portable music

Apple today introduced version 3.0 of it’s iPhone software.

Forget cut and paste – here are the real reasons to get excited about Apple iPhone Software 3.0:

1. iPod Library Access – iPhone applications will have the ability to access the iTunes/iPod music library on your iPhone. You know what this means – iPhone DJing is going to get serious!
2. Stereo Bluetooth A2DP audio – You will be able to pair your iPhone 3.0 with a stereo Bluetooth A2DP device, like headphones or speakers, and stream music wirelessly.
3. Peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connectivity. A new API will allow for two iPhones to connect directly—peer-to-peer—via Wi-Fi, without needing any Wi-Fi network. Look for developers to use this to sync virtual instruments, wirelessly.
4. Use your iPhone/touch to control peripherals. A new API will let you use your iPhone or iPod touch as a control to your accessories. Want to control your gear with your iPhone? Now there’s an easy way to do it. Want to build a new iPhone-controlled instrument? Apple’s got you covered there, too.
5. Audio recording. Audio recording will also be possible from third-party applications using a standardized API, instead of custom workarounds. This means that you’ll be able to record and sync audio back to your computer without jumping through a bunch of hoops.

While the announcements weren’t as sexy as some Apple introductions, they are adding a lot of new options for developers – which means there are going to be a lot of cool new music apps, and accessories, on the way.

Get the details at Apple’s site. Check out the Mule Chronicles, too, for info on the Smule demo at today’s event.

Update: CDM’s Peter Kirn is less enthused about the announcement, noting:

• Sync is still iTunes-only: Access to your library of your own music is a good start. But it’s only available to apps. What still isn’t available: any kind of sync API for getting your own files to and from the device.
• Peripherals suffer from reinventhewheelitis: What happened to standards for connecting hardware? On a computer, the ability to connect hardware and communicate to it is not news. On mobile devices, you’d think someone had invented some new technology – because they probably have, because hardware connections get reinvented each time there’s a new device.
• Hardware is still stuck with “Made for iPod”: Dreaming of a MIDI connector for your iPhone/iPod? My guess is, dream on. Apple requires proprietary licensing just to have the privilege of making hardware for the thing.
• Apple can still block your app. And sometimes they do it for no apparent reason.

If you’ve had a chance to check out the iPhone 3.0 update, leavea  coment with your thoughts!