Latest iPhone OS 4 Beta Gains Orientation Lock and iPod Controls in Multitasking Interface
Image from MacStories
9 to 5 Mac reports that the latest iPhone OS 4 beta, released earlier today, includes several new features as part of its multitasking capabilities, including quick access to iPod controls, as well as an option for locking the screen orientation in either portrait or landscape mode.
The new features are accessed via a left-swipe from the multitasking "dock" manager in much the same way that the Spotlight search screen is accessed from the first home screen in iPhone OS 3. The iPod options include the traditional iPod icon to allow quick access to the iPod player functionality, as well as play/pause and track navigation buttons.
The screen orientation lock is a much-requested feature that is particularly handy for users attempting to use their devices while lying down or reclining. The feature receives prominent attention on the iPad, with the device's originally-planned "mute" switch being replaced before launch by a dedicated hardware button to enable screen rotation lock.
Update: Users are reporting that the screen orientation lock feature can currently only lock the screen in a portrait orientation.
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Weird.
I'm not sure I'm a fan of going from a simple, clean, side-to-side scrolling UI to one that vertically splits apart revealing hidden panels and crap.
Seems to me they could have just left the dock on the search screen, and used that for the multitasking app list. ...would have been simpler.
Wrong... it ONLY locks in Portrait mode. What's up with that, Apple?
I bet if you are in landscape mode it would indicate that on the button.
If I have to swipe the dock portion of the screen to tap the ipod icon, why wouldn't I just as quickly swipe the app portion of the screen to tap the ipod icon?
Weird.
I think this is more about the controls than the iPod app.
Wrong... it ONLY locks in Portrait mode. What's up with that, Apple?
The article states it can be locked in either Portrait or Landscape - have you tested this already on your own iPhone?
If I have to swipe the dock portion of the screen to tap the ipod icon, why wouldn't I just as quickly swipe the app portion of the screen to tap the ipod icon?
Weird.
I'm not sure I'm a fan of going from a simple, clean, transparent, UI to one that splits apart revealing hidden panels and crap.
Seems to me they could have just left the dock on the search screen, and used that for the multitasking app list. ...would have been simpler.
Did you not see the iPod controls? The icon is only there if you wish to actually go into the iPod app. I'm interested in how this works considering that the screenshot also shows playlist, artists, etc tabs as well.
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