Last Thursday, Apple unveiled the latest major update to their mobile operating system, OS 4. There are few who would contract that since it for whatever reasons, the iPhone has been lacking several commonly found smartphone features. Some, such as MMS, have been added in previous OS updates; with the latest launch, Apple have filled yet more of what some have described as the ‘missing pieces’.

More than 100 new user features have been planned, with seven that the company are referring to as ‘tentpole’ features – those of particular importance. These are: multitasking, folders, enhanced email, iBooks, enterprise features, a game centre and iAds.

Multitasking, easily one of the most anticipated additions to the OS functionality, naturally grabbed all of the headlines. Making reference to the wait for this implementation, Steve Jobs remarked at the launch event: “we weren’t first to the party, but we’re gonna be the best.” The key selling point with iPhone multitasking is that it will purportedly operate in a way that doesnt hinder performance or battery life. This was achieved by analysis of thousands of apps and identifying what services were needed in the background. Apple have subsequently released APIs for seven services identified: audio, voice over IP, location services, push notifications, local notifications, task completion and fast app switching.

My personal favourite from the update is the realisation of folders. Aside from the obvious organisational benefits, this enables the management of up to 2160 apps – a huge increase from the current limit of 180.There’s no limit to the number of folders; they are even able to be placed in the dock!

Apple continues to push their new iBooks software (see our previous blog!) by bringing it to the iPhone. Thankfully, we will be able to sync our places and bookmarks between devices, allowing us to begin reading Pride and Prejudice on our iPhones, and seamlessly catch up with Mr. Darcy on the iPad later that day.

OS 4 will reportedly work with both the iPhone 3G and 3GS, as well as second and third generation iPod Touches – however, not all features, including multitasking, will be available for all devices. The update is available for developers now (in beta form), with the general release for the iPhone and iPod Touch set for this summer, followed by a version for the iPad in autumn.

Ails.