Apple Otaku

The 1.1.3 update is the first significant software upgrade for the iPhone. Previous updates mostly consisted of bug fixes and minor speed improvements. This update actually has some meat.

Maps

This app got a huge boost. They improved the UI and the app now features a location tracker. By clicking the icon in the lower left hand corner, the iPhone will use a combination of cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots to triangulate your location.

In my personal use, I found I got the best results when I had my Wi-Fi turned on. As a test, while in Little Tokyo, I used the locate feature with the Wi-Fi turned off. The Map application drew a large cross-hair that covered most of Downtown Los Angeles.

With the Wi-Fi turned on, it centered me within a one block radius of my actual location. I assume with GPS it would have been even more accurate. But in my tests, I was satisfied with the results. This implementation is better than nothing and it’s a good starting point when you want to route a location.

Mail

Previously, if you wanted to access Gmail IMAP, you had to set-up a generic IMAP account under Mail. Now, you can simply select the Gmail setup, enter your name, email, and password, and you’re all set to go.

Maybe it’s my imagination, but checking my Gmail via edge felt faster. Almost as fast as Wi-Fi. Now downloading the mail itself is a different matter.

Other Stuff

Customizable Home Screen - Finally! Now if they could let me hide/delete certain icons.

Web Clips - Web bookmarks for your home screen. Nice addition but I don’t see myself using it.

Chapter/Audio/Subtitles for Video - Good to have but I don’t watch movies on my iPhone.

SMS - You now have the ability to send SMS messages to multiple people.

Closing Thoughts

This is a solid update from Apple. Some nice improvements to functionality were added and the already well-received Maps application got the next best thing to genuine GPS. I look forward to what the third-party apps will bring to the table later this year.

What are your thoughts on the latest iPhone upgrade?

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