After a new product's initial sales start to die down, the next big customer is often the corporate sector. Some phones actually get corporate orders from the start, but the iPhone was just not equipped for the more complex job of enterprise integration. The SDK does a lot to fill in the gaps and even offers new features that will not only attract more regular customers, but will also be a value-add for current customers.
An SDK (software development kit) is a pack for software companies (and enterprising individuals) to build applications that can be loaded directly onto the iPhone. Before now, this has been impossible without "jailbreaking" or otherwise hacking into the device. Now, with Apple's "blessing" in the form of an SDK, developers and hackers alike can really push the boundaries of the iPhone.
On the business side, Apple has gotten the iPhone to work with Microsoft Exchange, which is a major email client for corporations. Also, they are working to make the iPhone more flexible for IT managers who have, up to now, been having trouble securing iPhones on their companies' networks. For more details on updates for enterprise iPhones, check out Engadget's full coverage of the SDK event.
Now, for the stuff you're probably more interested in, consumer apps and general iPhone updates. Basically the above link has all of the details of the SDK, but because it is long, I will summarize. There are several ways new developers can distribute their apps. There is of course the obvious way, through the iTunes store on your computer, but finally Apple is beginning to grow what it started when they launched the iTunes store on the iPhone. Now, when connected to Wi-Fi OR the cellular network, you can download and update any of the apps. This means that Apple will have complete control over who is allowed to put apps on the iPhone, but that's no surprise really.
Apparently some of the apps will be free because developers will want you to use their services more than they want revenue from app sales. On the other hand a lot of them will probably cost money and, while nobody know how much they'll charge, the developers and Apple will split the costs 70/30.
Aside from some other announcements, mostly applicable to developers, that's about it. The new updates to phones and touches will be in a few months and yes, old iTouch owners will have to pay a "nominal fee."
Have a wonderful spring break!
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Even though I personally think Microsoft Exchange is a horrible, horrible way to do email, I am glad that the iPhone supports it. There's no reason to keep people from using Exchange; it just means more workers will take up the iPhone. The keynote was shoddy--too much tech talk, and an old man talking about how the iPhone is the Internet in your pocket does not satisfy the requirements for "One more thing." But being able to port the Spore game over in a few weeks is awesome. I can't wait to make some iPhone apps!
ReplyDeleteI'm just hoping to see a native Gmail app sooner rather than later -- I miss my conversation view in the iPhone's mail program.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a native Google Calendar app wouldn't hurt (correct me if I'm wrong, but I haven't found a way to do over-the-air sync yet, and I rarely sync the phone with my computer).
Also, it is impossible for Windows users to use the calendar function of the iPhone with any kind of Gcal integration. If they fix this it will be a big step up for me.
ReplyDeleteGood points both of you!