New iPhone 2.1b4 beta removes push notification
updated 02:55 pm EDT, Sun August 17, 2008
iPhone 2.1 beta lacks push
The latest beta test version of the iPhone v2.1 firmware, seeded to Apple developers over the weekend, has disabled the much anticipated push notification feature, an important service that allows information to be relayed to iPhone apps even when they are inactive, according to AppleInsider. Push notification has been used for features such as instant messaging, where notification of a new message can be sent to the user without forcing the application open. Native apps will still use background data. Apple has not given a full explanation for the absence, just commenting that the code was pulled for "further development." Jobs had previously promised to deliver the push feature as part of a free update in September.
Apple thus far has chosen not allow applications to remain open in the background, citing both performance and battery life as the primary concerns. Push service has been a high priority feature for developers. Typically without push feature, applications that require regular data communication must stay open in the background. While users may believe the app is not functioning while 'closed', it is actually running in the background, slowing the system down by forcing the foreground apps to split CPU usage and consuming valuable battery life.
Removal of this service will affect developers--new apps requiring push service will be unworkable unless it is reintroduced and released. It is unclear whether the v2.1 update, expected to be available sometime in September, will have the promised push features.
It wouldn't be an issue..
08/17, 05:25pm (1 reply) reply
..if the iPhone had a removable battery. We could just carry extras like other phone users do.
Oh well .. maybe they'll put this back in along with cut/paste/copy which OSX had before it was downsized. :/
aergern
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2004
It wouldn't be an issue..
08/17, 05:26pm reply
..if the iPhone had a removable battery. We could just carry extras like other phone users do.
Oh well .. maybe they'll put this back in along with cut/paste/copy which OSX had before it was downsized. :/
aergern
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2004
battery shmattery!
08/17, 05:33pm (1 reply) reply
How many times are Apple going to use the "battery excuse" for short-changing customers on features? Rarely does any corporation act in the best interests of it's customers despite the assertion in Apple's case that "Steve knows best", so what's the real reason? Don't tell me, they're waiting 'till it's perfect before releasing it, like they did with MobileMe and the first version of Aperture!
Feathers
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 1999
Not battery again..
08/17, 05:35pm (1 reply) reply
Not that battery thing again... Unless the statement was sarcasm (didn't sound like it), this battery thing as been beaten to death so far.
I have yet to meet a person who has a spare battery for any of their battery-powered devices. Unless these are AAs or AAAs, nobody I know (and that is hundreds of people with cellphones and laptops) has a spare battery.
Where did this myth about spare battery and people who carry it come from?
vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
I heard that Apple
08/17, 06:51pm reply
Is moving from "push" to "shove".
benj
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 1999
API changes
08/18, 09:06am reply
It was pulled likely because the API is changing and Apple doesn't want people trying to write their code from this API.
hayesk
Professional Poster
Joined: Sep 1999
battery
08/18, 10:12am reply
I carry two extra, charged batteries for my Palm Treo. I have two external power sources for when I buy an iPhone. I am just waiting for turn-by-turn voice navigation, voice dialing and a remote wipe capability. the battery thing won't keep me from buying an iPhone since I can have a portable alternative power source. switchable batteries for iPhone would be nice, though.
jefort
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2008
battery
08/18, 11:56am reply
I do have a laptop battery most of the time. Never had a cell phone battery for any of my million phones I have owned.
Push is nice but I want something else for background notification. I want my app to sleep in the background and be able to register for notifications that the net is up so I can piggyback on the system apps opening of a network connection. If my app can get awakened when mail does its checks, I can piggyback a quick check of my own on the same connection and then go back to sleep. The server I am checking is not under my control and "push" won't work.
chadpengar
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2001
A sign?
08/18, 12:01pm reply
I see this as a possible sign that the 2.1 release is getting very close. My hypothesis is that Apple probably put it in there to give the developers an initial opportunity to bang on it before pulling it in preparation for 2.1 release.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
TheBum
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2001