Yes, iPhone fans, the all-singing and dancing iPhone 3.0 OS has been finally unveiled, with a beta available for download and more!  The new features were publicised at an Apple event (view the video stream) and in my opinion, has turned the iPhone from a gadget into a true business tool.   Here are some of the highlights:

iphone-3-new-1

Core functionality:

  • Copy and paste text – well ’bout time
  • Copy and paste photos
  • Global search via Spotlight feature
  • Search in mail, calendar and iPod
  • Landscape keyboard

Communications:

  • 3G Tethering
  • Multimedia messaging (MMS)
  • Push notification
  • Wi-Fi auto-login
  • Send and receive files via bluetooth
  • Peer to peer (iPhone) connectivity
  • Browse remote content on other iPhones
  • Stereo Bluetooth A2DP audio – finally, you can use your bluetooth headphones!
  • VOIP in apps

App improvements / new apps:

  • Voice memo & audio recording in apps
  • Calendar CalDAV and .ics calendar support
  • Use maps in other applications
  • Turn by turn directions API
  • Safari browser improvements – auto-login, anti-phishing
  • Sync notes in iTunes
  • Improved stocks application
  • Rumbling – for games and such
  • App store improvements – app subscriptions, add-ons for apps and games

Anyway, don’t just take our word for it – see screenshots or a video walkthrough of the beta.  You’ll be amazed!

via Gizmodo.