| Apple's June 2009 release of iPhone firmware | | | | Unfortunately, it took developers a long time to |
| version 3.0 was significant for a number of | | | | implement push capability into their applications. It |
| reasons. First, it gave the iPhone copy and paste | | | | took developers for Facebook six months to |
| capability. Users had been clamoring for this | | | | update their very popular iPhone application so |
| feature since the iPhone first hit the market. | | | | that it utilized push features. Another major |
| Apple's smart phone was basically the first | | | | application that has been the topic of many |
| practical hand-held computer and lacking copy and | | | | conversations in 2010 is Meebo. Meebo is a free |
| paste functionality kept the web browsing, | | | | instant messaging application that is light-weight |
| chatting, and email user experience from realizing | | | | yet feature-rich. This program stands head and |
| its full potential. Second, the new firmware gave | | | | shoulders above among its free competitors and |
| applications the ability to receive background push | | | | even puts many of its paid competitors to shame. |
| notifications. This meant that applications could | | | | Meebo offers push notifications so that users are |
| deliver content and information to the user | | | | alerted to incoming messages without Meebo |
| without actually being open or running. The other | | | | having to be open. There is also a Meebo desktop |
| major complaint about the iPhone was that it did | | | | program that seamlessly syncs with the iPhone |
| not have any multitasking ability. Apple intentionally | | | | version so that a user can move from the iPhone |
| allowed only one application to be running in any | | | | to the desktop and vice versa without missing |
| moment. The rationale behind this decision was | | | | any messages. Finally, to round out Meebo's |
| that multitasking would negatively impact battery | | | | feature list, it easily integrates with Yahoo, AOL |
| life and overall performance would become | | | | Instant Messenger, and Facebook's chatting |
| slower. Apple's background push notification | | | | environments. Best of all, it only takes about 10 |
| feature could give users the feel of multitasking | | | | seconds to load this very capable and free iPhone |
| while at the same time preserving battery life and | | | | application. |
| speed of the device. | | | | |