Although there is already a homebrew application that can offer similar functionality to jailbroken handsets, Apple is apparently working on an official update to the iPhone that would create a more Windows Mobile-like experience.

One of the things that has been holding me back from picking up an iPhone 3G is that the phone doesn’t have a proper home screen. I’m far too accustomed to my “at a glance” home screen, letting me see my upcoming tasks and appointments, the number of unread text messages, and so on. The Apple patent seems to rectify this situation.

Instead of just a background image and “slide to unlock”, the new iPhone home screen tells you exactly how many text messages you have to read, whether you have missed calls, and a quick check of your visual voicemail. There does not appear to be a slot for tasks and calendar entries though. Some people call it clutter. I call it useful.