Brandon's Best Of... iOS 4

Apple fanboys and fangirls got their wishes when iOS 4 was uploaded to the iTunes servers at approximately 1pm EST today. I had the privilege of running the GM of the software for four days before, but I upgraded to the official release as well. Here are my favorite features of iOS 4:

MULTITASKING - I realized that the iPhone software was sorely lacking when I couldn't read a web page while listening to Pandora. Thankfully, the grievous error was resolved with the addition of the seven background services added to iOS 4. It allows for background audio, app freezing and switching, background VOIP (a.k.a Skype), better notifications, background GPS, and background task completion. The best example of this so far has been Pandora, which runs perfectly while on Safari or even on the home page. The full scope will be realized once more apps become available for iOS 4, but its going to be a massive gamechanger for a lot of users.

CUSTOMIZED BACKGROUNDS - I'm sorry, but the black background Apple stuck us with was so freaking boring. Now, you can change your home screen wallpapers to be a little more interesting. Be mindful of what backgrounds you have, though. I would stick to simple ones that don't draw much attention to themselves. Otherwise, your home screen risks being a complete tacky mess.

FOLDERS - Are you an apps whore? Well than this feature is key for you. Apple has answered the call to improve their app organization with Folders, which groups apps together in a bid to reduce home screen clutter. Apple claims that Folders allow for 2160 apps to sit on your iPhone. For a store housing a quarter million different apps, this feature is a godsend for anyone who just can't resist the allure of a fresh app out the oven.

PLAYLISTS - Are you a music whore (like me)? Than this feature is like a gift from the heavens. On-The-Go playlists are officially dead; you can now edit and create playlists right on your iDevice. So if you have a list of the hottest songs and you realize that Gaga or Drake isn't it anymore, you can just delete and replace with something else. Also, remember the playlist folders in iTunes? They've finally been incorporated into the iPod. No more long lists of playlists. Yes!

TASK LAUNCHER - It will definitely get some mixed reviews, but I like the new task launcher. By double clicking the home button, a tray of your latest apps used will pop up, as well as the iPod controls when you swipe to the right. No matter swiping through your countless screens to find the other app you were just on after using another.

So, what are your favorite things about iOS 4? And, if you have no clue about what you're doing, Gizmodo has an excellent how-to guide here.