Developers take a bite of new Apple 3.0 beta OS

Apple has unveiled the next generation of its iPhone OS 3.0 software to developers with plans to make the software upgrade available as a free download to all iPhone customers this summer.

The beta release, now available for download by members of the iPhone Developer Program at developer.apple.com, includes an updated Software Development Kit (SDK) with over 1,000 new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

Developers will be able to use these APIs for the development and testing of iPhone and iPod touch applications. One key developer feature included in the beta software is the ability for apps to interface with hardware accessories for greater control.

Apple has revealed that the next-generation OS software has over 100 new features, including the ability to cut, copy and paste, stereo Bluetooth and landscape views for Mail, Text and Notes. A new Voice Memo app is also part of the package, together with expanded search capability for all key iPhone apps.

“The new iPhone OS 3.0 is a major software release packed with incredible new features and innovations for iPhone customers and developers alike. It will keep us years ahead of the competition,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

While iPhone customers will be able to download the new iPhone OS 3.0 for free once it’s made available this summer, iPod touch customers will need to fork over almost $10 to purchase the software.

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