By Chris Nicholls
SYDNEY: Apple has promised to show, if not the rumoured 3G iPhone itself, a new OS X-based iPhone operating system at its Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) in June, and hinted at a possible GPS function for the new device.
In its release publicising the five-day conference, starting 9 June, Apple said developers would get to see the new iPhone software for the first time, and hinted at a possible GPS program, saying developers would have a chance to create applications that use the iPhone’s various features, including its “built-in three axis accelerometer and geographical location technology.”
While the current iPhone has faux-GPS software, using Google maps and mobile phone tower locations, users can only use a full GPS program if they purchase a separate add-on module aftermarket.
After the conference, developers will be able to use App Store, a new method of delivering iPhone applications wirelessly, to release new applications to iPhone and iPod touch users.
Developers will also gain access to OS X Leopard at the show.
Overall, over 150 sessions and ‘labs’ will be available to developers for work with both the iPhone and OS X Leopard. Developers can bring code to the labs and work one-to-one with Apple engineers, applying development methods and best-practices gained from sessions to enhance their applications.