Apple on Tuesday previewed its much-anticipated iPhone OS 3.0. The beta release has significant changes that give developers more freedom to create new applications for the popular smartphone.
The iPhone OS 3.0 beta release includes an updated software development kit (SDK) with more than 1,000 new application programming interfaces (APIs). The mobile platform also offers an app interface for accessories, access to the iPod music library, a new maps API, and push notifications.
A Bold Statement
“The new iPhone OS 3.0 is a major software release packed with incredible new features and innovations for iPhone customers and developers alike,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing. “It will keep us years ahead of the competition.”
“Years ahead of the competition” is a bold statement from Apple. But the Mac maker is offering some proof. In addition to the more than 1,000 new APIs, Apple also announced 100-plus new features for the iPhone and iPod touch. Some of those features include cut, copy and paste, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), landscape view for mail, and text and notes.
The iPhone OS 3.0 also offers stereo Bluetooth, syncing notes to the Mac and PC, shake to shuffle, parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store, and automatic log-in at Wi-Fi hot spots. It also offers a new Voice Memo app and expanded search capabilities for all key iPhone apps, as well as s Spotlight search across the iPhone or iPod touch.
With the new APIs, developers can leverage the App Store purchase model within apps. In-App Purchases allows developers to offer subscription content and sell new content and features. Developers can also more easily create peer-to-peer games for the iPhone and iPod touch, using Bluetooth.
“Today we saw a lot of evolutionary features combined with some potentially revolutionary changes. Cut,…