iPhone services that Apple needs to add now - A Users Take

Now that the 3.0 iPhone software has been out for nearly two months, I'm surprised by the lack of push notifications. This was the one feature that many thought could really help the iPhone. But as it turns out, it's either harder to implement than most thought or to costly for the developer to maintain. So let's take a look at a few features that still need to be added to the iPhone software and SDK.

• Background processes. This is the one Apple claims would kill battery life and ruin the user experience. For me, I see it differently. Nearly every day, I want to flick an app away to look something up in Safari, then flick the original app back into focus.


• Still waiting on my MMS and tether. Although AT&T did say by end of summer. Damn you AT&T. Guess I'll be happier at 3.1


• Flash. Now this isn't as big a deal as a year ago, because many sites are converting to formats that fit the iPhone. Atleast for their mobile sites.


• Over the air sync. Seriously how hard can this be. I just want to sync my phone to iTunes without plugging it into my computer. Even if they limited it to local wifi or made it part of MobileMe, it still needs to happen


• Gmail Push. I'm blaming Apple for this one. If they are already in bed with Google with maps why not mail. As it is, there are apps making it into the app store to monitor for new gMail.


• More video editing options. I would like to see a merge of clips, basic title and transition options.

Yes this is a short list, but these are the things that I know I want to see sooner rather than later. I also understand the iPhone is a phone, but it is quickly becoming much more than that.

As far as the hardware goes, that's another post for another day.