The iPhone 3.0 software has been long awaited by users all across the world. For almost 2 years, iPhone users have lacked some of the most basic software functions such as Copy/Paste, MMS, and Search. Basically, functions that other phones have been doing for years were finally brought to the iPhone.

This is the system software for the new iPhone 3G S, but it's also available as an upgrade for the current iPhone 3G and the iPod touch. I've installed it on my phone, and have plenty of praise, and a few complaints.

ENHANCED FEATURES

Copy/Paste
Something everyone has always wanted to see in the iPhone has finally arrived. Copy/Paste works system wide, meaning you can copy something from Safari, and put it right in a new email. Now, who knows why Apple took 2 years to include this (my guess is that it was to make sure it works flawlessly, and it does) but I'm pleased with it.

To start copying and pasting, you can simply tap a word. Then a pop-up shows up that allows you to: "Select, Select All, or Paste". Once you select one of those, you get the standard: "Cut, Copy, Paste" options. You can then move the cursor around to control what you want to copy and fast. It's very straight forward and easy to do.

I've tried copying a large amount of text and once, and had no issues at all.

MMS
With MMS, you can send pictures, videos (with the iPhone 3G S), audio, and even locations through maps.

MMS is built into all the apps that support it. I can send a picture right through the Text app, and it will show in the conversation. If someone sends a picture to you, you can then save it to your photo library.

The only complaint here is the network issue. Currently all AT&T users (the whole frickin' United States) still can't use the MMS until they get it worked out on AT&T's end. Not Apple's fault, but it's just more waiting for basic features. Although they claim that shortly we will be able to use MMS.

Search
On the home screen, you will notice that there is now a magnifying glass where the dots are towards the bottom of the display (see here). To start searching, you can simply swipe to the left here, and up comes the search bar and keyboard.

You can search through Contacts, Applications, Music, Podcasts, Videos, Audiobooks, Notes, Mail, and the Calendar. In settings, you can choose which items you would like to show and what not to show, and you can even select which order you want the search results to be displayed. My only complaint is the lack of not being able to search the text app.

Voice Memos
Apple decided to introduce an application to come with every iPhone that will allow you to record voice notes. I personally think it's very handy, but it could be utterly useless to some, meaning it's just an extra app you have to move to a different page so you never see it.

The app is very basic and self explanatory. You can share voice memos via MMS, too.

Push Notifications
Something that was promised months ago, but pretty much like everything else in this update, better late than never! Since Apple doesn't want apps to run in the background, we are stuck with this push notification system. Basically, in apps with the functionality, you'll be able to receive updates through that app just like you would get a text message.

This isn't functional yet, but it's close.

Tethering
There is now the option to tether via USB cable or Bluetooth. Tethering will vary by carrier and plans and such, but I have been trying it out and it's a great feature. Again, it's one of those things that will have to do with the carriers that could make it a great feature, or a feature bombarded by extra fees.

SOFTWARE IMPROVEMENTS

Home Screen
Although it's really just cosmetics, the Messages, Stocks, Phone, and iPod apps had some icon adjustments. Yeah, nothing really ground breaking, but hey it's the screen you always see right after you slide to unlock your iPhone.

Home Button
Double clicking the home button now allows you to bring up Search and the Camera app. Before, it was limited to Phone favorites and iPod. Apple also included Home as a shortcut for home... still can't figure out why that was included in there.

Phone
In the recents tab, your phone now shows if the call is outgoing or incoming by displaying a little picture of a phone and arrow under the name. If you tap the blue arrow, it will now display more detailed information, such as the duration of each phone call.

Mail
iPhone 3.0 lets you search through mail directly in the mail app. Simply swipe down to make the search box appear.

iPod
The iPod app is also now searchable. Something that should have been there in 1.0, but oh well, at least we finally have it.

Messages
I use this app the most, and I'm sure that's the same for many people with an iPhone. Again, we are finally getting the most basic of functions included, such as mass/individual delete options, forwarding, and landscape texting.

There are some other graphical changes, such as once you send a text message, the keyboard is displayed instantly again and you can keep typing. The sending status was moved to the top of the screen.

When you forward a text, it just includes the actual text. It doesn't say who the original recipient is from, or even adds a "FWD:" You now also have the option to disable the alerts (the two sounds/vibrates) after missing/not reading a text.

Photos
In photos, you can now select pictures and have the option to share, copy, and delete them. Meaning, you don't have to delete a picture one by one. Man, just the littlest things can make the phone much better.

YouTube
The YouTube app is now more advanced. You can login, and right on the phone you can see your own videos, your subscriptions, and playlists.

Stocks
You can now rotate the stock application and it will display a larger, more easy to read graph. In portrait, you can swipe the graph and to the left you'll get all the high, low, vol, and other various information. If you swipe to the right, you can get news for that particular stock.

iTunes/App Store
Both apps have some extra functionality, such as redeeming coupons. You can also swipe screenshots in the App store now. Yeah I know, exciting.

Other Various Improvements
There were many improvements made in 3.0. I know some aren't listed, but the ones covered are some of the things people like you and I now have that make the iPhone a little more productive and fun.

CONCLUSION

The iPhone is slowly but surely catching up in the software category. I'm pleased that after all the bickering in the last 2 years over what the iPhone does and doesn't have, almost everything we've asked for has finally been thrown at us at once. Yeah, still no Flash in safari, but I think iPhone users will leave that to another day.

Is it worth it to upgrade to iPhone 3.0? Of course it is. There is no reason not to. The software isn't too buggy for a first release, and it’s not perfect, but it’s usable and recommended.  Now, if you are an iPod touch owner that could be different. If all you use your device for is to listen to music, then paying $10 to upgrade isn’t worth it in my opinion (unless you want to be able to search through songs and such).

iPhone 3.0 is taking the iPhone in the right direction, and hopefully it only gets better from here.

Availability
This system software update is available now for the iPhone 3G and iPod touch. It comes pre-installed on the iPhone 3G S.