Bonus features in iPhone v1.1.3 – expanded SMS text message storage limit, better on-screen typing, karaoke mode

Aside from those reports of iPhones going bonkers following an update to the v1.1.3 firmware, it seems that the new firmware brings with it some previously unmentioned features – icing on the cake.

The previous firmware limited SMS text message storage to 1,000 messages. The limit wasn’t too shabby, but when you send upwards of 20 SMS text messages per day (which are a joy to send on the iPhone – even better now), you can find yourself having to free up some space and delete text-message conversations quite often. It was really a shame, since text message conversations are threaded, it was nice to have a running log of past conversations.

Well, Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) has boosted the SMS text message storage limit. We’re not sure exactly how many text messages will now be stored on the iPhone, but we’re hoping the new text message-capacity is large enough so that even heavy SMS-users won’t have to worry about their text message inbox too often.

And, to make it easier to type out those text messages on your iPhone’s on-screen keyboard, Apple has enhanced the keyboard interface. The keyboard now registers simultaneous typing inputs – which is to say that you can now hold down that “Shift” key whilst hitting another key, more similar to the way a real keyboard works. Gone are the days of hitting “Shift,” and lifting your finger before hitting the next key.

Lastly, you can activate Lyric- or Karaoke-mode on the iPhone by tapping on the Album cover as the song is playing. As you may have guessed, Karaoke-mode displays the lyrics of compatible songs right on your iPhone’s screen – great for rockin’ out to that new song, and actually knowing the words. Armed with the correct lyrics, you’re friends will be less annoyed at your attempts at American iDol glory.

Thanks for the hook-up Apple. Now, where’s the damn MMS and video recording. Actually, we just like giving you grief over MMS because we can, but we never really use it anyway. Video recording, on the other hand, is something that we really miss. What gives? Will it be available on iPhone v1.1.4?