[alvino]

I'd love to see "MyRoots" on the iPhone and iPod Touch. I've used this app for years on both Palm and Windows Mobile platforms. Since I've switched to my iPhone and iPod Touch, this is one of two basic apps that would allow me to leave my old PDA at home. MyRoots is a great genealogy program for mobile on-the-go data entry.

[amo88ny]

VINDIGO! I'm surprised this app (currently on the Palm) gets so little attention. Many of its features could easily be broken up and offered by different companies, or just as is... It has the following features:
ZAGAT restaurant reviewer, Movie viewer/ticket purchaser, and its main feature set includes a directory of everything from food (broken out into every category imaginable for fast locating) to shops to public bathrooms to bars and museums in ay major city, complete with proximity awareness based on your current location.
ALSO - Weather and traffic updaters, driving directions, encyclopedia app, sports scores... there are SO many good ideas!

[amo88ny]

ATM finder!

[alvino]

kennethben said:

The app I used and relied upon most before the iPhone was SplashID - a dedicated database to store sensitive information, such as web login info, frequent flyer, credit card numbers etc, that synced to my Palm. It's the first application I would buy (after a Search utility), and I'd pay serious bucks to get it.

Having used SplashID for years, I agree with you that it would make a nice iPhone/iPod application. Not meaning to discourage this, I've switched over to 1Password in the last year and I've found it to be better integrated. 1Password already has a solution (involving securely encrypted Safari bookmarks) that works ok with the iPhone; I would expect 1Password to be better yet with the SDK. I think that 1Password only runs on a Macintosh, and exports it's 'stuff' to iPhone. If you're a Mac person, you might give it a shot.

[paughey]

1. Sync iPhone "Notes" App with notebook computer (whatever brand)
2. Live on-the-fly syncing of podcasts (where there's a WiFi there should be a live update)
3. Customizable "Find Cool Things Near Me" function. Website where we can list interests: Irish Pubs, Garage Sales, etc. and when click the "Find Me" function will plot selected items with different colored/shaped pins on the map.
4. iMirror. This was a hacked app that made the iPhone screen so reflective that you could see your face...a portable mirror.
5. Update weather to have hourly forecast not just generic view.
6. Smart UPC scanner...take a picture of a UPC with the iPhone, enter the price of item, and have iPhone convert picture to UPC, search database of stores with item, and using "Find Me" tell you closest location of better price and how much you'd save.
7. Function that tells you location of best gas price with X mile radius
8. Price converter to compare multiple things in stores..sometimes items are X per pack at one price vs. some other setup...should be an easy app to write.
9. Free "Build your own ringtone" app
10. alerts of traffic in specific areas...either flag route or circle areas on GoogleMap and iPhone SMS or e-mail alerts (or iPhone Stock/Weather App-like view) where Green good and Red problem.

[byronkim]

Great list!

I'd add:

1. Universal remote app:
I'd give my left * for this one. An uber-customizable remote! Could be tied to a bluetooth-to-IR blaster...and best yet, bluetooth to PS3! Heck, if someone could make this work with the Touch, I'd buy one to be a dedicated remote.

2. Vibrate feedback for text entry:
Existing audible clicks aren't bad, but I think that physical feedback would feel more natural.

3. Off-line Web Viewing:
Something similar to, but better than Avant-go. As useful as the iPhone is, presently, to surf the net, speed and dead spots especially on the commute are a real bummer.

4. Dedicated PDF viewer:
Something that is not tied to Mail. It'd be great to have some sort of simple drop box that could sync with the device for easy viewing on the road.

5. Journal/Diary:
Like Notes app. but organized specifically for Journal entry.

6. Flash cards:
This one gets pretty specific to me. I've got some certification exams that I need studying for and carrying physical flashcards is a pain.

7. Keyboard Alternatives:
I hate to say it, but sometimes the virtual keyboard just doesn't cut it. I'm not sure how this one could be done in a way that is elegant and portable...not sure that there is a solution short of adding a physical keyboard to the iPhone itself (which is a BAD idea!). Maybe a small bluetooth thumb keyboard with a one line LCD text display? Just thinking out loud... There are just some text input heavy tasks where a physical keyboard is the best solution...Sorry Steve!

[NobodySpecial]

I can't believe no one's mentioned it yet: FINAL CUT PRO!

[byronkim]

Also, not sure if this is doable:

8. True visual voicemail:
An app that can translate and audible message into a text message. That would rock! I know that there are services out there that can do this... I'd like a life with fewer monthly fees.

[airhead]

I hardly see the absolute need for most of those apps. This list is a one mans wish list not a thought out concise breakdown of what the majority of people actually need in the next iPhone.

[griffman]

"This list is a one mans wish list not a thought out concise breakdown of what the majority of people actually need in the next iPhone."

Actually, it's a list from a bunch of us, all of whom have been using iPhones since day one. But the purpose of the forums is to discuss the articles and offer alternatives.

"This list is a one mans wish list not a thought out concise breakdown of what the majority of people actually need in the next iPhone."

So what's on your list?

-rob.

[alvino]

airhead said:

I hardly see the absolute need for most of those apps. This list is a one mans wish list not a thought out concise breakdown of what the majority of people actually need in the next iPhone.

Apple already took the "majority of people" into account when they released the iPhone, and for the iPod, upgraded it's application suite (for 20-bucks). The whole point of an SDK for 3rd party developers is so that people, who may not be in the majority, can have the apps they need on the iPhone.

Why do you think this should be a list of what the majority actually need on the next iPhone? I will say one thing about the majority; the majority of iPhone users have varying needs, and one size does NOT fit all. Bring on the SDK.

[George76]

Scorp_56 said:

You know, I'd love to see some of those old choose-your-adventure type of video games that were popular in the early and mid nineties on the iPhone/iPod Touch. I used to have this game called "Silent Steel" on my old IBM Aptiva (from RadioShack!) in college that would be perfect for the platform. It was set up like a Tom Clancy novel where you play the role of a sea commander and you are presented with questions at every turn. How you answer the current question determines the next scenario and so forth.

I still have my copy of that game lying about somewhere (probably in the original Aptiva CD holder)...back when full motion video on a computer was cutting edge.

[johncarync]

There are probably jailbreak hacks that can do these things but I would like an Apple-sanctioned/SDK version of the following:

1. FLASHLIGHT.
I have been using my iPhone as a makeshift flashlight more than I ever thought I would. It would be nice to have a tiny app just for that purpose. Tap on the icon and the entire screen turns white.

2. TIP CALCULATOR
Yes you can do it with the calculator but this simple program could reduce the number of keystrokes (just type in the amount and hit "Tip") and display a variety of tip percentages on one screen. Jerry Seinfeld's dad would be impressed!

[troyspringston]

what the iphone needs are video recording capabilities and the ability to send and recieve picture messages. That is the biggest complaint, I have about the iphone.
Another thing that would be awesome, is to be able to save emails to the notes program or set up a new spot for saved emails and docs. and if they cant do that at least have the iphone save the email, so you dont need to reload an email after it has been downloaded once. Keep it saved until it is deleted from your mail box, so you dont have to sit and wait for a picture to redownload each time you try to view it

What the iphone also needs is the ability to use bluetooth for audio not just for calls. I use my iphone for everything, so why cant they create the ability to listen and control my music wirelessly. it sucks having to take out my phone and then take off my gloves to change a song while im snowboarding.