Skype, Pandora Win Big with OS 4.0
Today, Apple finally announced the introduction of limited multitasking in iPhone OS 4.0. One of the surprises of the day this morning is that VoIP app Skype can now run in the background. It is surprising because of the thunder stealing potential for AT&T. Perhaps, AT&T has simply accepted that data is data and wish to make up for some of their network failures by allowing VoIP apps to stream over 3G. Additionally, it helps explain a little bit, the limbo that Google Voice has found itself in, if Skype’s partnership with Apple had been in the talks for some time.
iPhone OS 4.0 will offer full integration with Skype, including on-screen notification, and will actually allow incoming calls from the lock screen. It almost makes you wonder if Apple’s intention isn’t to sell more iPod Touches. With Skype running in the background and the ability to sign up for a $10 incoming number with unlimited calling to 23 countries I see no reason to sign a 2 year contract with AT&T for cellular minutes and would simply buy a data plan.
Skype was a huge winner today and it was reflected in their stock price following the announcement and demonstration. Now, if Skype can make a quick announcement that their app can run over AT&T network soon, that will be perfect!
Pandora is often mentioned by name when iPhone users complain about a lack of multitasking. This is not true multitasking however, but rather the stripping of some features out of programs that allow them to run in the background without a serious drain on battery life.
I have used Android and literally watched the battery bar disappear while running multiple applications. And it is not unlike my use of Backgrounder on my jailbroken iPhone to have the battery drain really quickly.
All of us have been able to use the iPod on our phones while working on other applications. Finally, those that love their Pandora will be allowed to do the same. The mini iPod control on the lock screen will have a similar control for Pandora that will “let the beat go on”.
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