A Youtube video from PDAMania.hu claims to demonstrate an iPhone/iPod Touch GPS solution at Cebit 2008.
The demo shows two possible options for GPS integration: a wireless Wifi transmitter and a dock-connector adapter. We think it is only a concept application because the presenter states that it is a prototype and that they need to await an SDK from Apple, and because a similar demo video was posted back on January 9th, 2008.
Apple has released DVD or CD Sharing Setup Update for Mac and PC.
This update installs software that enables remote disc sharing, system software restoration, and wireless migration with MacBook Air.
The Mac version requires Mac OS 10.4.10 or 10.5, while the Windows version requires Windows XP or Vista. For more information, Apple refers users to the MacBook Air User Guide (pdf link).
There's been some confusion on this topic due to the reporting of the iPhone SDK event, but it appears that the $99 fee required to publish your applications to the iTunes App Store is an annual charge.
From Apple's press release:
The Standard Program costs $99 (US) per year and gives members an iPhone SDK and development tools; access to pre-release iPhone software; technical support; the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing; and distribution of applications via the new App Store.
To sum up:
- iTunes App Store to browse, purchase and download iPhone apps
- Developers set the price and get 70% of revenue. Apple keeps 30% for their costs.
- Applications must be approved by Apple and apps are available exclusively through the App Store
- No charge to distribute free applications, but you still have to pay the $99/year fee.
Apple has posted a Quicktime stream of their iPhone SDK event today. While we've already summarized today's announcements, it's never quite the same as watching it yourself .
Here's our summary of today's announcements, including additional details from our iPhone Blog.
- iPhone SDK Details, First Look
- Apple Releases iPhone SDK, Demos Spore, Instant Messaging
- iPhone Enterprise Features: ActiveSync, Exchange, WPA2, Push Services
- iFund to Offer $100 Million in Seed Money to iPhone Developers
- iPhone Spore to be Released by EA in September
- Apple Will Allow Voice Over IP (VOIP) on Wifi
- iPhone Enterprise Beta Application
- Mass Email Move and Delete in 2.0, PowerPoint
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One of the announcements at today's iPhone SDK event was the creation of the "iFund" by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
The iFund promises $100 million in venture capital to invest in companies developing applications and services for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch.
"A revolutionary new platform is a rare and prized opportunity for entrepreneurs, and that's exactly what Apple has created with iPhone and iPod touch," said John Doerr, Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. "We think several significant new companies will emerge as this new platform evolves, and the iFund will empower them to realize their full potential."
"Developers are already bursting with ideas for the iPhone and iPod touch, and now they have the chance to turn those ideas into great companies with the help of world-class venture capitalists," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We can't wait to start working with Kleiner Perkins and the companies they fund through this new initiative."
The funding will focus on location based services, social networking, mCommerce, communication, and entertainment.
EA also confirmed that there were "other games in early stages of development," and that it was "actively using the new iPhone SDK to develop games for the iPhone OS."
After announcing the iPhone SDK today, Apple has posted the link for the SDK download, though Apple's site is presently being overwhelmed by the traffic.
To clarify what the SDK provides and why you might want it. The SDK offers development tools to write applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It includes an updated version of Xcode, Apple's development environment, along with an emulator to test your iPhone applications. It does not contain a beta of the iPhone 2.0 firmware, so there should be no reason for the end customer to download it.
The iPhone SDK requires an Intel Mac running Mac OS X 10.5.2 or later.
Apple's license agreement when installing the software, understandably contains specific restrictions on what kind of applications you can create. Most are expected:
- No unlocking or the ability to distribute applications in a method other than the iTunes Stores
- No obscene, pornographic content, or other materials that may be found objectionable
- Must not excessively use bandwidth or burden network capacity
- Specifically with regard to the carrier's network, you are not allowed to develop Voice over Internet (VOIP) functionality -- though Apple has specifically said that VOIP over Wifi will be allowed.
Additional iPhone news/details to be posted on our iPhone Blog at https://www.macrumors.com/iphone/.
During the Q&A Session, Apple indicated that they would allow Voice Over IP (VOIP) applications on the iTunes App Store so long as the applications only ran over Wifi, not cellular networks (such as EDGE).
This means that popular internet telephone applications such as Skype could be easily ported to the iPhone. Allowing VOIP to run over EDGE connections would directly compete with AT&T's voice plans, but even Wifi support for VOIP could be very useful.
- A team of no more than five people to test the iPhone 2.0 software beta
- One team member with administrative access to your IT infrastructure
- A designated technical lead to act as a primary contact for Apple
- All team members to read and accept the terms of the Apple Customer Seed and Confidentiality Agreement
- A Mac computer using Mac OS X Leopard v10.5.2 or later
- Up to five iPhones that are dedicated to testing the software and assigned to individual team members
So, you may have to wait a little while, but the SDK should be available at:
http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/
Apple's press release reveals that they've included some frequently requested features in iPhone 2.0 firmware:
In addition to these new iPhone network and security features, the beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.
