01/15/2008, 1:20pm, EST
Tuesday, January 15thiPhone, iPod touch 1.1.3 updates [U]
Apple at Macworld today introduced the expected version 1.1.3 of its iPhone software, upgrading the handset with several heavily requested features. The device now includes a fully customizable home screen that lets users rearrange the order of icons; users can simply press and hold an icon to move it to a different location. For the first time, users can also add icons to the home screen through a Webclips feature that adds shortcuts to particular Safari websites. Users can now also send SMS text messages to multiple users at once.
Google Maps has also been significantly revamped, Apple says. The software can now triangulate its own position using cell towers, providing a rough approximation of the user's location; users can now also view maps in hybrid view and add marker pins of their own without depending on preset locations.
The iPod touch also receives its largest update yet, according to the company. The previously limited media player now receives all the iPhone's non-telephone programs, including Google Maps, Mail, Stocks, and Weather; all the features of the iPhone 1.1.3 upgrade carry over, Apple says. The iPod uses Wi-Fi to estimate its location when near available networks.
The iPhone's update should be free; new iPod touches will also receive the new apps for free, but existing owners will need to pay $20 to upgrade to the new software. Upgrading to 1.1.3 for bug fixes on the iPod remains free.
Filed under: iPhone, Apple
Other story tags: Google, GPS, MWSF 08, Flickr
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Me want iPod touch. NOW! :)
It is too bad this update isn't free, but oh well, I wanted these iphone features so I am now a happy camper :-)
I know the accounting of the iPhone is different, with its accounting stretched over two years. But it's not like Apple is having to do extra development for the apps to work on the touch. They don't even have to recompile!
What's next? $20 for 10.5.5?
It IS FREE for iPhone users. Steve DID NOT say it was FREE for new iPod Touches yet. So is there a price increase at the Apple Store for the iPod Touch, or do they have to pay the $20 to upgrade too, or will all new iPod Touches sold today get it for FREE?
Anyway, it is available now!
About half the time, it indicated an area about 4-6 blocks across, and half the time it indicated an area about 20 blocks across, and it was accurate. Took about 6 seconds to locate each time.
Not nearly good enough for turn-by-turn directions, but good enough for "nearby metro/restaurant/friend/etc", and for giving you a reasonable starting point on the map when you want to find something nearby.
The Routing option now has "Current Location" as an option for the start of routing. Traffic status no longer has a button and appears to be automatic.
BTW, for those wanting TimeMachine/AirDisk capabilities in Leopard, expect to pay for that too. Apparently Apple can't add any new feature without now having to charge it's customers for it.