Apple 3.0 Software: For the iPhone and iPod Touch

Note: This review is for Apple's 3.0 software ONLY. This review is not about the iPhone or iPod Touch devices.

So I have been getting this question asked a lot: "Is it worth the money to update my iPod or iPhone to the new 3.0 software?"

Well firstly, for those of you who don't know, the upgrade cost about $10 and is downloaded directly through iTunes where you can then install it onto your apple device (iPhone or iPod Touch). But is the amount of new content they give you really worth paying $10? In my opinion, no.

Lets first go over some of the new features. The biggest and most important update is that now you can rotate your device sideways to get a landscape view in the applications that came with your device (like Email and Notepad). This means that you can now type in landscape mode where the keyboard is bigger and easier to use. This is very useful, but why do I have to pay money for it? A lot of the applications that you can download already feature landscape typing and other devices, like the Blackberry Storm, have always had landscape typing so why did it take so long for apple to implement it? I also have the same feeling about the new Bluetooth features included with the upgrade. If Apple spent the time and money puting Bluetooth into their devices, why only now have they decided to allow them to connect to Bluetooth headsets and speakers? For something that focuses on being an MP3 player it should have had this all along since it already had the hardware. And after Blackberry devices have been able to sync with computers for many years, only now can I sync my notes from Notepad on my computer? It is also very silly how the IPod Touch gets the Memo application when it doesn't even have a microphone to record anything! And enhancing the Stock Market application is just stupid because if your using an IPhone for financing you should really look into getting a proper business phone like a Blackberry.

In the end, I think that the 3.0 software is adds very useful content, but paying $10 for it is just silly when a lot of the updates should have been available all along. In the end, I would only recommend buying this update if you have money to burn or if you heavily rely on applications because it is suggested on their website that applications will start being designed only for 3.0 software.

For more information, view the Apple 3.0 software update page at:
http://www.apple.com/iphone/softwareupdate/