New SDK, Over 100 New Features and 1,000APIs; Finally support for MMS, Copy & paste!

Apple today previewed the iPhone 3.0 software and announced the immediate availability of its Developer Beta to registered developers.

The 3.0 release is a major upgrade in more ways than one. The updated Software Development Kit (SDK) includes over 1,000 new APIs including In-App Purchases; Peer-to-Peer connections; an app interface for accessories; access to the iPod music library; a new Maps API and Push Notifications. Apple also announced over 100 new features that will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer including cut, copy and paste; MMS; landscape view for Mail, Text and Notes; stereo Bluetooth; syncing Notes to the Mac and PC; shake to shuffle; parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store; and automatic login at Wi-Fi hot spots. The iPhone OS 3.0 beta release will also include a new Voice Memo app and expanded search capability for all key iPhone apps, as well as Spotlight search across the iPhone or iPod touch.

In-App Purchases will allow developers to offer subscription content and provide the ability to sell new content and features. Developers can also more easily create peer-to-peer games for iPhone and iPod touch by using Bluetooth.

The iPhone 3.0 software includes Push notification service, offers apps the ability to interface with hardware accessories and brings Google Maps integration (to make turn-by-turn navigation possible... finally!).

A few other miscellaneous updates. The iPhone 3.0 OS will bring a new homescreen with Spotlight search. A flick to the left from the first screen of apps will bring this up. Second-generation iPod touch can have its Bluetooth capability unlocked with iPhone 3.0 software to make use of Stereo A2DP, peer-to-peer connections and wireless accessory control. On the Apple apps front - a new Voice Memos app, revised Stocks app, Landscape view for Mail, Text & Notes, search functionality on all major apps,YouTube account support, Form auto-fill and Phishing protection will be introduced.

The App Store will soon be available in 77 countries. Developers set the price for their applications and retain 70 percent of all sales revenue.

Pricing & Availability:

The iPhone OS 3.0 beta software & SDK is now available to registered developers. iPhone users will be able to download iPhone OS 3.0 software for FREE this summer and iPod touch customers will have to pay $9.95 for the software update.

Source:http://laptoplogic.com