Apple releases iPhone 2.0 software beta

Toni McConnel
iApplianceWeb
(03/03/08, 8:15 AM GMT)

Cupertino, Ca.  -- Apple has begun previewing its  iPhone 2.0 software, scheduled for release this June, and announced the immediate availability of a beta release of the software to selected developers and enterprise customers.

The iPhone 2.0 beta release includes both the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) as well as new enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide secure, over-the-air push email, contacts and calendars as well as remote wipe, and the addition of Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to private corporate networks.

The iPhone SDK provides developers with a rich set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and tools to create innovative applications for iPhone and iPod touch.

Available now, anyone can download the beta iPhone SDK for free and run the iPhone Simulator on their Mac. Apple has also introduced a new iPhone Developer

Program, giving developers everything they need to create native applications, and the new App Store, a breakthrough way for developers to wirelessly deliver their applications to iPhone and iPod touch users.

With the iPhone SDK, third party developers will be able to build native applications for the iPhone with a rich set of APIs, including programming interfaces for Core OS, Core Services, Media and Cocoa Touch technologies.

The iPhone 2.0 software release will contain the App Store, a new application that lets users browse, search, purchase and wirelessly download third party applications directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch.

The App Store enables developers to reach every iPhone and iPod touch user. Developers set the price for their applications--including free--and retain 70 percent of all sales revenues.

Users can download free applications at no charge to either the user or developer, or purchase priced applications with just one click.

In addition to the rich set of iPhone OS APIs, the iPhone SDK also provides advanced tools for creating native iPhone and iPod touch applications including:

1) Xcode for source code editing;

2) project management and graphical debugging;

3) Interface Builder with drag and drop interface creation and live preview;

4) Instruments to monitor and optimize iPhone application performance in real time; and

5) iPhone Simulator to run and debug applications.

Apple plans to release the final iPhone 2.0 software, including the iPhone SDK and new enterprise features, as a free software update for all iPhone customers by the end of June. The free beta iPhone SDK is available immediately worldwide and is available at developer.apple.com/iphone/program for download.

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