The iPhone and iOS both are in desperate need of an upgrade

[ThatsMeRight]

I believe the maximum length to remain open in the background is 10 minutes. There are some apps and functions that simply need more time than that.

Also, take an IM app for example. When I receive an instant message in BeeJive or Whatsapp, the message isn't in the app when I open it even though it was pushed to my device in the popup. I still have to open the app, wait for the message to come through and THEN begin to respond (again, this is only when the app is force closed by the OS). It's stupid and counter intuitive. The app should be able to stay in an idle state in the background as to not waste battery life but still be able to wake up when a message arrives!

I don't think the maximum length is 10 minutes. I don't believe there's a limit. iTunes U (again, an app from the App Store) was still downloading video clips well after forty minutes I started (and closed the app) (I was downloading about 5 GB worth of video clips).

And I'm not too bothered by that last bit. I'd rather prefer to save up some extra battery life and wait 0,5 s when I open the app, than lose some battery life and start 0,5 s earlier.

 

[AustinIllini]

The real question is when did it become normal to need a need phone and design every year?

Good point. Competition dictates that the next iPhone needs LTE. A new design is not required as the iPhone 4/4S design is still the best on the market.

 

[Applejuiced]

I wouldnt say the iphone is in desperate need of an OS upgrade.
I would say something like that to RIM with the blackberry OS.
The iOS is fine, and with some additions and improvements can become even better.
Im not a big fan of radical huge changes if its not needed.
You know what they say. If it aint broke......
And the iOS is far from broke, its selling like crazy and number one in consumer satisfaction.

BTW, most things listed earlier on this thread can be had if you JB your iphone.
I know some dont want to go for it but to me its a must to enjoy my iphone to its fully potential.

 

[El3ctronics]

I don't think the maximum length is 10 minutes. I don't believe there's a limit. iTunes U (again, an app from the App Store) was still downloading video clips well after forty minutes I started (and closed the app) (I was downloading about 5 GB worth of video clips).

And I'm not too bothered by that last bit. I'd rather prefer to save up some extra battery life and wait 0,5 s when I open the app, than lose some battery life and start 0,5 s earlier.

I don't think what you're saying is true and my experience with every app I've used has contradicted what you're saying. Read below:

apps don't run indefinitely but are given approximately 10 mins by the iOS to finish the background task after which they're forcibly suspended by iOS.

However, there are 5 kinds of apps that are an exception to the rule:

• Audio: Allowing users to use radio apps like Pandora, InstaCast in the background while they're using iPhone's Safari browser to surf the web etc.
• VoIP: This will allow VoiP apps like Skype to run in the background so that it users can receive and make calls even when they're running in the background.
• Location: Apps that need to constantly track your GPS coordinates can now run in the background while you listen to music or surf the internet.
• Newsstand apps that are downloading new content.
  Apps that receive continuous updates from an external accessory in the Background.

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/01/developer-clears-misconceptions-about-ios-multitasking.html

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I wouldnt say the iphone is in desperate need of an OS upgrade.
I would say something like that to RIM with the blackberry OS.
The iOS is fine, and with some additions and improvements can become even better.
Im not a big fan of radical huge changes if its not needed.
You know what they say. If it aint broke......
And the iOS is far from broke, its selling like crazy and number one in consumer satisfaction.

BTW, most things listed earlier on this thread can be had if you JB your iphone.
I know some dont want to go for it but to me its a must to enjoy my iphone to its fully potential.

I would GLADLY jailbreak if it allowed me to be on the latest version of iOS in a reasonable amount of time. As of now, I STILL don't think 5.1 has an untethered jailbreak.

Also, most of the items in my OP aren't radical changes but simply catching the OS up with it's competition. You don't need any major design changes to integrate most of those features.

 

[ThatsMeRight]

I don't think what you're saying is true and my experience with every app I've used has contradicted what you're saying. Read below:

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/01/developer-clears-misconceptions-about-ios-multitasking.html

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I would GLADLY jailbreak if it allowed me to be on the latest version of iOS in a reasonable amount of time. As of now, I STILL don't think 5.1 has an untethered jailbreak.

Also, most of the items in my OP aren't radical changes but simply catching the OS up with it's competition. You don't need any major design changes to integrate most of those features.

Try it out with iTunes U. It will continue downloading video clips when you left the app.

 

[Applejuiced]

[/COLOR]

I would GLADLY jailbreak if it allowed me to be on the latest version of iOS in a reasonable amount of time. As of now, I STILL don't think 5.1 has an untethered jailbreak.

Also, most of the items in my OP aren't radical changes but simply catching the OS up with it's competition. You don't need any major design changes to integrate most of those features.

