This week, Apple previewed its iPhone OS 3.0 software and announced the immediate availability of a beta software release to registered iPhone Developer Program members. The beta release includes an updated software development kit (SDK) with more than 1000 new application programming interfaces (API), including In-App Purchases, Peer-to-Peer connections, an app interface for accessories, access to the iPod music library, a new Maps API, and Push Notifications. With these APIs, developers also will be able to leverage the App Store purchase model within apps.

Article Tools

• 

Apple also announced more than 100 new features that will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer, including cut, copy, and paste; MMS (available only on iPhone 3G; fees may apply; MMS may not be available in all areas); landscape view for Mail, Text, and Notes; 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 login at Wi-Fi hotspots. Furthermore, the beta release will include a new Voice Memo app and expanded search capability for all key iPhone apps, as well as Spotlight search across the iPhone or iPod touch.

In-App Purchases will allow developers to offer subscription content and provide the ability to sell new content and features in a simple and secure process. Developers can also more easily create peer-to-peer games for iPhone and iPod touch by using Bluetooth. Another key developer feature in the beta software is the ability for apps to interface with hardware accessories, creating a whole new element of control for iPhone and iPod touch accessory developers as well as a new ecosystem of solutions for customers.

Developers will also be able to use Apple’s new Maps API to integrate Google Mobile Maps services within their apps, which will offer Google Map tiles, current location, custom annotations, and geocoding. The beta software’s Apple Push Notification service provides developers with a mechanism to alert users with sounds, text, or a badge. The updated Stock app will add the ability to display recent company news and current trading information. Customers will also be able to view shared calendars on their iPhone with CalDAV support and sync their calendars with iCal, Yahoo, Google, and Oracle.

The iPhone OS 3.0 beta software and SDK is now available for registered developers to download at developer.apple.com. iPhone customers will be able to download the new iPhone OS 3.0 software for free this summer and iPod touch customers will be able to purchase a software update for $9.95 (Some features may not be supported by older hardware.)

Apple Inc.