[Edward Kirk]

The iPhone 3G is a wonderful improvement over an already near-perfect device, but it still lacks a few key features. PC World has pinpointed the top 10 of these features. Meanwhile, AppScout's Sascha Segan managed to grab a few minutes with Apple's Greg Joswiak about why they didn't add cut and paste, GPS driving directions, or an iPhone office suite for business users.

According to Greg Joswiak, it's not that Apple didn't want to put these things into the iPhone 3G and 2.0 software, but they created a list of priorities and only got as far down the list as they could in time before the launch date. Cut and paste was one of those features they still want on the iPhone, but they simply haven't gotten to it yet.

As for GPS driving directions, David Pogue wrote: "According to Apple, the iPhone's G.P.S. antenna is much too small to emulate the turn-by-turn navigation of a G.P.S. unit for a vehicle." Joswiak says this wasn't true, but that the matter was complicated. "It will evolve. I think our developers will amaze us," he said.

As for a suite of Office document editing software, Joswiak said that there could be an issue with allotting storage space for files for apps. "There's no cross-application file structure," he said.


Other things still missing in the iPhone 3G:

1. MMS: Despite the ability to capture decent pictures with it's 2-megapizel camera or it's ability to store photos, the iPhone 3G still does not have the ability to send or even receive MMS messages.


2. Stereo Bluetooth/ A2DP support: While they did make a big improvement by ditching the recessed headphone jack for a normal one, you still can't ditch that cable if you want to listen to music.


3. Selecting, Copy/Paste
   
4. Horizontal keyboard for email and notes:Many find it easier to type either quickly or for long periods using the horizontal keypad that shows up when the phone is tipped to landscape mode.


5. Better predictive text or the option to disable it: We're not quite sure about this one. I personally find it to be useful.


6. Integrated IM application: We were hoping that the AIM application would be the solution there, but it lacks integration with contacts.


7. Flash supportSteve Jobs has given a reasonable explanation for it's exclusion (some believe that they're actually trying to avoid giving power over Flash-based app development to Adobe, and are opting instead to further the advancement of opensource technologies)


8. A better camera and camcorder: While bigger might not be better in the case of the iPhone's camera, some still disagree, and Apple has yet to enable video recording (though we know it's capable of it.).


9. Unified email inbox: Currently there's no way to see all of your email from multiple addresses gathered onto one page. Same goes for the 'new mail' badge on the Mail app's icon.


10. PC World was going to mention voice dialing and memos as the last one, but I think the one thing that so many people were truly hoping for in the iPhone 3G was a fully user-replaceable battery. It's a lot easier to replace now, but it's still not sanctioned by Apple to do so (you'll void your warranty).

(Got more features you were disappointed not to see in the iPhone 3G or 2.0 software? Make your voice heard in the comments!)

[via PC World, AppScout]

This is the feature that was promised prior to the first release and still hasn't come out. Why not?

[Kevin Dunahee]

There is a priority list? And scientific calculator was above copy and paste?! What's that about?

[xxx]

I would like all of those ASAP.

Apple get on it!

I guess they only leave it to us to guess what will come out when firmware updates roll around!! Got to give us something to be in suspense about!

Move MMS capability and a fully functional turn by turn GPS to the top of the list in my opinion. Also add a flash for the camera so I can ditch my other camera and have just one device to carry.

[prince]

i thought that the new iphone had a GPS in it???? and the whole turn by turn thing?????

if not then it just like the first gen iphone...

[imagine engine]

Having the ability to edit office documents would be very useful to businesses that want to use the iPhone in the network. Most of the listed features will be provided by third party developers either for free or for a small developer fee. For example MMS, IM and the ability to record video have been available on unlocked iPhones for months through installer.app. Hopefully these apps will be made available through Apple's App Store. As for turn by turn directions using GPS the company Tom Tom has been working on an app. As for "Stereo Bluetooth/ A2DP support" I really don't know why after a year of developing that Apple has not been able to provide this especially considering they sell the device with the iPod functionality. Such a feature would be useful for joggers, snowboarders, etc.

