More Entertainment, Gaming Apps Coming To iPhone 4G

Netflix, FarmVille and Guitar Hero will be coming to the iPhone through the App Store, Apple said. Netflix already has an app for the iPad, but the iPhone version will allow viewers to watch streaming video content instantly. The app will also be free for those who already have a Netflix account.

FarmVille, which has already created an online frenzy primarily through Facebook, will be available as an iPhone app in July. Meanwhile, Guitar Hero will allow iPhone and iPod touch users to create their own avatar to become rock stars. This app is currently available for $2.99 and features music from Queen, Vampire Weekend and others.

The announcement shows that Microsoft's Silverlight-based Web platforms can be handled by native applications, said Nick Gold, senior account executive for Baltimore, Md.-based Apple VAR Chesapeake Systems.

“FarmVille and more complex console-type arcade games can be handled well by native apps,” Gold said. “In other words, there's really nothing the iOS (Apple’s iPhone OS) platform, as it's now called, can't handle, despite not allowing Flash, Silverlight or the like.”

He added that iMovie for the iPhone is also a major application, although not as popular as the previously mentioned apps.

“Think about it -- three years ago, if someone told you you'd have a decent video editing program on your cell phone, which by the way can also shoot 720p HD video, would you have believed it?” he asked.

Many people are quite impressed with the newest iPhone, said Gold.

“Industry-leading screen, video chat and HD video, significantly faster processor, better battery life, updated OS that includes just about every missing feature people have been asking for, including multitasking -- what's not to love?” he said.

With Apple's fast pace of development especially on the iOS side, said Gold, most iPhone users realize it will just keep getting better over time with free or very inexpensive software updates.