Whether you’re planning on camping out in front of Best Buy or couldn’t care less about the release of some flashy new Apple device, you probably aren’t clueless about the upcoming release of the iPhone 4.0—after all, it’s pretty hard to escape the buzz. But aside from the new phone, and the new iOS4, in case you were wondering which must-have iPhone apps will be optimized and running seamlessly on the new OS, here are a few we’ve found that seem to be ahead of the updates and are ready for download now, or very soon! (or later, if you’re waiting ‘til the iPhone craze eases).
The New York Times—Okay, this one’s a given. Still, the app has been improved for the new OS—you can now quickly switch from the publication’s app to others and then back to the same article, using the “multitasking” capabilities of iOS4.
Twitterific 3—Whether you’re a power tweeter, or just periodically check your feed for juicy gossip, the ease of access that comes with this app makes it a great selection for the compulsive as well those looking for a quick distraction.
Pandora—This app offers perhaps the best way to take advantage of the multitasking capabilities that come with the new OS. Download the new version (or the update) and enjoy your favorite stations while you browse the mobile web, make Facebook posts, or read books using the new eReader function.
ESPN Score Center—While you still have to open and refresh the app for updated scores, it will switch and load faster, making it easier to stay up-to-the-minute with your team while they’re on the road.
Fandango—If you like to buy movie tickets on the go, this app is a great selection. And, with the iOS4 improvements, you can browse and play while it searches for nearby theaters and showtimes.
Navigon—This app delivers turn-by-turn directions to a location while other apps are in use, which is pretty impressive. At $79.99, it will cost you a pretty penny, but still less than a separate GPS Navigation Device.
Evernote—If you haven’t heard of Evernote, you’re missing out. The app helps you collect your thoughts into brief notes, snapshots and audio/voice clips. It’s great for organizing all the information you encounter daily for future reference. With the new OS, you can now download and upload notes and clips even when the app isn’t open.
So whether you’re new to the iPhone or just new to iOS4, these are some of the best apps you can currently get, as they are optimized for the capabilities of the new OS. That isn’t to say that other apps won’t come around soon (keeping in mind that developer’s didn’t have much time to prepare for the release of the new OS), but these apps give us an indication of what’s to come. In the near future, loading, browsing and utilizing various apps will be an even faster, even smoother process. While we’re excited about what iOS4 will do for the user experience, we’re also very excited to see what new tools and opportunities it will give developers like us, and how we can use these new features to create even better and more functional products.