[WatersWest]

Originally Posted by imagine engine

Having the ability to edit office documents would be very useful to businesses that want to use the iPhone in the network. Most of the listed features will be provided by third party developers either for free or for a small developer fee. For example MMS, IM and the ability to record video have been available on unlocked iPhones for months through installer.app. Hopefully these apps will be made available through Apple's App Store. As for turn by turn directions using GPS the company Tom Tom has been working on an app. As for "Stereo Bluetooth/ A2DP support" I really don't know why after a year of developing that Apple has not been able to provide this especially considering they sell the device with the iPod functionality. Such a feature would be useful for joggers, snowboarders, etc.

I agree strongly that the ability to edit office documents would be very useful to businesses. IMHO, that and push e-mail are at the very heart of what makes a phone a 'smart' phone.

[madscientest]

Originally Posted by Superman

There is a priority list? And scientific calculator was above copy and paste?! What's that about?

that is pretty lame! the scientific calculator was the LAST item in everyones list of things they wanted in the iphone.

however im pretty upset at apple for stripping what little bluetooth functions we had from 1.1.4, in 2.0 I am not able to even listen to a voicemail in my headset. why are we moving backwards apple? we should be moving forward and adding functions not stripping then. LAME LAME LAME

[Kevin Dunahee]

I didn't realize the bluetooth got even dumber with the new update.

Also, how was scientific calculator above making the keyboard rotate in something else besides Safari? I'm bitter towards scientists now.

[madscientest]

Originally Posted by Superman

I didn't realize the bluetooth got even dumber with the new update.

Also, how was scientific calculator above making the keyboard rotate in something else besides Safari? I'm bitter towards scientists now.

why are you bitter towards scientists now? i was just agreeing with someone else about how the scientific calculator was the LOWEST priority and it still made the update over copy/paste, bluetooth audio etc etc.

You should be bitter towards APPLE

[Kevin Dunahee]

Originally Posted by madscientest

why are you bitter towards scientists now?

It was just a failed attempt at a joke. I'm not really bitter towards scientists in the slightest.

[warlock]

Originally Posted by beroe

This is the feature that was promised prior to the first release and still hasn't come out. Why not?

If you want to just view your notes on your mac try downloading MobileSyncBrowser (linked below). Its free and you can view Notes, Contacts, Calls, and Text Messages. It get the info from the Backup completed every sync from iTunes. You can purchase it for some more features...but I havent yet. hope this helps, heres the link: http://tiny.cc/cwVRN

Spotlight, Spotlight, Spotlight...

"Better predictive text or the option to disable it: We're not quite sure about this one. I personally find it to be useful."

Apple needs to look to Windows Mobile on this. Their word-prediction is absolutely incredible, and it has been around for many years now.

Originally Posted by Superman

There is a priority list? And scientific calculator was above copy and paste?! What's that about?

And they made the useless itunes store app, before it too. Come on how often does every one say "O thats a cool song. Let me down me down lode it... o... ya... I can't do with out wifi." Then you forget all about it. THIS over cut and paste, and that was HIGH on the LIST almost a year ago.

what about sms delivery reports? it's pretty important in Europe.

[Kevin Dunahee]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

And they made the useless itunes store app, before it too. Come on how often does every one say "O thats a cool song. Let me down me down lode it... o... ya... I can't do with out wifi." Then you forget all about it. THIS over cut and paste, and that was HIGH on the LIST almost a year ago.

Well... I kind of understand the iTunes store. I myself have used it on multiple occasions and I'm sure that feature looks better on paper than copy/paste. iTunes makes Apple money directly. Copy/paste only makes them money by tipping the boat for those holding out for copy/paste. The iTunes store just seems to be aimed at a much larger audience. I'm with you though, their priorities are a mess.

[madeleinediaz]

Originally Posted by warlock

If you want to just view your notes on your mac try downloading MobileSyncBrowser (linked below). Its free and you can view Notes, Contacts, Calls, and Text Messages. It get the info from the Backup completed every sync from iTunes. You can purchase it for some more features...but I havent yet. hope this helps, heres the link: http://tiny.cc/cwVRN

MSB's homepage is
http://homepage.mac.com/vaughn/msync/
the latest version is a pre-release for 3.1b1, more info on that:
MobileSyncBrowser 3.1b1 upgraded version of the application available as pre-release software, has been said to be "better, faster, and more stable".
Basically, MSB is a simple, intuitive software utility to view, protect and recover your iPhone and iPod Touch data from your Mac or Windows PC. In a nutshell. Bet you never knew your iPhone had a hidden doppelganger inside iTunes!!!!!