iphone dashboardEngadget reports that Apple software engineers have been preparing native applications to be used for firmware update 1.1.3. Firmware 1.1.3 for the iPhone and iPod Touch is a crucial platform for hastening these two multi-touch gadgets into the future. With 1.1.3, SpringBoard will be able to add apps with ease and SpringBoard itself will have widget support.

But as one commenter points out: how are users going to manage all these applications on their respective multi-touch home pages?

My concern is in management of all these apps. You’re allowed a maximum of 9 Home Screens. With the 13 pre-installed apps (and the 4 on the dock), that leaves 131 spots for installable apps or webclips. That’s 148 icons in total.
Here’s a quick and dirty mockup of how those screens will look in sequence (click on the photo for a larger image):

Read more from his blog.

My own opinion is that Apple might still have something totally brilliant up its sleeve. Probably a Mac Dashboard of some sort on the iPhone and iPod Touch. MacWorld 2008 left us disappointed and even a little angry at Apple. It’s time they vindicate itself. My humble suggestion: voice-activated apps.

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