iPhone OS 4 Brings Unified Communications To Existing iPhone Users And Pushes The Limits Of Mobile Networks
The latest iPhone operating system – iPhone OS 4 has been released in beta 3 to developers in preparation for the forthcoming launch this summer and contains some exciting new capabilities with dramatic ramifications for the mobile networks.
The new OS4 contains many new features, but the most significant one I believe is the new multi-tasking capability, allowing multiple applications to run in the background. This is crucial for Unified Communications because now the iPhone user can be automatically alerted of incoming chat, voice and video over IP calls, something that was impossible previously.
The new multi-tasking capability of the iPhone OS will therefore drive a raft of new Unified Communications applications that will ultimately deliver video calling to the masses.
Indeed, Apple believes this too; the mythical iPhone 4 is rumoured to support voice and video/data simultaneously.
Of course all this new technology is only useful if the mobile networks are up to it which means either optimising their existing 3G networks to support video and voice over IP or eventually upgrading to them to 4G LTE technology.
4G LTE (long term evolution) technology is already being tested by mobile networks across the globe including Verizon in the USA and O2 in the UK and can offer speeds of up to 40mb download and 2mb upload – more than sufficient for good quality video conferencing and video calling.
However, so far there has been no indication of when 4G commercial services will be launched. More updates soon.
Mark Seemann
Mark Seemann is CEO of Synety and brings with him over 14 years experience in implementing disruptive technologies within the Internet and Telecoms sectors. He is responsible for building three successful Internet and Telecoms companies during this time and has been intrumental in driving turnarounds and various company acquisitions. Mark has been directly responsible for various technical innovations including the UK's first telecom web contorl panel and patented VoIP technology now owned by Cable & Wireless.
Mark Seemann is CEO of Synety and brings with him over 14 years experience in implementing disruptive technologies within the Internet and Telecoms sectors. He is responsible for building three successful Internet and Telecoms companies during this time and has been intrumental in driving turnarounds and various company acquisitions. Mark has been directly responsible for various technical innovations including the UK's first telecom web contorl panel and patented VoIP technology now owned by Cable & Wireless. ...less info
