Add to del.icio.us     Digg this

Mar. 10, 2008

Late on Friday, Apple unveiled a new roadmap for the iPhone, including plans to make the device more enterprise-friendly.

Apple also wants to offer the handset to third-party application developers in an effort to make the unit more conducive to further development.

However, the company was also quick to point out that its new iPhone SDK (software development kit) isn't a path to total application freedom.

To that end, Apple will oversee any applications designed for the handset, and the only way users will be able to download new apps will be through iTunes.

Wireless software developers can set whatever price they like for their creations and Apple will take a 30 percent fee. However, Apple said free applications will be distributed at no charge.

Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs said the company’s monitoring of the applications could become more liberal as time progresses, but for now tight control means better security and reliability.

Overall, a beta version of the SDK was available on Friday, and a full version will be available in about three months.

As an added bonus, venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers has created a $100 million iFund to support new companies developing next-generation wireless applications.

Additionally, Jobs announced more iPhone features that make the handset enterprise-compatible, including more links to the popular corporate eMail and organizational tool Microsoft Exchange Server.

The iPhone’s gaming potential was displayed with a demonstration from Electronic Arts of a game the company developed for the handset.

Add to del.icio.us     Digg this

Source: Apple.

    This article was featured on Business 5.0.

ADVERTISERS:
The Wireless Industry News website is read by over 300,000 people involved in the field of wireless communications. Inquire about advertising on the Wireless Industry News portal. One of our advertising representatives will be in touch with you. Simply email us to learn about our rates and how we can help drive relevant traffic to your website. Advertising space is limited. First come, first served.