An iPhone 3.0 software wish list

The iPhone is getting updated.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

Update: We now know the details of iPhone 3.0. Happily, it includes many of the features listed here. Check out the iPhone 3.0 details and read the live blog of the event.

As iPhone owners await Tuesday's announcement of the iPhone 3.0 software, the Web is abuzz with speculation about what new features the update will bring. Of course, we couldn't let this opportunity pass without chiming in as well.

Ever since the first iPhone was born more than two years ago, and following the introduction of the iPhone 3G last summer, we've made no secret that the iPhone lacks many features we think it should have. We've blogged a few times detailing our complaints, but here you can find a full list in no particular order.

We've also browsed through your blog comments and e-mails to see the features that you hope to see. And please feel free to add anything that we've missed.

Multimedia messaging - A very basic feature that every other cell phone has. Yet, the good news is that it appears to be a done deal. It's about time.

Tethering - From our perspective there hasn't been a huge cry from CNET readers for this feature, but it looks like we're going to get it.

Cut and paste - A no-brainer, and one we get from many CNET readers.

Text forwarding - Another basic feature that every other cell phone has.

A landscape keyboard - It works when using the Web browser, so why not when composing a message or e-mail? There is an app that brings this functionality, but we don't think that we should have to pay extra to get it--even if it is 99 cents.

Voice dialing/speed dialing - We know there are apps, but why should you have to pay for functionality that almost every other cell phones has? Sneaky Apple.

Real time turn-by-turn directions - This may take a new iPhone, but we're going to throw it in here anyway.

Task manager/background processing - CNET readers have been divided on this feature, but we'd like the ability to toggle between running applications.

Video recording/more camera options - Yet another feature many basic phones offer. And here again, we don't think that an app cuts it. We'd also like to have more creative control within the camera though options like a digital zoom, a self-timer and a brightness meter.

Full search - We'd like this for e-mails, calendar items and contacts all in one convenient place. There are a few apps that bring partial search, but Apple's SDK currently prohibits apps with calendar searching.

Send appointments to contacts - While we're on the calendar, we shouldn't have to wait until we're back on our computer to send meeting invites. What more, we'd like to forward contacts as well.

Weekly calendar view - This is a small point, but it's one worth mentioning.

Resend option for text messaging - As reader michaels1715 said, "Sometimes I want to repeat myself, but I don't want to have to type it all over again!"

File transfer/mass storage - If you don't buy an app, you can only transfer files to the iPhone using iTunes. Of course, that makes it impossible to transfer third-party files or use the handset as a mass storage device.

More Bluetooth profiles - Stereo Bluetooth may not have the best sound quality, but why not offer the choice of using it. Apple could always make more cash by building a stereo Bluetooth headset. And while we're at it, a Bluetooth file transfer profile would be welcome.

Flash support - Just a thought.