iOS 4 on a 3G isn't all 100%

[strredwolf]

Okay, I'm past an NDA now that iOS 4 is released.  And frankly put, I'm annoyed at iOS 4 now.  I've had it for a while thanks to Chakat Deitdre in exchange for helping develop a future iOS accessory.

Why am I annoyed? Because on my 8gb iPhone 3G:

• It runs slow. Slower than 3.1.3. I'm getting more music skipping when it's straining, more delays with both built-in and third-party (via iTunes store) apps, and more hesitation.
  
  Let me give you an example.  Grab a copy of Plants v. Zombies, and just launch it.  On a 3.1.3 3G, it take a minute but it loads and you're only about a quarter of the way through the theme song.  On a 4.0 3G, you're nearly through the song, and it stops right before the last bit comes in for a good 30 seconds.  Not good.  It is still playable, but you notice a drop in frame rate in the 4.0 iOS.
  
  
• Features you think would make it for the 3G aren't. For example, the SpringBoard is supposed to have a background.  You're supposed to set it in Settings.  When I go to set it, the options for choosing the lock screen or the SpringBoard wallpaper are split, shifted, and scroll up and all the way out for the move-and-zoom screen.  WTF?!?
  
  
• Features that are there aren't 100%: Supposedly we get BlueTooth Keyboard support.  I have one, the Palm Bluetooth Universal Wireless Keyboard. It works with my iMac. It doesn't work with my iPhone 3G w/iOS 4. It's not even recognized by the iPhone.
  

In software, there are many versions of software.  You have alphas, betas, release candidates, gold masters, and general releases.  Alphas are buggy for good reason.  Betas are buggy, but less so.  Release Candidates shake out those bugs and never introduce a feature.  Gold Masters are frozen and shipping out for a release. General Release is what is out there now.

This Gold Master, being the same as a General Release, feels like a Release Candidate still. 

Comments

[tal-greywolf.livejournal.com]

There are multiple reports of problems with the new software. Issues with mail, issues with Pandora streaming music software, other issues. Since I don't have an iPhone (and will never get one, either), it's just an interesting view from the sidelines right now.

[cmot-dribbler.livejournal.com]

Downloading it now, will take a look. (oooh, PvZ gets an iOS4 update!)

[gamer-wolf.livejournal.com]

From that list of problems it definitely sounds like Apple didn't fully test everything out, and that is going to be pretty bad for them.

[strredwolf.livejournal.com]

I saw that, pulled it, and did a round. It loads much faster now, doesn't hang, and the frame rate is back up. (I was hesitant on using it as an example. Guess why)