The list just keeps getting longer. Soon we're going to expect iPhones to finish up the laundry and walk the dog. More details have leaked about the extensive capabilities being developed for the next generation iPhone. Of course, hardware improvements are going to work hand-in-hand with the new OS.

Apple recently ordered 100 million 8GB flash chips, twice the number they ordered last year. Video recording is the perfect way to fill up 32GB of memory on your iPhone 3.0. Not only this, but Apple has ordered both 3.2 and 5 megapixel cameras. The iPhone camera will definitely see an upgrade, but there is even speculation that a front-facing camera could be added to the next iPhone.

Finally, the moment has arrived. Apple Push Notification service is live and ready for testing by iPhone software developers for the first time. The service promises to extend the usefulness of a wide variety of AppStore applications by allowing them to receive data even when not running.

This method eliminates the need for apps to run in the background constantly and drain the already taxed iPhone battery. All registered developers can now participate in the testing program and use the service immediately.

Apple has released the second beta version of iPhone OS 3.0 to developers (build 7A259). They are making progress and the latest beta includes several new operational features. Application developers can finally start developing for push notification service, as well as in-app purchasing capabilities. Apple will soon provide live testing services to a limited number of developers.

The home screen in iPhone 3.0 beta 2 allows for up to 11 pages of apps instead of the current 9 pages, which including the dock will provide space for a whopping 180 applications. Stability and speed have also been improved in the latest version.

In a hint of things to come, more patents submitted by Apple just a few months ago show advances in future security designs for iPhones and notebook computers. The new authentication methods include several biometric technologies that would verify the identity of a user without any additional input from the owner of the device.

Examples would use cameras and software for facial recognition or allow a touch screen to identify a fingerprint. These methods could authenticate a user and protect private information without the current delay required when entering a passcode.