iPhone 3.0 adds DLC, subscription fees and more to games

Apple’s iPhone 3.0 preview last night lifted the lid on a number of enhancements on the way for the device this summer, a number of which are squarely aimed at boosting the iPhone’s gaming credentials.

The new version of the iPhone and iPod Touch software will allow for peer-to-peer Bluetooth connectivity which will allow users to indulge in local multiplayer, though unlike the likes of the DS and PSP it will not use the machine’s wi-fi capabilities.

In addition, Apps can now introduce paid for DLC in-game, meaning that new levels or the like can be downloaded on the fly without exiting the game and booting up the App Store. This also introduces the possibility of subscription fees for suitable titles.

Also introduced was the ability to have in-game voice and streaming audio and video in games.

Aside from the gaming enhancements, a host of other general usability tweaks were announced including:

* The ability to use Google Maps within Apps, and the capacity for turn-by-turn GPS
* Apps that interact with specific accessories
* Cut and paste
* SMS forwarding and multiple deleting
* MMS functionality
* Push email
* A2DP stereo Bluetooth
* Auto login for wi-fi hotspots
* Landscape keyboard for things such as text and mail