Rumors earlier today from iLounge suggested that Apple would act as a gatekeeper for iPhone and iPod Touch applications based on their upcoming Software Development Kit (SDK). As gatekeeper, Apple would individually review new applications by 3rd party developers to decide whether or not they are allowed for inclusion in the Apple iTunes Store. The exact criteria for this rumored approval is unknown, but some have expressed concerns that this practice could seriously restrict application development on the iPhone.
Electronista, however, now claims that Apple plans on only imposing those restrictions on commercial applications for sale through iTunes and will not try to restrict free programs in any way
...the new contact claims that free applications are not subject to the same rules that will guide paid software downloads. In this model, free software is unlikely to be subject to much if any scrutiny by Apple
Such a tiered system could appease those concerned that an Apple approval system would arbitrarily restrict an otherwise thriving developer community. Meanwhile, commercial iPhone applications sold through the iTunes store would benefit from the existing infrastructure and customer base of the iTunes store, but in exchange would have to meet some set of predefined criteria.
It is still too early to draw too many conclusions about Apple's SDK plans. Apple has announced very little publicly about their plans, though Apple's COO has recently made comments claiming that with the SDK, the only limit would be people's imaginations.
Apple is hosting a media event on Thursday, March 6th to detail their SDK roadmap.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Flash for iPhone/iPod touch imminent?
Flash for iPhone/iPod touch imminent?
Flash for the iPhone and the iPod touch may be "just around the corner," a new report suggests. The web technology has been in high demand since the iPhone was released in June, not simply for its use in video and animation on many pages, but also for the potential in developing applications and games. Apple has yet to make much public comment on the matter; it is typically said that the obstacle has been battery life, since high activity in the display and processor rapidly consumes energy.
According to the report's source though, the real issue has been "business negotiations," and Flash should thus become available in the very near future. One possibility is that it may be announced alongside the release of the iPhone SDK, which is due later this month. This would give developers much greater flexibility.
The site making the claims is the same that first leaked the v1.1.3 iPhone firmware, demonstrating features such as icon rearrangement and the Google Maps location-finder. The official Apple release proved to be identical.
Flash for the iPhone and the iPod touch may be "just around the corner," a new report suggests. The web technology has been in high demand since the iPhone was released in June, not simply for its use in video and animation on many pages, but also for the potential in developing applications and games. Apple has yet to make much public comment on the matter; it is typically said that the obstacle has been battery life, since high activity in the display and processor rapidly consumes energy.
According to the report's source though, the real issue has been "business negotiations," and Flash should thus become available in the very near future. One possibility is that it may be announced alongside the release of the iPhone SDK, which is due later this month. This would give developers much greater flexibility.
The site making the claims is the same that first leaked the v1.1.3 iPhone firmware, demonstrating features such as icon rearrangement and the Google Maps location-finder. The official Apple release proved to be identical.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL???
Apple posts Facebook, KBB iPhone ads
In the wake of yesterday's 16GB upgrade announcement, Apple has released two new TV commercials for the iPhone. Both concentrate not on the device itself, but rather on popular websites that have been given customized iPhone interfaces. The first is dedicated to Facebook, and shows a person browsing news, profiles and pictures; it claims that the iPhone is perfect for people who cannot stop checking Facebook at their computer, since they can now check it anywhere. The second ad visits Kelley Blue Book, the famous guide to car prices. Here Apple suggests that the iPhone is a useful tool in talking to dealers, as it is possible to check on the going prices for vehicles where a salesman might otherwise have the upper hand.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
iPhone with 28% of U.S. Smartphone Marketshare for Q4 2007
Canalys reported on both U.S. and Q4 2007 mobile phone marketshare numbers today and listed Apple's iPhone as #3 (6.5%) in smart phone marketshare worldwide despite being only available in a few countries. Apple trailed Nokia (52.9%) and RIM (11.4%) who were #1 and #2, respectively, in the worldwide market.
Meanwhile, Canalys estimates that Apple is #2 in U.S. marketshare with 28%, behind RIM (41%). This put the iPhone ahead of both Palm (9%) and all Windows Mobile device vendors combined (21%).
During the Macworld Expo keynote speech, Jobs reported that the Apple iPhone won 19.5% of the smart phone market during the 3rd quarter of 2007, so this 28% marketshare in Q4 represents signficant growth in the second full quarter the iPhone has been on sale.
Today, Apple introduced a 16GB version of the iPhone.
Meanwhile, Canalys estimates that Apple is #2 in U.S. marketshare with 28%, behind RIM (41%). This put the iPhone ahead of both Palm (9%) and all Windows Mobile device vendors combined (21%).
During the Macworld Expo keynote speech, Jobs reported that the Apple iPhone won 19.5% of the smart phone market during the 3rd quarter of 2007, so this 28% marketshare in Q4 represents signficant growth in the second full quarter the iPhone has been on sale.
Today, Apple introduced a 16GB version of the iPhone.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
DotMac: Why Is Apple Still Neglecting The Web?
I’m a loyal listener of MacBreak Weekly, a podcast found on the TWiT network. Since the very first episode, I’ve been following Leo, Merlin, Alex, and Scott (and lately Andy I. as well) as they traverse the world of Macs, iPods, iPhones, and…more iPods.
I mention this fine tech-centric production because the regulars at the “roundtable” have recently been discussing to great extent a product developed by Apple, called “.Mac,” that has strangely been neglected by its inventor. Neglected for a long while. Since it’s inception, really.
Complete story on Mashable
Friday, February 1, 2008
MacBook Air teardown details, photos
A new teardown of the MacBook Air, as performed by repair specialist iFixit, reveals significant facts about thenotebook. While Apple suggests that users cannot replace the battery themselves, it may actually be an easy matter for tech-savvy installers, dependent only on having a Phillips screwdriver. Conversely, people wanting to upgrade the PATA 1.8-inch hard drive may have a very difficult time, as there is only 5mm (0.2 inches) of vertical space. For sake of reference, iFixit notes that the 160GB drive in the iPod classic requires 8mm of space.
The company also observes that the controller chip used for the trackpad, a Broadcom BCM5974, is the exact same as that used in the iPhone and iPod touch. Aside from potentially saving money for Apple on parts, this means that any touch functionality changes on the iPhone could theoretically be promulgated through all three devices.
[Photos and details provided by iFixit (link), which provides how-to's as well as parts for sale on its website]
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