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iPhone Video Recording Interface Found

Roberto Baldwin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:18:26 -0500

First there was word of an updated camera coming out of Taiwan for the new iPhone. Then, image files were found that pointed to video editing capabilities.

Now MacRumors has a screenshot of the brand-spanking-new camera interface found in the iPhone 3.0 Beta. It's no wonder Apple has an NDA on this thing. Too bad no one seems to be following it.

The interface shown above isn't available by default in the 3.0 Beta. You have to configure some files, modify some settings and finally summon the great wind god, Blowinsky with a goat sacrifice. This is why hacking is such a messy business.

As of now, the feature doesn't work in the 3.0 Beta, but we have our fingers crossed.

Podcast #81: iPhone OS 3.0 and Woz Keeps on Dancing

Mac|Life Staff — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:43:02 -0500

We discuss the newly announced iPhone OS 3.0 Software and Woz stays alive on DWTS.

A Nashville band is chosen for our weekly, "Keep or Delete." Each week we download and review the free iTunes song of the week and decide whether we're going to keep or delete the file. This week's artist:

Gloriana - Wild at Heart

Don't forget, the Mac|Life staff would love to hear your thoughts, comments and ideas for the new podcast. Just leave a message on the Mac|Live question/comment line: (877) 404-1337, extension 622. Please limit the length of your messages to 1 minute max. We'll review these calls each week and feature our favorites, along with responses, on that week's podcast.

To subscribe to the Mac|Live podcast series through an RSS feed, click here; if you want to subscribe through the iTunes Store, click here.

Apple Explains iPhone 3.0 Roadmap

Zack Stern — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:17:14 -0500

At a preview event this morning, Apple detailed the iPhone 3.0 software update, coming Summer, 2009. A beta version for developers is available today, and iPhone subscribers will be able to get it free, likely in June. iPod touch upgrades will cost of $9.95.

The two-hour presentation was packed full of features for developers and consumers. Highlights included the long-missing cut-copy-paste tool, Bluetooth audio support, and a search function that burrows through Apple's main apps, including Mail.

Developers, developers, developers
The presentation covered many details for developers, with Apple stating that coders would have access to 1,000 new APIs (application programming interfaces). Think of these as Lego blocks that contain their own functionality; developers can more easily assemble these tools into complete apps instead of writing everything from scratch. The result will be great, new software that was previously impossible.

Apple explained the functionality behind a handful of these new modules. A peer-to-peer API lets two Bluetooth devices automatically discover each other and share content, such as in a networked game. (Forget having to join the same Wi-Fi network first, as is the current, typical technique.) Developers can now access mapping tools in their own software, including the framework to provide turn-by-turn directions. Streaming audio and video tools automatically scale content quality depending on your bandwidth. A voice-chat API instantly adds audio communications to software, especially great for games. Developers can also access the iTunes library stored on the device, using that music or data in software.

The APIs also enable hardware access, with Apple opening up even more options. A proximity sensor API, for example, lets software directly use the ear sensor. And hardware developers will be able to communicate with their own iPhone software directly through the dock or Bluetooth. This connection could result in nearly anything attaching to an iPhone; LifeScan demonstrated a glucose monitor that interacts with iPhone software.

Bluetooth gets another update, finally supporting stereo headsets (A2DP). However, Apple wouldn't explain if a bluetooth keyboard or other device will be able to connect.

The customer is always right
Apple also showcased many of the customer features. Copy-and-paste works by holding a finger on a word and dragging the highlighted area. Mail, Notes, and SMS messages add a landscape mode for a bigger keyboard. Notes can sync to your Mac through iTunes. MMS picture messages finally work--with the 3G iPhone only. Calendar features also improve, adding CalDAV and .ics subscriptions. Shake-to-shuffle from the iPod nano moves to the iPhone and touch.

Apple is finally readying the push notifications rollout promised last year. As previously announced, if a program isn't running, the developer can send Apple a notification that gets pushed to your device. For example, if you've subscribed to an ESPN alert, you'll automatically be notified of an important score with a message, sound effect, or hovering number on the ESPN app.

