TECH: Why Third Party iPhone/ iPod Touch Apps Will Revolutionize Portable
While we can't exactly say when Apple will release their SDK for the creation of third party applications, one thing is for certain: the power of iPhone/iPod Touch will allow developers to add functionality that will essentially mirror desktop applications. Here are some areas for improvement which the 3rd party applications will soon address:
1) Web browser with flash support: While Safari is a powerful mobile browser, without flash support the browser is not giving us true desktop quality browsing. Future 3rd party browsers ( I hope Firefox makes one!) if programmer efficiently, will add flash support and finally allow for in line video support. Porn lovers rejoice! It would make many Web 2.0 sites much more enjoyable.
2) Copy and Paste:How many times have you been staring at your iPhone unable to perform a certain operation simply because you cannot copy and paste? An example of this is simply copying a long URL from one site to your browser. I believe small, stand alone copy and paste applications will be commonplace in the not so distant future. The multi touch capabilities of apples devices should allow highlighting and copying with the use of two fingers, perhaps.
3) Comprehensive Word Processors: While the iPhone notepad application does allow for the jotting down of ideas on the run ( complete with sending to email) it lacks some extremely basic functions which would make the iPhone rival other business savvy devices. These word processor apps will allow font changes, formatting, exportation to different formats, word counts, insertion of clip art as well as your own pigs, graphs, etc.
4) Improved Searching: As the iPhone becomes capable of creating and housing different types of files, it only makes sense that the device needs a searching tool ( like spotlight). Small programs could also attack this problem and allow for easy and responsive searching.
5) Bit Torrent Apps: Not much explanation needed here. We need a way to download files, store them, and access them on the iPhone or even iPod touch. I expect many good programs to creatively tackle this issue and allow for desktop style functions.
6) Dedicated Instant Messaging apps:There are some pretty good web based options out there for accessing AOL instant messenger or Windows Messenger. However, they all require the use of Safari, making typing and refreshing a necessary pain in the arse. A dedicated messenger, much like the text messaging functions of the iPhone will be crisp, easy, and allow for storing of conversations. I hope that a few programs figure out a way to transfer files between users, as well as send pics.
7) Internet Radio Streaming:As long as you have a good WiFi connection, a program allowing for the streaming of Internet radio would be incredible. Finally, an alternative to listening to your own stale collection of music or having to download from iTunes.
These are just a few cool areas for third party developers to explore. Apple created some powerful little devices and it will be exciting to see how far developers can push the platform. Obviously, I want a sick video game emulator program as well as VOIP if possible!
Apple themselves will hopefully continue improving the WiFi Music Store. I would love to be able to rent movies on the road. Also, where the hell are the Podcasts? Thousands of hours of free entertainment should be accessible to anyone on an iPhone.
As you can see, the potential for improvement is enormous and these 3rd party apps will turn the iPhone / Touch into a more useful device by giving us features we really need.
[sniplet ipod]
Ron Belluso
