Next gen cellphone operating system around the corner

Determined to keep its name in the headlines, a computer company that created an iconic touchscreen phone is set to shake up the consumer tech world some more.

An operating-system update for their phones is expected to include greater support for multitasking.

The company has invited reporters to its Cupertino, California, headquarters for a “sneak peek into the future” of its operating system. It’s unlikely the next-generation phone itself will make an appearance, though.

The company has traditionally kept hardware and software launches separate.

The big question with the updated operating system will be, what can you do now? Multitasking is clearly a high priority. Rumors point to an increased ability to use third-party apps simultaneously, perhaps with a button or gesture that would display all active programs on the screen.