Microsoft releases its first iPhone app

Is it possible some at Microsoft find the iPhone a more attractive platform than the software giant's own Windows Mobile?




Engineers in the company's Live Labs have released the company's first application for Apple's popular smartphone--even before making it available on Microsoft's own mobile platform. Seadragon Mobile, which was added to Apple's App Store on Saturday, is a free image-browsing app that allows users to quickly "deep zoom" images while online and is intended to demonstrate what is possible with a mobile platform.

Seadragon is the backbone for Microsoft's Photosynth, which allows users to take a grouping of photographs and stitch them together into a faux 3D environment.



The iPhone could hamper or enhance productivity in Australian businesses but whatever happens, the ZDNet.com.au iPhone resource guide contains everything you need to know about Apple's highly anticipated mobile device.

While parts of the iPhone 3G are superb, there are still some big features missing from this device. If you add up the extras the iPhone doesn't seem like a phone that everyone can afford.

Design
Simplicity is the key, and typical of Apple's product range. Physically and in regards to the interface, simplicity is what drives its design, and for the most part it works well. Apple is so confident of the design that it doesn't include a manual in the box. We're not ashamed to admit we've needed Google several times to show us how to perform certain tasks.

The iPhone 3G feels as good as it looks. Its slick glossy exterior fits perfectly in your hand, and feels comfortable against your face. The 3.5-inch display is bright and clear, and never leaves you wishing it were bigger or easier to read.

• The good:
  3G, Wi-Fi and GPS
  Outstanding Safari browser and email
  iPod app is great
  App Store is best of its kind
  
• The bad:
  No navigation software
  Dismal camera app
  Disappointing battery life
  Counter-intuitive menus and settings
  
• The bottomline:
  
  Parts of the iPhone 3G are superb -- Web browsing, email, App Store, GPS -- but these are met in equal measure by elements which are either absent or mediocre. When we use the iPhone 3G, we can't ignore the vast divide between what the iPhone is and what the iPhone really should be, and when we're being asked to pay a premium for this phone it seems unfair for Apple to not include important smartphone functionality.
  
  
• RRP: AU$849.00
  

The Apple iPhone 3G has finally landed in Australia. Check out our iPhone Launch Centre for everything iPhone, including news, features, photos, downloads and videos.