Its a trade off.
Im on 5.0.1 with my 4S and when the new JB is out soon for 5.1 I will update and JB on that.
You just gotta be patient.
I much rather have my JB packages than a few additions or improvements here and there that Apple puts out.
I hear you on the items you listed, some of them I have available now on my JB iphone via cydia programs.

 

[El3ctronics]

Try it out with iTunes U. It will continue downloading video clips when you left the app.

I didn't realize iTunesU was an Apple app! It's quite possible (and even likely) that Apple has given their own app special permissions even if it's not a built in app.

 

[Daveoc64]

I don't think the maximum length is 10 minutes. I don't believe there's a limit.

10 minutes is the limit.

iTunes U (again, an app from the App Store) was still downloading video clips well after forty minutes I started (and closed the app) (I was downloading about 5 GB worth of video clips).

iTunes U is an Apple app. They frequently break the rules with their own apps.

If anyone but Apple had submitted iTunes U, it would be automatically rejected for using private APIs.

 

[entatlrg]

Maybe people should stop whining and just use the phone. I use my iPhone for business and pleasure all day every day, it's gets a work out for sure, and does everything I need it to do.

Don't worry, Apple keeps us in top of the user experience and thats not going to change anytime soon.

I love Siri, it's such an unbelievable time saver, the display is sharp and crisp, phone is fluid and fast, fits nicely in my hand and pocket, battery life is excellent, all the business apps I need and so much more ... I mean what the hell use the damn thing and it's current features and ENJOY it.

This whinning ... boo hoo I want a widget, and a quad core processor, I'm bored with the UI bla bla bla, its ignorant and maybe if you're so intent on a phone changing to please you every few months you've gotta bigger problem - get out more ...

No one is as focused on the end user experience more than Apple and when they can add things like quad core, widgets or whatever properly and not at the expense of battery life or something else they'll do it.

Or, if you're that techy and must tinker buy an android phone because Apple is NEVER going to satisfy you. Apple builds products to please and work for the MAJORITY of the consumers, not the 1 or less out of 10 that needs a fix by tinkering with their phone trying to get it to work properly ...like finding roms, usable keyboards etc etc. Oh no, that's not what the average person wants a smart phone for, they want it too work, that's it.

Just look at your local classifieds, Craigslist or whatever there's hoards of people looking to sell or trade android phones for iPhone's.

Yes, the carriers love to sell android phones for better margins, the geeks in the cell shops think all consumers should be techies, but in the end the average consumer is disappointed in android compared to the ease of use and fluid action of the iPhone.

So what's your point

 

[Daveoc64]

Maybe people should stop whining and just use the phone. I use my iPhone for business and pleasure all day every day, it's gets a work out for sure, and does everything I need it to do.

Telling people that the world should revolve around YOU and not to whine in the same post?

Unbelievable arrogance!

 

[JAT]

After my experience with Android, the fluidity and smoothness of the iOS UI in unparalleded but that doesn't mean it can't use some major improvements.

I don't know if you are missing this or simply ignoring it. The fluidity is because it doesn't have what you've requested. Jailbreak to get those things and you will see.

 

[El3ctronics]

Maybe people should stop whining and just use the phone. I use my iPhone for business and pleasure all day every day, it's gets a work out for sure, and does everything I need it to do.

Don't worry, Apple keeps us in top of the user experience and thats not going to change anytime soon.

I love Siri, it's such an unbelievable time saver, the display is sharp and crisp, phone is fluid and fast, fits nicely in my hand and pocket, battery life is excellent, all the business apps I need and so much more ... I mean what the hell use the damn thing and it's current features and ENJOY it.

This whinning ... boo hoo I want a widget, and a quad core processor, I'm bored with the UI bla bla bla, its ignorant and maybe if you're so intent on a phone changing to please you every few months you've gotta bigger problem - get out more ...

No one is as focused on the end user experience more than Apple and when they can add things like quad core, widgets or whatever properly and not at the expense of battery life or something else they'll do it.

Or, if you're that techy and must tinker buy an android phone because Apple is NEVER going to satisfy you. Apple builds products to please and work for the MAJORITY of the consumers, not the 1 or less out of 10 that needs a fix by tinkering with their phone trying to get it to work properly ...like finding roms, usable keyboards etc etc. Oh no, that's not what the average person wants a smart phone for, they want it too work, that's it.

Just look at your local classifieds, Craigslist or whatever there's hoards of people looking to sell or trade android phones for iPhone's.

Yes, the carriers love to sell android phones for better margins, the geeks in the cell shops think all consumers should be techies, but in the end the average consumer is disappointed in android compared to the ease of use and fluid action of the iPhone.

So what's your point

If more companies followed your philosophy on technology then we'd all still be using dumbphones. Enthusiasts (& tech addicts) are the early adopters of new technology and mainstream consumers come later. RIM had the same thought process as you and look where they are now. Your post was naivety at its finest.

