firmware 3.0

Users are reporting a bug in iPhone firmware 3.0 that prevents photos from appearing on the camera roll. Although image files are present on the device and can be copied with iPhoto, thumbnails are hidden on the camera roll.

The camera roll even counts the correct number of photos as it hides a portion of the files. Users have determined the problem arises when numbers in photo filenames exceed 10,000. For some reason the iPhone OS 3.0 camera roll does not display these files.

More photos of iPhone OS 3.0 have been released, this time from a user in Hong Kong who claims to have seen a prototype. The images aren't the best quality, however they confirm many of the recent rumors swirling around the upcoming model.

Among other things, the pictures demonstrate digital compass, voice recorder, horizontal messaging, and MMS functionality (video and photo messaging). Many of the images also show details about how auto focus will work with the new higher-resolution iPhone camera.

The iPhone 3.0 Software Development Kit (SDK) includes new programming interfaces that will make it possible to embed Google Maps directly into applications. iPhone software developers will be able to use Google Maps for creative new purposes, displaying spatial data such as radar and cloud cover or real estate prices over the built-in mapping capabilities of the iPhone OS.

The Maps application itself has not changed as of iPhone OS 3.0 beta 5.

Developers have found new header files in a directory labeled "compass" under iPhone OS 3.0 beta 5. These files point to Japanese company Asahi Kasei’s azimuth sensor No. AK8973. The reference describes a chip otherwise known as a digital compass, or a magnetometer, that comes bundled with a master clock oscillator.

The confirmation of this additional hardware on the next-generation iPhone is exciting, to say the least. Applications that would take advantage of an azimuth sensor have only begun to develop and make a multitude of new functionality possible.

New information has leaked regarding iPhone 3.0, allegedly from a member of Apple's hardware development team. Along with a list of features and specs, the source indicated that July 17th will be the release date for the new iPhone.

The list of features below, should it be correct, would be impressive. We've heard rumors of an OLED screen before, however this doesn't make the prospect any less interesting. This design upgrade alone would dramatically improve battery life.