By Natasha Lomas, 16 January 2008 12:22
NEWS
Apple has released a software update for the iPhone which puts fresh focus on location-based services.
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The redesigned Maps application uses wi-fi and cellular base stations to triangulate a user's current location. The app also offers a hybrid map view - enabling street maps to be overlaid on satellite imagery in the style of Google Earth. The app's user-interface has also been given a makeover to improve usability, said Apple.
Other tweaks in the 1.1.3 iPhone software update include the ability to send a text message to multiple recipients, and customisable home screens. Users can also create up to nine different home screens to switch between, while a new feature called 'Web Clips' lets them create shortcut icons that link directly to favourite websites.
Apple is also pushing its iTunes Movie Rentals service - it said iPhone users can now easily transfer films from their computers to the iPhone for watching on its "gorgeous 3.5 inch screen".
A recent report by analyst house Berg Insight predicts the number of GPS-enabled handsets will more than triple over the next five years - giving a boost to mobile location-based services.
Comments
There are 3 comments. Join the discussion
1. anonymous
Oh wow, my i-phone can tell me where I am. What a wonderful new idea! I can not remember the last time I did not know where i was or where i was going or needing to be told where i was.
Oh wow 2, I can now send texts to more than one reciprient. Been able to do this for years!!!!
Apple - Just scrap the i-phone and save money
2. Simon
Re: Anonymous : "Oh wow, my i-phone can tell me where I am."
Err, no !
Where I live it would (at best) be able to tell me what town I am in - but it REALLY REALLY wouldn't be any use for navigation below that level.
I too generally know where I am, or can work it out. But I have to admit that having a GPS can make life a whole lot easier (as long as it's only PART of the navigation package that includes a sense of where I'm heading !).
3. anonymous
Could it be that the sort of people who buy an overpriced phone that is lacking in decent features (camera, HSDPA etc) just for the brand name and to show off, need to know where they are because they spend most of their time with their head up their....?
Sorry, only joking.