eXtensions
Apple WorldWide Developers Conference: Much More to Come |
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Jobs added that in the afternoon Bertrand Serlet would outline the next version of OS X, Snow Leopard. He provided no details, although there has been much speculation. A press release added some information. He outlined iPhone 2.0 software, the developer program and Software Developer Kit (SDK). With enterprise software, the iPhone links to MS Exchange with push technology. We can view Word, Excel and Power Point files as well as iWork output. The iPhone now has Cisco secure VPN and secure services plus the ability to delete data remotely if the phone is lost: important for business and other security concerns.
This was followed by several outlines of iPhone applications already created showing the great potential of the device: games (Sega and Pangea); eBay auction tracking, Loopt with social interaction software using the iPhone's new Core Location feature; mobile blogging from Type Pad; a well-received application called Band that played instruments on the phone from UK independent developer Mark Terry; Associated Press, who already have a web-app that I have been using on the iPod touch for a few weeks, have a free application.
Language support includes Japanese and Chinese (we can draw characters with the finger). It is possible to switch between languages on the fly. Such additions are an advantage of not having plastic keys for the keyboard, Jobs claimed. But we still do not have Thai. The iPhone software update will be free, while the iPod touch update is now $9.99. Even with the addition of several App Store locations (62) it is not clear yet how Thai users will purchase this upgrade. Enterprises can develop and distribute software for the phones within their organisations. University teachers can distribute software to a maximum 100 iPhones. More information will be coming in future months.
Steve Jobs told the audience that 6 million iPhones had been sold until Apple ran out a few weeks ago, then announced the expected new version of iPhone -- iPhone 3G -- with Enterprise support and 3rd Party applicatons, plus GPS. Location data is taken from cell towers, WIFI and GPS. The iPhone now includes tracking so a journey can be followed as it is made.
The phone is thinner, with a plastic back, solid metal buttons and 3.5" display. It has flush headphone jacks and better audio. It is priced at $199 for the 8G version. The 16G iPhone is $299 with the choice of a white version.
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