Image by Farid Iqbal via Flickr

Apple released the third beta version of iPhone OS 4 to Software Developers. ” With a rich set of over 1500 new APIs, iPhone SDK for iPhone OS 4 provides you with an amazing range of technologies to enhance the functionality of your iPhone and iPod touch apps.” Apple said on its website.

The software developers who are registered with iPhone Dev Center have access to the software.  Apple had thrown a surprise when it  previewed OS 4.0 with the 4.0’s business features.

One of the key new elements in the 4.0 release is the much missed mult- tasking, which even though has limited functionality is seen as a boon by many users who missed  running several apps or functions at once.

One new element in the beta 3 release is  a new widget-like interface for the phone’s iPod functionality. The controls are revealed as buttons when you flick to the left the first pane of open apps with  a fast-launch button and some music controls, plus there is an “orientation lock”  which keeps the app’s user interface in portrait mode. One tap locks or unlocks.

The iPhone lock on-screen button is exposed in the new multi-tasking dock that appears when you tap twice on the home button, This dock lets users switch between open applications. This control strip also houses the iPod buttons.