Hidden Features of iPhone 4.0

Earlier this month Apple unveiled the next generation of iPhone firmware “iPhone OS 4.0” at the Infinite Loop Campus in Cupertino. At the event Steve Jobs gave a high level overview of what’s to come with the next generation firmware. He focused on features like – multi-tasking, iAd, enhanced email application, folders, iBooks, etc.

We have already reported features such as ability to search for content on the web and Wikipedia directly from Spotlight, iPad-like spell checker, 5x digital zoom, Bluetooth Keyboard support, custom homescreen wallpaper and more.

Now that we have the 4.0 SDK on hand, and developers have been playing with it for a few days, they have discovered some features that Apple didn't mention. So in case you haven't stumbled upon them already, checkout some of the hidden features in iPhone OS 4.

Here is a list of the new features discovered so far -

Cellular Data Toggling:

Now there is an option to toggle cellular data on or off.

Messages Character Count:

Now there’s an option to turn control the 'Character Count' option in Messages Settings in order to keep a tab on the number of characters while typing a message.

Text Messages Search:

iPhone OS 4 extends the iPhone's inbox search feature to text messages. Now you can search through your SMS messages.

Camera Zoom:

As reported earlier, users taking a picture from their iPhone will now see a sliding bar at the bottom of the screen to zoom in and out while taking a picture (up to 5x digital zoom). Alternately, tapping on the screen will also allow users to zoom in and out while taking a picture.

Web and Wikipedia Search:

As reported earlier, the global search screen on the iPhone now has two additional options - 'Search Web' and 'Search Wikipedia' to let users directly search for content on the web and Wikipedia.

Document Border:

Previewing documents on the iPhone will now display these files without the borders. This is expected to help squeeze in an additional pixel or two of content.

Add New Contacts:

The Contact window on the iPhone looks more streamlined in iPhone OS 4 allowing users to enter more details about the contact without navigating away from the main screen.

Photo Syncing:

iPhoto users can sync their photos to the iPhone via Events, Faces and Places. This will work for the iPad as well.

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Lyrics Data Toggling:

A new global toggling option gives you the ability to turn the display of lyrics on or off.

Photo Resize Option:

Users sending large-size image files via email can choose to resize the photo on the go by selecting from the four different file size options.

Add Playlist:

The current on-the-go playlists will be replaced by the 'Add Playlist' option in iPhone OS 4 that will automatically sync back to the users' iTunes account.

Album Info:

You can view the album thumbnail, track count, length of tracks and album release date.

Location Services For Apps:

You can enable or disable location services for each location based apps via Settings -> Location Services. Also, you also get visibility on the apps that have most recently accessed this information using the compass arrow icon.

Threaded Emails:

As reported earlier, you can organize emails by thread in the Mail app just like in Gmail. Email threading option can be turned on or off via Settings -> Mail, Contacts, Calendar and turn on or off the 'Organize By Thread' toggle (this feature was demoed during the iPhone OS 4 event, the screenshot shows you how it can be enabled).

Enhanced Security:

Passcodes will no longer be limited to just 4 numbers. You can set a more secure alphanumeric and longer passcode for your iPhone. This is currently achieved by using the iPhone Configuration utility only.

Alerts On App Folders:

iPhone OS 4 gives you the ability to sort apps into folders. When any of the apps inside a folder receives an alert, you'll be informed of the same with an exclamation point over the main folder icon.

Let us know if you have discovered more hidden features of the iPhone OS 4.0. And, stay tuned to MyGadgetNews for more info, by following us on Twitter and subscribing to our RSS Feed.