The final iPhone 2.0 software will be available as a free update in June.
During the iPhone SDK event today, Apple announced that they would be releasing to developers the same APIs and Tools that they use to create iPhone apps.
Based on existing Mac OS X technologies, the SDK provides a robust package of tools for developers to use to develop iPhone native applications. The SDK is broken down into the following sets:
Cocoa Touch - Multi-touch events, Multi-touch controls, Acceleromter, View Hierarchy, Localization, Alerts, Web View, People Picker, Image Picker, Camera
Media - Core Audio, OpenAL, Audio Mixing, Audio Recording, Video Playback, JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDS Quartz, Core Animation, Embedded OpenGL
Core Services - Collections, Address Book, Networking, File access, SQLite, Core Location, Net Services Threading, Preferences, URL utilities
Core OS - OS X Kernel, BSD TCP/IP, Sockets, Power Management, Keychain, Certificates, File System, Lib System, Security, Bonjour
A software iPhone emulator for Mac OS X is provided to help with development.
Apple wrote a couple of quick demo apps, and also invited software developers to try to see what they could come up with in 2 weeks. EA demoed Spore for the iPhone, with 18 levels, an editor and accelerometer controls:
- Epocrates - popular drug reference application for physicians.
- Salesforce.com
- AOL AIM (instant messaging client)
- SEGA's Super Monkey Ball
Native iPhone apps will be distributed through the iTunes App Store, with wireless downloads. Developers pick the price, and get 70% of revenue. The 70% will be paid out to developers monthly, and there are no other recurring fees. The iTunes App Store will handle over the air updates to your applications. Developers of free applications will not be charged for Apple to deliver their applications through iTunes.
All this will come with the iPhone 2.0 update, in beta today going to thousands of developers. Customers will get it in June as a free software update to iPhone users. Meanwhile, iPod Touch users will be charged a small fee due to accounting issues.
The SDK will be available for free public download, but there is a $99/year fee in order to publish applications to the iTunes App Store.
Update: Apple has said they will not restrict VOIP (voice over IP) applications that use Wifi, but will not allow VOIP applications that use cellular networks.
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Additional iPhone news/details to be posted on our iPhone Blog at https://www.macrumors.com/iphone/.
During the iPhone SDK event today, Apple announced that they would be including support for frequently requested iPhone enterprise features.
The new features include:
- Push email
- Push calendar
- Push contacts
- Global address list
- Cisco IPsec VPN
- Certificates and Identities
- WPA2 / 802.1x
- Enforced security policies
- Device configuration
- Remote wipe
- Active Sync and Microsoft Exchange support
These features (for both iPod Touch and iPhone) will come in the 2.0 Firmware release that will be released in June. All iPhone owners will get this update for free, but iPod Touch owners will be charged a small fee for accounting purposes.
A beta program is being offered, but you must apply.
Additional iPhone news/details to be posted on our iPhone Blog at https://www.macrumors.com/iphone/.
MacScoop is chiming in with a few extra tidbits of information regarding Apple's SDK plans which are set to be formally unveiled at tomorrow's iPhone Software Roadmap press event.
Of significance, MacScoop says that although applications will have some limitations (iLounge: no access to connected peripherals), iPhone applications will be allowed to use both EDGE and WiFi for data.
The site also confirms suspicions that Apple will be wanting a "small percentage" of revenue from iPhone application sales. The site notes that they were unable to obtain information regarding the specifics of non-commercial (free) application distribution, though Electronista has previously said that Apple would not restrict the distribution of free applications.
Lastly, the site notes that the SDK will require a Mac running Mac OS 10.5 "Leopard," and will be facilitated through an enhanced version of XCode which is to be made available to all Apple Developer Connection members.
The iPhone SDK event starts at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern on Thursday, March 6th. MacRumors will be unable to provide live access, but we will post a comprehensive list of live coverage closer to the event. We will provide SMS updates if Twitter cooperates.
Macenstein percolates a rumor that Apple is preparing a final update to Mac OS 10.4 "Tiger", bringing the system version to 10.4.12.
We have it on good authority (meaning this is a rumor, and good authority could mean anything) that Apple is ready to drop its final update to yesterdays OS, aka Tiger. Thats right. 10.4.12 is allegedly ready to roll, and will spring forth in the next couple weeks or so.
The site claims to not have specifics beyond "numerous bug fixes and security enhancements". It should be noted that there have yet to be any leaks regarding 10.4.12 development from traditionally reliable sources, which may shed some doubt upon the claims.
Apple released Mac OS 10.4.11 in November.
Fortune has published an interesting interview with Apple CEO Steve Jobs covering a wide range of topics. Jobs provide some insight into decisions Apple has made over the years and their design philosophies.
