Apple likely imposing restrictions on features planned for iPad V. 2.0

Feb 1, 2010 15:47 GMT  ·  By

People nosing around the new iPad SDK and iPhone OS 3.2 can confirm that the software supports video calling, file downloads, SMS and even multitasking, features that are yet to be supported by the new Apple tablet.

Available solely to developers enrolled in the company’s iPhone Developer Program, the new 3.2 Software Development Kit and altered iPhone OS employed by the Apple iPad were available on the exact same day Apple introduced the device to the world. They are free downloads for those who pay $99 a year for their subscription with Apple. With the company’s confirmation that the iPhone SDK 3.2 was up for grabs, Apple encouraged developers to waste no time, download the new tools right away, and start coding. SDK 3.2 also contains the iPad simulator, which allows developers to test their apps against iPad-specific features, on their Macs, before the device is even out.

“Extremely trusted sources” now tell Engadget that iPhone OS 3.2 contains rudimentary support for the aforementioned features. Particularly, video calling caught our attention. If Apple did plan to implement this feature, or plans to do so in the future, it would explain the mysterious space at the top of the prototype iPad, leaked in pictures by the same website, before the product had been confirmed.

Engadget's sources also say there are hooks to accept and decline a video conference, flip a video feed (front-facing camera needed), and the ability to run a video call in either full-screen mode or in just a portion of the screen. These features, if implemented, will most likely be typical to the 3G iPad model.

The tech-site also confirms that, “iPhone OS 3.2 supports file downloads and local storage in the browser.” The ability to pull files off the web and use them in other apps is deducted from this finding. Engadget also announced setting up a way for non Apple-fans to browse its website without being bothered by any Apple-related topics. This indicates 2009 was clearly an overhyped Apple year.