The iPhone hardware and software will continue to support tethering on a technical level. This method bridges the mobile 3G or Edge Internet connection to a laptop, enabling online access through the phone carrier. While Apple is working with carriers to offer this service, no specific release plans were outlined.

Everything comes with a price
In addition to the customer and developer features, Apple will be introducing new payment options for apps. Developers will continue to keep 70% of the sales money, but they'll be able to sell items on a recurring basis, like a magazine subscription. Developers will also be able to sell optional, add-on content--like new levels for a game or individual e-reader books--after the initial purchase. Those transactions will only apply to paid apps; a free app won't later be able to add charges later.

We're excited for the new iPhone features as much as new App Store software. Now we just need an app that counts the days until release.

Apple Posts Video of the iPhone 3.0 Preview Event

Susie Ochs — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:56:52 -0500

Our live blog made you feel like you were there. Our live Twittering thrilled everyone who didn't have time to keep refreshing the live blog, and/or annoyed people who didn't expect 100-plus tweets in a couple of hours. (We've apologized. They still love us. It's a St. Patrick's Day miracle!)

But nothing beats a video. Now you can see it all, and even rewind the good parts, like Smule's Leaf Trombone duet of "Phantom of the Opera." It's not to be missed.

Thanks to the good people at Apple for hosting us, providing delicious pastries, and getting this video posted so quickly. Oh yeah, and they make nice software too.

iPhone 3.0 SDK Available Now

Ray Aguilera — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:15:01 -0500

The brand new iPhone OS 3.0 Software SDK is available for download from Apple's Developer Connection site.

Developers and developer wannabes--like Robbie--can download the, copy and paste having, push notification infused, API rich iPhone OS 3.0 SDK from here.

Remember kids, it's day zero. Apple's servers are being pushed to the limit. THE LIMIT!!!

iPhone Developer Connection Down

Ray Aguilera — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:35:34 -0500

It has begun.

Keep an eye on MacLife.com for the moment the Dev Connection is back.

iPhoneDevCamp: Meet Interesting Developers, Battle Them for Prizes

Carol Pinchefsky — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:41:10 -0500

iPhone application developers don’t have to go it alone. Thanks to iPhoneDevCamp, an “unconference” centered around deadline-fueled development and open-mike presentations, you can create apps along with other iPhone enthusiasts. And perhaps win some fabulous prizes in the process.

According to organizer Dom Sagolla, iPhoneDevCamp is gathering steam after two San Francisco-based sessions. The first session in 2007--held 22 days after the initial concept--had 200 attendees. 2008’s session brought in 450. The geographically inconvenienced can attend satellite camps, held either concurrently or as stand-alone events in places like Brooklyn, New York; London, England; and Auckland, New Zealand.

Although this year’s iPhoneDevCamp had gaming and a masseuse for the developers, the highlight of the weekend was the Hackathon: a weekend-long coding event where you develop an app with people you may have met at the registration table. Competitors were judged, and the winners walked away with prizes in categories such as “most educational” and “coolest” apps.

Sagolla said, “Just like Bar Camp, we provided the Wi-Fi, the space, the power, the food, the beer, and the entertainment [participants] need to relax…. We give them everything they need to get their work done quickly and questions answered quickly so they can demonstrate something at our Hackathon contest.”

Applications produced this year included “REDACTED Debugger," a debugger that runs on the phone itself as a Web service, the award-winning TouchCode open source repository, and there were a number of excellent games developed,” said Sagolla. Hackathon winners can be found here.

Due to the nature of the event, attendees should come armed with a decent knowledge of Cocoa (Objective C). Other recommended skills include Open GL, XML, and HTML. Some of the apps that emerge from the camp are proprietary, but some, like the event itself, are open source.

Its open-source, do-it-yourself nature is part of what separates iPhoneDevCamp from events like the MacWorld Expo and the World Wide Developer’s Conference. Rather than hear prepared lectures, attendees can sign up to speak at one of the two presentation areas; you can talk about your latest project, make requests or offers, and even hold a Q & A session.

“I love the WWDC. It’s like drinking from a firehose. But at a certain point you want to sit down and actually get something done. iPhone Dev Camp is a sister conference, the open source community’s version of a developer conference. It’s about the passion of the people who attend. There are few experts, and we all need each other to get along.”