Jobs discusses why he thinks Apple has been successful and their unique approach to design. He takes pride that Apple can integrate both hardware and software design and feels this is a huge advantage over other companies. Jobs also feels that Apple needs to be picky about which products to pursue, and again points to their decision not to release a PDA as an example. Other notable quotes:
On Apple's Consumer Success:
"It's not about pop culture, and it's not about fooling people, and it's not about convincing people that they want something they don't. We figure out what we want. ... "So you can't go out and ask people, you know, what the next big [thing.] There's a great quote by Henry Ford, right? He said, 'If I'd have asked my customers what they wanted, they would have told me "A faster horse." ' "
Marathon Monday Meetings at Apple:
"So what we do every Monday is we review the whole business. We look at what we sold the week before. We look at every single product under development, products we're having trouble with, products where the demand is larger than we can make. All the stuff in development, we review. And we do it every single week. I put out an agenda -- 80% is the same as it was the last week, and we just walk down it every single week.
"We don't have a lot of process at Apple, but that's one of the few things we do just to all stay on the same page."
Apple placed at the top of Fortune's American's Most Admired Companies for 2008.
Apple is hosting a media event today to outline the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) and "some exciting new enterprise features". There have been a collection of rumors suggesting that Apple may not be able to deliver the final SDK immediately. That hasn't stopped a number of companies, such as reQall (memory aid), Six Apart (blogging software), and Freeverse (sports games), from announcing their intentions to write iPhone native applications with the new SDK. Meanwhile MySpace and SlingMedia have been rumored to be early recipients of the unreleased development kit.
Live Coverage
The event kicks off today at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern. A running countdown is provided at the top of MacRumors.com. MacRumors is unable to provide live coverage, but will be offering SMS updates for those unable to watch live coverage. Live coverage is being provided by a number of sites (in no particular order):
Dedicated coverage links: Arstechnica, Gizmodo, Engadget, PhoneMag, Macworld, Mac Life, CNet, GadgetLab, Fortune
Update:
We will also be providing consolidated updates at the end of this article as the event unfolds.
- BBC's iPlayer site now has a "Beta BBC iPlayer for iPhone" badge when navigated to with an iPhone (screenshot). Coincidentally appeared on the day of the SDK roadmap. Content is not yet playable on the iPhone.
- Gizmodo spots Adobe, AOL, Orange, Gizmodo, J Crew, Disney employees at the event. PhoneMag spots Microsoft and Adobe employees.
- Steve Jobs opens with some stats on the iPhone: 71% of Mobile browser usage is on the iPhone. 28% marketshare of U.S. Smartphones. "So for the first time, you really do have the Internet in your pocket."
- Phil Schiller talks about the iPhone in enterprise and gives some examples: Genentech has 1000s of iPhones deployed. "The iPhone is a watershed event in mobile computing for corporations". Stanford has 100s of iPhones deployed.
- Next iPhone update to include: Push Email, Push Calendar, Push Contacts, Global Address List, Cisco VPN, WPA2/ 802.1x, Security Policies, Device Config, Remote Wipe.
- Apple has licensed ActiveSync from Microsoft and will be incorporating native ActiveSync and Exchange support into the iPhone's existing apps (mail, cal, contacts)
- SDK: Apple is releasing the same APIs and Tools that they use to develop iPhone applications. iPhone Emulator for OS X to help developers. Robust API with support for Animation, 3d, Camera, Networking, File Access, Audio Recording.
- Demo App written in 2 days shown: Touch FX. OpenGL distortion effects on photo with touch, pinch, expand. Shaking iPhone undos changes.
- Demo app that took 2 weeks: Touch Fighter, space shooter using OpenGL (3d anim) and OpenAL (audio). Touch to shoot, tilt to steer.
- EA demos an iPhone version of Spore.
- More app demos: Salesforce.com. AOL native AIM (instant messaging), Epocrates drug reference app. SEGA's SuperMonkeyBall.
- Native iPhone apps will be distributed through the iTunes App Store, with wireless downloads. Developers pick the price, and get 70% of revenue. No other fees. Paid out to developers monthly.
- SDK is free to download today. To publish apps, however, there is a $99 developer fee.
- iFund - $100 million fund venture capiltal for iPhone development. (? detail still spotty))
Additional iPhone news/details to be posted on our iPhone Blog at https://www.macrumors.com/iphone/.
Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 26, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.
Apple's four new iPhones feature more differences between the latest models than ever before, so which one should you buy?
Upgrade to A17 or newer chip with Apple Intelligence support, plus Apple's new N1 wireless networking chip.
1 week ago by Tim Hardwick
1 week ago by Tim Hardwick
1 week ago by Tim Hardwick
1 week ago by Juli Clover
1 week ago by Joe Rossignol
Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 26, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.
Apple's four new iPhones feature more differences between the latest models than ever before, so which one should you buy?
Upgrade to A17 or newer chip with Apple Intelligence support, plus Apple's new N1 wireless networking chip.
1 week ago by Tim Hardwick
1 week ago by Tim Hardwick
1 week ago by Tim Hardwick
1 week ago by Juli Clover
1 week ago by Joe Rossignol