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I don't know if you are missing this or simply ignoring it. The fluidity is because it doesn't have what you've requested. Jailbreak to get those things and you will see.

Actually the fluidity is because of the technology it's built on. That's why Android devices, even in their early days, were never as fluid as iOS. Read this:

http://www.slashgear.com/google-eng...ill-never-be-as-fluid-as-ios-or-wp7-06200487/

Now stability on the other hand, you may have a point about. But that would be up to Apple and the 3rd party developers to release well coded apps. The apps that aren't well coded will get poor reviews and won't be used by consumers. Same is true with PC & Mac apps.

 

[Daveoc64]

If more companies followed your philosophy on technology then we'd all still be using dumbphones. Enthusiasts (& tech addicts) are the early adopters of new technology and mainstream consumers come later. RIM had the same thought process as you and look where they are now. Your post was naivety at its finest.

Indeed.

"Maybe people should stop whining and just use the phone. I use my iPhone for business and pleasure all day every day, it's gets a work out for sure, and does everything I need it to do."

A brick phone from 1990 can do what most people need a phone to do - for business or pleasure, but it doesn't mean that others only need that.

 

[moonman239]

If more companies followed your philosophy on technology then we'd all still be using dumbphones. Enthusiasts (& tech addicts) are the early adopters of new technology and mainstream consumers come later. RIM had the same thought process as you and look where they are now. Your post was naivety at its finest.

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Actually the fluidity is because of the coding technology it's built on. That's why Android devices, even in their early days, were never as fluid as iOS. Now stability on the other hand, you may have a point about. But that would be up to Apple and the 3rd party developers to release well coded apps. The apps that aren't well coded will get poor reviews and won't be used by consumers. Same is true with PC & Mac apps.

I actually kind of agree with him. The "average" smartphone user just wants a smartphone they can use. Besides, Android phone manufacturers like to load all sorts of software that most people will never have any use for.

 

[El3ctronics]

I actually kind of agree with him. The "average" smartphone user just wants a smartphone they can use.

As I said, companies can't release devices for the "average consumer" if they want to remain on top of the market. They need to release devices for the tech enthusiasts and allow the mainstream consumer to follow. If Apple wants to be a middle of the tier player in the mobile sector, then that's fine. If they want to be the top dog, they have to continue to innovate.

 

[foodog]

I've seen lots of talk on this forum as to why iOS or the iPhone need an upgrade, but the fact remains that both are beginning to get boring and old. The hardware is almost 2 yrs old and iOS hasn't had a facelift since it was first introduced in 2007. Yes, I know its functionality has improved and the app store has been revolutionary but the OS acts and functions today almost exactly as it did 5 years ago (minus a few bells and whistles).

In terms of hardware, I'm not saying we need a 5" screen or any crazy enhancements that would deter some people. But a 4" screen and maybe a more comfortable curved back would be nice. Also I'd love a soft touch back (similar to the HTC One X) b/c it looks sexy, won't slip from your hand, and is much more comfortable to hold. Bump up the camera a bit, add an LED notification light (for the love of g-d, please!), and make the screen as close to edge-to-edge as possible and I think you have a real winner.

As for iOS, it's really beginning to feel long in the tooth. The app ecosystem is far and away the best of any operating system (which is why I always come back to my iPhone when I try to switch to another device) but the actual OS really feels old and almost obsolete at this point. Don't judge the OS based on the 3rd party apps you're running and their functionality, base it on what you can do and how you can customize your device right out of the box.

After my experience with Android, the fluidity and smoothness of the iOS UI in unparalleded but that doesn't mean it can't use some major improvements. Off the top of my head, these are what come to mind:

• Widgets
• Allow users to move icons anywhere they want (instead of snapping to grid)
• Allow apps to truly multitask (ex: if I'm download a podcast using Downcast, allow it to finish before closing the app!)
• Allow apps (and widgets) to access system settings (ex: I should be able to tap a button on a widget to turn off my GPS quickly)
• Allow users to add info to their lockscreen (ex: allow me to have my lock screen show the next few items on my calendar but just turning the screen on)
• Give users the ability to interact with popup messages (ex: respond to text or iMessage directly from the popup without having to go to the app first)
• Allow apps to interact with other apps (ex: if I want to send a photo using Whatsapp, I should be able to initiate it from the Photo Gallery instead of doing it from the Whatsapp app itself)
• Consolidate the address book so it gets info from social networks and multiple sources (ex: if I have a contact in my address book and I'm also friends with them on facebook, their info from facebook should be in their contact card if I choose to allow it)
• 3G facetime (no explanation necessary)
• Google Voice integration (doubt it happens but would be nice)
• Built in voice navigation
• An overall updated design

I'm sure you guys can think of a boatload of other ways to improve the OS but, again, these are off the top of my head. If a company only releases one phone a year, I'm of the belief that it should be a new design every year. Apple is getting into the habit of making it once every two years which I understand is the same length of carrier contracts (which, in my opinion, is why they do that). But the iOS updates have been incremental at best and at this point in time, it's in need of a MAJOR overhaul.

