iPhone Event: App Store brings apps aplenty
Now that we’ve got that fancy shmancy new software development kit, what to do with it? Apple invited a few handpicked third-party developers onto the stage at today’s iPhone Event to give a taste of what kind of programs we’ll be seeing.
First up was Electronic Arts, which demoed a game based on their forthcoming title, Spore, made in just a couple of weeks of time with the API (getting Cocoa Touch running took just two days). The game uses the phone’s accelerometer, as well as its video and audio capabilities.
AOL also showed off a native version of an AIM client, causing angels to descend from heaven singing hosannas. A team with no Mac development experience got a buddy list UI running in five days. Chatting has text, buddy icons, profile support, your status, and the ability to switch between chats by swiping.
An Epocrates rep showed off an iPhone version of their software which allows doctors to lookup information on drugs and Sega showed off an iPhone version of Super Monkey Ball.
But the biggest question of all has been how the distribution of applications will be run. In order to help developers get their apps in front of every iPhone user, Apple has created the App Store application, which will be included in the next release of software. It allows you to search for apps, view featured items, top lists, and more. Free apps are free to download and install, but developers can also charge for their apps, a la the iTunes Wi-Fi Store. App Store will even tell you when an update to your app is available so you can download it right there. Or, if you prefer, you can install apps via iTunes and sync them with your iPhone.
So when is that mythical “next iPhone software update” going to appear with all these nifty features? Well, it’s called iPhone 2.0 and it’s due in late June, says Steve Jobs. It’s a free update for all users (well, except for iPod Touch users, who will be able to get it for “a nominal charge”). A beta release is available today for developers and companies.
Developers will be able to download the SDK for free, running their programs in the simulator. If you want to run an app on the iPhone or touch and distribute it, you’ll have to pay $99 to join the iPhone Developer Program.
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Comments (6)
ugh we have to wait until June!
Posted by jim | March 6, 2008 4:33 PM
I am personally not surprised the update wont be available until June, it just buys them some time now to "work out the kinks" and get all the 3rd Party Companies time to write some apps using the SDK.
Think about it, a year after it's initial release and look how far it really has come - it took Palm, and company a LOT longer to get this far.
Posted by Mike Erickson | March 6, 2008 5:51 PM
These applications are really going to make the iPhone a digital wonder for personal use as well as a valuable business tool for the professional.
Posted by Hyper Driver | March 6, 2008 7:19 PM
But what about Voice-dialing? Did they mention that at all?
Posted by marty Roberts | March 6, 2008 9:40 PM
I still have some worries about the hardware. What about audio I/O on the touch. What about video chats, need a camera on the front!
And, oh boy, do we need 3G support... and unlocked iphones for European buyers - especially European travellers who cannot possibly afford to sign up in one coutry and pay $$$$ to use the iPhone across the (open) boarders.
What about Bluetooth modem and audio support?
Get a few of these things sorted and we can start to work on useful mobile apps.
Posted by Antony Watts | March 7, 2008 10:14 AM
The irony here is that I am looking forward to re-locking my iphone so I can pay for all the cool apps I am already getting for free! To me, the price will be worth it to have supported, proven applications that I know will run flawlessly... without the dread and fear of accidentally "bricking" my iphone.
With that said, I have been running 1.0.2 for some time, all so that I can have a working IM client. I am not the hacker type, but this is an app I need for my iphone and for work. It is absurd that something this simple was never included from the beginning, and I resent that Apple has forced me to take drastic steps to make the iPhone more useful.
Posted by Mike | March 7, 2008 1:58 PM