iPhone OS 4 Beta 3 - Orientation Lock, iPod Controls Panel, File Transferring Added

Lately Apple has released a third beta of the iPhone OS 4. It is specified as build 10M2247 and available for registered developers. Previous beta release was issued two weeks ago. The situation looks familiar as last year iPhone OS 3 had also gone through 5 beta cycles before it was publicly announced.

Currently the new update is unavailable due to installation problems, but those of the developers who successfully downloaded and installed it have already revealed what's new in the release.

According to Gizmodo, the new beta is much more stable than the previous build. The camera features and screen shot functionality are restored. Every app in the multitasking drawer now shows a red quit button on its icon after quick press-and-hold action.

iPhone OS 4 beta 3 also has an orientation lock. It works similar to the physical switch implemented in iPad, but because of iPhone apps that support landscape optionally, the lock sets orientation only in portrait. This becomes especially useful for those who frequently work with iPhone in bed.

Next to this lock in the multitasking drawer you'll find basic iPod controls. Now there is no need to exit an app if you want to change songs - just swipe the panel to its left end.

Boy Genius Report also found a function that allows you to transfer files from the iPhone to computer and vice versa. It doesn't work properly yet because it seems to be locked, but the scheme is pretty simple: after plugging iPhone to iTunes you should go to the Apps page and then scroll down. There you will be able to drag files in both directions (computer->iPhone, iPhone->computer).

Still there is no support of messaging, secure wipe and lock because in its beta releases Apple concentrates on issues found by developers who test their apps.