Of the 1,500 or so new developer APIs and over 100 new user features mentioned by
Steve and Co. yesterday, only a handful were covered in any detail. As usual, Apple was careful not to reveal anything about the next generation iPhone hardware expected to launch this summer. Fortunately we can spelunk the iPhone OS 4 SDK developer preview for hints of what's to come.
TUAW found a new "iChatAgent" process running on OS 4 devices -- purpose, unknown -- but surely an indicator that Apple's finally set to launch a mobile iChat app. The fact that Apple hasn't already is one of those great iPhone / iPad / iPod touch mysteries. We've also peeled back the SDK to find evidence supporting those
rumors of a front-facing camera (AVCaptureDevicePositionFront), flash (AVCaptureFlashModeOn/Off/auto), and torch/flashlight (AVCaptureTorchModeOn/Off/Auto) all declared in the AVCaptureDevice.h. Who cares, right? Front-facing video cameras have been implemented on a variety of mobile devices for years. Trouble is, how many people actually use them to video conference? And if Apple's late contribution to copy and paste can be used as a guide for setting expectations (and it can), then we expect Apple's iChat implementation to be done with the same grace and ease of use -- something that should have its carrier partners a bit worried if it's allowed to function over 3G data.
[Thanks, Anonymous]
posted April 9th 2010 4:04AM
Notice how one of the process is LSD.
Now I know why I'm addicted to my phone
Fring + E71's + smartconnect = pure videochat awesomeness at college
In other news, Apple has removed iStat from the app store.
Doesn't apple ever get tired of copying HTC?
the ONLY thing i ever really wanted on the iphone was camera flash and if this rumor is true (AVCaptureFlashModeOn/Off/auto) then finally I have a reason to upgrade from my 3g version. yes!
the main use i get from my iphone is data/internet, texting and taking pictures with the loads of top notch and fun photography apps on the iphone. lets face it, no other mobile platform can even begin to touch apps like camerabag, swankolabs, hipstamatic, etc etc.
DROID2 with this feature, would be out in Verizon network (remember the Skype deal?) before the iChat. Droid's hardware and form factor easily makes it the best candidate for the front facing camera.
Fring has already allowed front facing camera usage for Symbian so not sure what all the fuss is...apple just does stuff so late in the game and then demands a lollipop just for getting to the starting line...what flavor do you want Jobs?
If Apple were smart they'd release their next iPhone as a proper "4G" device on Sprint to take advantage of Sprint's 4G network that actually exists now.
What's the point? Video calls have been reality since 2003.
What application is that in the screenshot, showing all the system diagnostics?
Actually, the likelihood of it being named 4G are low, partly due to the fact that it will be confused with 4G networking. As of now, odds are it will be named the iPhone HD, highliting it's rumored double resolution display (~720p). (because iPhone Multitask just sounds ridiculous)