Glucose Meter Among iPhone 3 Highlights?

Apple (AAPL Quote) opened its introduction to the third-generation iPhone operating system by announcing an enhanced App Store where free applications will remain free -- SIMS 3, an FM radio and even a Bluetooth blood sugar meter.

You gotta be kidding. Apple invites the press to its Cupertino campus to hear about the next-gen iPhone, and that's what the excitement's about?

In fairness, the new iPhones will sport some very nice new features. OS 3.0 suggests that Apple has listened to iPhone owners and added a variety of features from other smartphones.

ESPN has created a new video player in its app that selects and streams the best quality video depending on your connection. The FM radio is nice, although Nokia (NOK Quote) already has that in many of its handsets. Also, the latest OS has MMS messaging, which Research in Motion's (RIMM Quote) BlackBerries and other phones already have.

Plus, the latest offering from Apple will feature peer-to-peer connectivity (which means you won't need to go through a separate Wi-Fi router) and "push" notifications (like so many other devices) where you'll be notified by a sound or vibration when a new instant message arrives. I like the idea of universal search and "shake to shuffle" too.

And the feature that most iPhone users have been asking for -- a simple cut-copy-and-paste function -- will finally be a reality. Apple also updated the formerly somewhat awkward-to-perform forward/delete e-mail functions. Voice memo capabilities are a nice addition, too.

It looks like Apple is very aware of, and possibly slightly worried about, Palm's (PALM Quote) upcoming Pre smartphone. That could be the first design to give Apple a big run for its money.