is free/used, open up a few apps and return to the "home" screen. The more apps the less RAM meaning more apps are in running in the background, NOT closed. Pointing out the order of the apps as "recently used" is false logic.

Now if the method utilized by Apple is inconvenient, then perhaps a revamp would be in order. Maybe an "Exposé" type of multitasking/app switching, which would require more screen real estate on such a small device and perhaps better suited for the iPad. Otherwise, instead of complaining, what would you do differently to improve the implementation of multi-tasking in the iOS environment? Believe it or not, Apple engineers are always listening, especially for developers. Write to Apple, or throw down $99 and become a developer, learn to write code, and participate in Apple's program. You'd be surprised how close Apple's engineers work with iOS/OS X developers.

 

[milani]

i'm not assuming anything. i gave an example, not an assumption.

give me a different scenario then to make your point.

You're in an app from page 1, and you want to immediately shift to an app on page 5 of your screens. So you double tap the homescreen button and open the other app.

 

[vincenz]

Just don't use it. There are plenty of iOS features that people never use. Treat that as one of them.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

WhySoSerious, it's useful when it comes to gaming.

When I'm playing a game, it would take a few seconds to load, and then I would either have to click the resume button or start a new game.

With this "multitasking" tool, I just double press the home button, go to a game, and all I do is just click resume.

No waiting for the app to load or anything.

But I do see what you mean when it comes to multitasking.

Does the bottom bar, where all your apps are it, does that drain your battery life when I have it open, or what?

 

[Mobster Sauce]

WhySoSerious, it's useful when it comes to gaming.

When I'm playing a game, it would take a few seconds to load, and then I would either have to click the resume button or start a new game.

With this "multitasking" tool, I just double press the home button, go to a game, and all I do is just click resume.

No waiting for the app to load or anything.

But I do see what you mean when it comes to multitasking.

Does the bottom bar, where all your apps are it, does that drain your battery life when I have it open, or what?

Launching something from the home screen that is already open is the same as switching to it from the multitask bar. It doesn't start over when you launch it from the home screen.

 

[aldo82]

Launching something from the home screen that is already open is the same as switching to it from the multitask bar. It doesn't start over when you launch it from the home screen.

Yes that's true but if the game you want to switch back to is in a folder on page 3 of your home screen then it's faster to double tap the home button and select it there. It's best to think of it as a 'fast app switcher' and it works perfectly for that