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First iOS 4 Multitasking Apps Hit App Store

June 17, 2010

Apple has started approving updates for applications that support the features of iOS 4 - namely, the ability to multitask. One of the first apps in particular that now supports the basic iOS 4's multitasking API is Dropbox, a file sharing / syncing tool. We're currently investigating what other apps have been updated to work with multitasking - if you know of any, let us know! Apple's iOS has never before supported unrestricted multitasking, naming supposed issues with performance and battery life as the key reasons behind this restriction. Instead, Apple has now introduced seven specific background services that will allow a user to resume or continue using an application after switching away. These include:
  • Background audio
  • Background VoIP
  • Background location
  • Push notifications
  • Local notifications
  • Task finishing
  • Fast app switching
We're guessing that background multitasking and fast app switching are going to be the most appreciated features of iOS 4. The update is due to be distributed to the public on June 21, so be ready. UPDATE Thanks to one of our readers, Greg Lloyd, we've learnt that pUniverse now also supports multitasking. He said:
I updated pUniverse and found that it multitasks. When I leave an app during it's opening animation, the solar system is shown, when I return the animation continues without a hitch, skipping the apps usual opening sequence.
Thanks Greg for the tip! Additionally, we've also discovered that Ego now supports multitasking. Check out the screenshot below:

[via MacRumors]

Mentioned apps

Free
Dropbox
Dropbox
Dropbox
$2.99
Pocket Universe: Virtual Sky Astronomy
Pocket Universe: Virtual Sky Astronomy
Craic Design
$1.99
Ego
Ego
Garrett Murray
$1.99
Ego
Ego
Garrett Murray

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