iPad to Get Limited Multitasking Support

Apple’s iPad tablet will get a limited multitasking support later this year, which will be a new feature of upcoming iPhone 4.0 OS.

Tablet PC Review reports that iPhone OS 4.0 will allow third-party applications on iPads and iPhones to perform some tasks in the background, but not have full functionality.

“It’s a compromise to prevent multitasking from slowing down the app running in the foreground or cutting into the battery life. Apps will be able to stream audio in the background, and VoIP devices will be able to receive calls, when they are running in the background. And apps will be able to finish tasks the user had already requested, like uploading large files. Users will be able to easily switch between apps that are running. Double-clicking the Home button is going to bring up a list of icons showing applications that are running, allowing users to choose the one they want. Because this isn’t “true” multitasking, developers are going to need to modify their software for it to be able to take advantage of this new system,” the report says.

There is no info on pricing for iPad’s OS upgrade.