Finally, multi-tasking is coming to the iPhone OS (as predicted). The applications running simultaneously can be switched by using a task manager. Although the multi-tasking is limited to VoIP, audio and the GPS, this will still be good enough for most iPhone users. After all you can listen to Pandora while surfing the web! Unfortunately for iPhone (original) and iPhone 3G users, this feature will not be included. Only iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch (3rd gen.) and iPad users will enjoy the liberty of running multiple apps at the same time.

Another noticeable feature in the iPhone OS 4.0 would be the ability to create/edit app folders. This means no more clutters in the homepage. You can put the relevant apps in the relevant folders. In addition to that you will be able to change the background, similar to what we currently have in the iPad.

One more major introduction is the Game Center, the multi-player gaming network, which will be Apple’s answer to the PlayStation Network and XBox Live. Not to mention you will now also be able to use external/bluetooth keyboard with the iPhone, something the iPad already can.

To be frank the upcoming iPhone OS (4.0) seems to be quite a big leap from its predecessors. Multi-tasking being the most prominent upgrade. You can expect the upgrade for the iPhone/iPod Touch sometime late summer, while for the iPad, it will be sometime in the fall. But as they say…’Better late than never!’.

So, interested in development on iPhone OS 4? You can download the SDK  Beta 1 right now.

[source: apple.com]