A new utility allows jailbroken iPhones to get multi-tasking in a similar fashion to the Palm Pre.
The Multifl0w project has managed to make things super-simple to allow multiple applications to co-exist on the iPhone, all displayed in an easy to swipe set of windows.
Of course, it doesn't have the Palm Pre's 'swipe up to exit' functionality, but we still like it a lot.
Simples
Simply put, you choose an application; hold the home button and it will add it to the 'background'. Then double tap that same button to see all your open applications all in a row... how pretty.
Of course, Apple is making the point that this will drain the battery, kill the processor etc, but given every other phone can do (and with Flash as well, while we're on the point) and it would be nice to think the next iPhone will be able to multi-task.
But a video makes things a lot easier, so check out this little set of moving images to see how it works (although we don't know why so many examples have to be set):
Via Engadget
Your comments (6) Click to add a new comment
lovlid
December 3rd 2009
6. So much more to do on jailbroken handsets. How much is apple holding back the iphone by not letting people do what they want with something they have paid a lot of money for, not rented.
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savy
December 1st 2009
5. We have to pay $4.99 for this. But still a good option for those missing on multitasking. Personally i am fine without it as most of the things i.e Mail, eBay, Calender etc work on the background.
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deanmiller
December 1st 2009
4. this is just great ...! i have seen a some iPod stuffs on http://buyergen.com... gonna buy from their ... thanks :)
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healeydave
December 1st 2009
3. Back on topic:
I think this is quite cool, it proves the iPhone is more than capable of multi-tasking which most knowledgable people would have never doubted anyway.
I am kinda with Apple with this one though. When the Battery life improves (not just on the iPhone, on all tech in general), I would be happy for the iPhone to go multi-tasking.
I do think its more of a gimmick people like Palm worked on intentionally to try and provide one feature the market leader didn't have currently configured.
You cant really use more than one app at a time anyway, so its kinda pointless.
I would be ok with a small payload running simultaniously for social networking apps to allow realtime updates (like push accomplishes), but whats the point in having resources wasted and the user having to always keep track of what they have left running.
How often do you close an app down on your computer you were no longer using but it might have been left running for hours before you made the decision to actually quit it!!
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healeydave
December 1st 2009
2. @bunjiweb,
Why do you let it "rile" you?
If you don't like the iPhone which you clearly don't, you make a choice not to own one and that's that.
I see people all the time commenting on the net about stuff they are clearly "anti" against and it always makes me wonder why they do it!?!?!
Just take a chil pill, act on your principles, which is not to own one and do yourself a favor and ignore articals about the device you have no so-called interest in.
You add 10 years to your life!
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bunjiweb
November 30th 2009
1. So the unofficial iPhones come up with an app that android has had for 2 years, WM devices have done for ages and even the Palm Pre has been doing for 6 months, and we are supposed to get excited?
I can see the new advert now...
"Say you want to have multiple applications open at once, with the iPhone, YOU CAN!"..
... and many people get excited because they think it's never been done before and of course Apple are first...
I know that at the mo it is only on jailbroken handsets, but it still riles me that many iPhone users think there handset is the best at everything, and the first with everything.
Ben
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