Editor's note: Also read What we want from the iPhone SDK: A buyer's perspective
With the launch of the SDK perhaps days away, I've been thinking about what I would like to see come to my iPhone. When I originally bought the device, I believed, like most people, that Flash would come soon, and perhaps even Exchange Active Sync support. After eight months of ownership, however, I've mostly gotten used to not having these apps, so what I'm craving after the iPhone SDK is released is a more creative mix of functions and features.
Wi-Fi synchronization
No music player has handled Wi-Fi sync well, especially not the Microsoft Zune, which should have been the standard-bearer in this field, so it's time for the iPhone, and perhaps even the iPod touch, to take the lead. I would like to see all of the iPhone's backup and synchronizing tasks handled via Wi-Fi. It's time to cut the cord, and what better device than Apple's most truly wireless iPods? I'd like this process to be fairly automatic and invisible to the user, as well so when my iPhone realizes its on my home network, it will automatically sync up with my laptop. This has been a feature folks have been clamoring for on numerous devices ever since Wi-Fi started making its way onto handhelds, so its about time it was put to good use.
Change the channel
A good friend installs Crestron touch panel remotes that control high-end audio/video systems using IP over a wireless network. The iPhone should do the same thing, especially when it comes to controlling media from my Mac or Apple TV. I want to be able to browse content on a robust remote control interface directly on my iPhone, and contol playback on my Apple TV or TiVo using the iPhone as a remote control. Everything should be integrated, including my television's power button, the volume on my stereo, and, for good measure, let me control the lights in my room and the temperature on the thermostat. I've seen all of these controlled with Wi-Fi enabled touch screen remotes, though these systems can be exorbitantly expensive thanks to their niche market and high level of programmer expertise. If Apple stepped in and offered these features, even if they only controlled the most basic of home theater elements, it could open interesting new doors into the living room.
Peripherals, please
If Apple won't build a GPS unit into my rev. A iPhone, I'd like a third party to create something that matches the iPhone's aesthetic, and that clips onto the back. It should use the iPhone's docking port, and every piece of software on the phone should be able to use the GPS signal. Ditto other peripherals. Miniature, label-maker-style printers, gaming controllers and external video camera add-ons all come to mind. Instead, Apple will probably build GPS into a newer version of the iPhone, and if you want it you'll have to buy the upgraded model, but we would still like to see an SDK that allows a more robust range of peripheral devices than the simple speakers and microphones currently available for the iPhones.
Play with me
Realistically, of all our suggestions this is the most likely. I want cool games. Not just Tetris and a thousand puzzle game variations. And no Doom or Quake, either (okay, maybe a little Doom). I want games I can pinch and rotate and flick. I want games that take advantage of the advanced touch screen and accelerometer. First idea: the "I'm crushing your head" game, using our family photo album. I'd like to see developers explore new ideas with the input methods available on the iPhone. Then, please port the games so I can also play them on my Macbook Air.
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