Apple has released both the OS 3.1 SDK and the firmware beta for developer testing. As you might expect, it’s not just developers fiddling with the update. iPhone enthusiasts are compiling the changes, which include some nice improvements for on-the-go video editing and even native MMS buttons.
Here’s a quick list of 3.1 updates:
* Non-destructive video editing – When you edit a video in 3.1, you’ll get a prompt to save the edited version, or save both the edited version and a copy of the original.
* Voice Control over Bluetooth
* Vibration when you enter home screen editing
* OpenGL and Quartz improvements
* APIs to allow third-party application access to video controls and editing
OS 3.1 also updates the AT&T profile to 4.2 and updates modem firmware to 5.08.01. The profile update will hopefully allow MMS messaging when the full version is released. Beta testers have found they can create MMS messages but can’t send them.
I’m glad to see Voice Control over Bluetooth since, you know, being hands free is kinda the point of Bluetooth. I’m not sure why the vibration feature is necessary. It’s pretty clear when you enter home screen editing, but hey, maybe not for everyone. As for the rest, looks like we’ll have to wait to see what developers can do with them.
