iPhone OS 4.0 Features Explose-Like Multitasking

Word on the Web is that the next iPhone OS update -- version 4.0 -- will finally deliver multitasking support via an Expose-like interface. That means users will be able to launch multiple apps, including third party ones, in the background and switch between them, a feature Android and Windows Mobile users take for granted.

"Those familiar with the design of iPhone 4.0 said that the user interface will resemble Apple's desktop Expose feature, in that a key combination -- reportedly hitting the Home button twice -- will trigger an expose-like interface that brings up a series of icons representing the currently running apps, allowing users to quickly select the one they want to switch to directly," AppleInsider reports. "When a selection is made, the iPhone OS zooms out of the Expose task manager and transitions to that app."



Sounds groovy, and there will be more to iPhone 4.0 than just multitasking. Pre-release builds have shown that a global mailbox view has been added, as well as the ability to add individual contacts to the iPhone's home screen.