I couldn't disagree more with every point, except Facetime over the carrier's network.

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As I said, companies can't release devices for the "average consumer" if they want to remain on top of the market. They need to release devices for the tech enthusiasts and allow the mainstream consumer to follow. If Apple wants to be a middle of the tier player in the mobile sector, then that's fine. If they want to be the top dog, they have to continue to innovate.

Tech enthusiasts don't drive adoption to grandma and grandpa.... usability and consistency is what they want.... That is what Apple excels at.

 

[El3ctronics]

I couldn't disagree more with every point, except Facetime over the carrier's network.

Strong argument right there!

Tech enthusiasts don't drive adoption to grandma and grandpa.... usability and consistency is what they want.... That is what Apple excels at.

Ok, I'll make sure to tell that to my 80 yr old grandfather who just got an iPhone 3GS on AT&T for $0.99. If what you were saying is true then everyone would be using a dumbphone.

 

[Tinmania]

That is not a supported use of the background APIs.

If that app is doing that, it's using some sort of trick to get around the iOS restrictions.

For me, the lack of proper multitasking is the biggest thing wrong in iOS at the moment.

If it's going to be crippled, they at least need to add more scenarios where it's allowed.

Nope, it is not a trick. It's an advertised feature--right in the app store--that Apple is well aware of. Well of course Apple is aware: iMovie does the same thing.

Michael

 

[El3ctronics]

Nope, it is not a trick. It's an advertised feature--right in the app store--that Apple is well aware of. Well of course Apple is aware: iMovie does the same thing.

Image



Michael

First of all, based on this review it sounds like the app pauses the export after 10 mins and then simply continues where it left off when the app is reopened:

"In my experience, the background rendering didn’t always work as advertised. Sometimes I would set a project to render and then I’d switch apps to Safari for some web-browsing while it ran in the background. When I checked back in on the project 45 minutes later, the render progress bar had not moved at all. Only when I had the program open and I actually watched the render bar, it began to move again."

Second, the app hasn't been updated in 2 yrs and has terrible reviews in the app store.

 

[Tinmania]

But even that's not enough. There are other legitimate reasons why certain apps need to be allowed to remain open in the background even if in an idle state (IMing and RSS feed downloads were just two examples).

Actually you just illustrated why Apple went the route that they did: if you allow any app to run in the background you have a mess.

Let's take your example above, IM.

Generally, people want to always be available on IM. You don't need to waste precious CPU cycles and RAM on an IM app running 24/7 in the background. That would be crazy. Push is the solution for that.

Apple's implementation of multitasking is actually quite good.



Michael

 

[El3ctronics]

Generally, people want to always be available on IM. You don't need to waste precious CPU cycles and RAM on an IM app running 24/7 in the background. That would be crazy. Push is the solution for that.
Michael

When an app is in an idle state on Android it's using almost zero CPU and RAM. I used to use GChat on my Galaxy Nexus and if I left it on but didn't use the app over the course of a day, battery statistics would show that it used less than 1% of it's overall life. It has almost zero affect on battery life when not in use so your point is moot.

 

[Daveoc64]

Nope, it is not a trick. It's an advertised feature--right in the app store--that Apple is well aware of. Well of course Apple is aware: iMovie does the same thing.

Looking at the reviews, it renders for 10 minutes, then stops until you open the App again.

There simply isn't a supported API for it to render "indefinitely" i.e. until any task of feasible size (considering how much space is available on an iOS device) is complete.

A lot of Apps use the 10 minute system to finish off uploads etc.

One of the Apps I have (iSSH) will tell you just before the 10 minutes is up, using a notification, so that you can reopen it to reset the counter.

 

[stringzz]

We need the ability to create an event in calendar, send it out to your friends so they can accept it or deny it, and then you should be able to track who is coming and not. Why is that so hard???

 

[bigrash]

As a user of both iPhone and Android, I would hate to see widgets and the ability to move icons anywere on the screen on the next ios upgrade. It's what makes the Android screen a mess, and I'm glad Apple doesn't put up with that.

But I do agree, on some of your other points.

 

[Daveoc64]

Generally, people want to always be available on IM. You don't need to waste precious CPU cycles and RAM on an IM app running 24/7 in the background. That would be crazy. Push is the solution for that.

Yeah, the unreliable solution.

Delayed messages
Missed messages
Duplicate messages
Notifications arriving after the message does

Anybody used Facebook chat on an iPhone?