Apple Releases iPhone OS 3.0 Into the Wild

Today, Apple released the latest version of the operating system for its flagship iPhone and iPod Touch devices. Dubbed “OS 3.0″, this update brings a host of new features to the iPhone in particular. Many of these features are ones users had been clamoring for and, in some cases, thought should have been included in the device from day one.

Some other features, in spite of being announced today, won’t be available to iPhone users until later this Summer, in the case of MMS messaging. Or, in the case of Internet Tethering, perhaps not at all in the U.S.

Still, even with its perceived shortcomings (at least by some users), this update represents a significant step in the evolution of the iPhone and its OS. It’s combination of features, enhancements and improvements helps make the iPhone even more the dominant “Smart” phone not only the U.S, but the entire world.

Some of the many features provided in this update include the following:

Cut, Copy & Paste

Quickly and easily cut, copy, and paste text from application to application. Select entire blocks of web text with a tap. Copy and paste images from the web, too.

Landscape Keyboard

Want more room to type? Rotate iPhone to landscape to use a larger keyboard in Mail, Messages, Notes, and Safari.

Spotlight Search

Find what you’re looking for across your iPhone, all from one place. Spotlight searches all of your contacts, email, calendars, and notes, as well as everything in your iPod.

MMS

Send MMS messages and include video, photos, audio, and contact info.2 Even tap to snap a picture or shoot a video right inside Messages.

Stereo Bluetooth

Connect compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones, car kits, or other accessories.

Auto Wi-Fi Login

Log in to a Wi-Fi hotspot and iPhone automatically logs you in when you connect again.

MobileMe Find My iPhone and Remote Wipe

Find your iPhone if you lose it and protect your privacy with Remote Wipe.

Push Notifications

Push notifications allow iPhone applications to provide notifications when events happen. When you download and install an application that features notifications, you get a new Settings menu called “Notifications.” In this panel, you will be able to select, per application, how you would like to receive notifications. You can choose any variety of sounds, alerts or badges.

You can download the new version of the iPhone software by connecting your device to iTunes and clicking “Check For Update.” If you use an iPod touch, you can purchase the 3.0 software update for $9.95US.