14 DAY TRIAL // iPhone OS 3.1 was actually the announcement that kicked off yesterday’s iPod event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. Steve Jobs bluntly described the new software as packing a bunch of nice features in it, as well as a few bug fixes. The Apple website, however, reveals that there’s quite a lot to be had with the update that’s free for iPhone owners, and costs just $4.95 for iPod touch users.
First off, the Genius Recommendations for Apps is a new feature in iPhone OS that allows users to get recommendations for apps they might like based on apps they’ve already downloaded. Based on similar algorithms, Genius Mixes has iTunes automatically create mixes based on what’s already in a user’s library. The ability to wirelessly Download Ringtones has also been added, along with the one to organize apps from the iTunes interface (requires the latest version of the desktop application).
“The free iPhone OS 3.1 Software Update includes some great new features, as well as all the features from previous updates,” Apple says on its website. “iPhone OS 3.1 gives you Genius recommendations for apps, lets you download ringtones wirelessly, offers a new way to organize apps on your iPhone, and more.”
“And more,” indeed. While iPhone OS 3.1 also includes the features from iPhone OS 3.0, many of the functions listed below are completely new to iPhone and iPod touch. So here’s the full breakdown. “iPhone OS 3.1 also includes these features and updates,” Apple says.
- Improved syncing for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos; - iTunes U content organization; - Redeem iTunes Gift Cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store; - Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store; - Save video from Mail and MMS into Camera Roll; - Option to “Save as new clip” when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS; - Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on; - Remotely lock iPhone with a passcode via MobileMe; - Use Voice Control on iPhone 3GS with Bluetooth headsets; - Paste phone numbers into the keypad; - Option to use Home button to turn on accessibility features on iPhone 3GS; - Warn when visiting fraudulent websites in Safari (anti-phishing); - Improved Exchange calendar syncing and invitation handling; - Fixes issue that cause some app icons to display incorrectly.