iphoneI downloaded and installed the iPhone 3.0 update on the release date. I had stopped doing so because I’ve had issues with other iPhone updates but decided to give it a try this time.  I had no problems at all while downloading and installing this update.

New Features

First off, several items from my wish list were added.  I’m definitely glad about that.  These include:

  • The ability to select text as well as the ability to cut and paste.
  • Synchronization of notes.
  • Landscape keyboard available in email and SMS apps.
  • Ability to search email as well as the phone in general.
  • Automatic wifi hotspot login.
  • Ability to log in to YouTube (which is more convenient than is important).

Bug Fixed

A particular bug that I experienced caused by the 2.0 update has been fixed.  Because of the policies on the Exchange server I connect to via Activesync, I am required to have a passcode on my phone.  Several times when trying to unlock the phone, I accidentally touch the Emergency Call key.  After doing so, any time I entered my passcode it would tell me that the passcode was incorrect.  After entering it a few times, I would be locked out of the phone for a few minutes each time.  I found via Google that I would be able to successfully enter the passcode after someone called the phone.  Recently though I found that turning the phone off and on would allow me to properly enter the passcode.  With the 3.0 update, this no longer happens.

Other New Features

Among other things I noticed were:

  • Better support of Microsoft Exchange/Activesync. I can now search the corporate Exchange directory from my phone.
  • Multiple calendars can be synched.
  • Calendars can be imported.  I had been using my Google Calendar almost exclusively because calendars could not be imported.
  • Extra information has been added to the phone screens about the location of telephone numbers.
  • A lot of other small touches in other default apps.

What’s Missing

I was immediately disappointed that the following were not included in the update (or at least they don’t appear to be).

  • Video. I shouldn’t have to jailbreak my phone to shoot video.
  • Better Google Maps app.  The current app is difficult to use while driving.
  • A lot of general user interface tweaks.
  • MMS and tethering are due out later but I’m having trouble understanding how that will be rolled out.  Will that be through another update?
  • None of my apps seem to be using any of the new features (i.e. push notification, landscape keyboard) yet.

Overall

Overall I like the new features that are included with the update but the features aren’t spectacular.  Most of them should have been included in the first generation iPhone.  In addition, I’m disappointed that several features still don’t exist.  This is my opinion after three days of use.  If it changes, I will update this post or write a new one.

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