Where MacWorld Expo is centered around Apple’s products and accessories that have already shipped, iPhoneDevCamp is for people who want to create the next wave of iPhone applications.

Sagolla believes upcoming iPhoneDevCamps will prove more interesting, now that Apple has lifted the non-disclosure agreements that prevented developers from sharing information. “Now you can hold a class and demonstrate your application, without violating any agreement with Apple,” he said. Need instant feedback from other developers? iPhoneDevCamp will have it on tap.

Another notable benefit of attending the iPhoneDevCamp are the connections you can make. When organizer Raven Zachary was approached by Obama for America to write an app supporting Barack Obama’s campaign, he gathered a team that included developers he met at the camp. The app has received national and international attention.

And the downside to the iPhoneDevCamp? After coding all weekend, you probably have to code when you get back to work on Monday.

Apple Loosens Grip on iPhone Development -- But is it Enough?

Michelle Delio — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:32:00 -0500

October 1 was a happy day in developer land -- Apple finally dropped the Non-Disclosure Agreement that coders had to agree to abide by if they wanted to create apps for the iPhone and iPod touch.

That NDA essentially forced developers to re-create the wheel over and over again. If they wanted to implement something that was not obvious, or well documented in Apple's SDK, they couldn’t reach out to a community of skilled developers to find out how others dealt with the issue. A resource pool of skilled developers sharing information translates into saved time and lower frustration for coders. And we all know happy coders result in better applications for everyone.

“I'm sure the information that’s now flowing online will be like a rising tide lifting all boats in this space,” said Simon Dawlat, founder of iToonzlive a virtual pet application for the iPhone and iPod touch.

“I can think of two instances, right off the top of my head, where a good community resource would have saved us a sleepless night,” added Jason Citron, co-founder of Aurora Feint Inc and developer of multiplayer adventure games for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Jettisoning the ‘loose lips will sink our ship’ policy -- Apple noted in a rather cranky little note on its developers’ website that the NDA was instituted “so that others don’t steal our work. It has happened before” -- is a good step in the right direction. But Apple needs to drop a few more of their veils of secrecy if the company truly wants to support its developers.

Last spring Steve Jobs announced at the iPhone roadmap event that the goal was to get “as many apps out in front of as many iPhone users as possible,"with the utterly understandable exceptions of apps that are malicious, illegal, porn, violate people’s privacy or are bandwidth hogs … and -- here’s where it gets less understandable -- the rather vague "unforeseen."

Apple should have the ultimate say-so over what they will and won’t put into their App Store. The problem is that, according to the buzz online, the rejection process seems to be a little too random for developers comfort. So far it seems that your app is likely to be rejected if -- in the official App reviewer’s judgment -- it’s too similar to other applications, or perhaps if it does things that Apple may want to do themselves at some point.

Nobody really seems to know why some apps are accepted and similar ones are rejected. It seems unfair to expect developers to pour their time and money into developing an app that may not be accepted for ‘unforeseen’ reasons. The vagueness is making some developers twitchy and less than enthusiastic about making apps that stray a little outside of the mainstream.

“I have a few interesting ideas in my bucket that I won't start developing until I'm sure these apps will be accepted. I think this is a common compliant with many developers, it’s an extremely annoying situation,” said Dawlat.

Apple could also do better at communicating clearly with developers throughout the entire process. As an example, Citron’s game was removed for a time from the App store. When the game was pulled, he and his partner weren’t sure what the problem was, they eventually discovered the issue was that the game was transferring multiple player data unencrypted in one play mode. The problem was addressed with input from their user community.

Apple does have a streamlined re-review process for rejected apps, but clearer guidelines and communications processes would benefit developers.

“Their application submission process is very poor. I would love to see better error messages. They have this automatic verifier that runs on applications to make sure they have their digital signatures in place properly. We've spent countless nights tweaking settings in my compiler to try and get it to sign the app properly,” said Citron.

“Also, their streaming audio system is ridiculously complicated. It would be nice if they simplified that and made it easier to play music in games,” Citron added.

One of the ways that Apple differentiates itself is by providing the optimum user experience, and part of the way they provide this is by micromanaging. This hands-on approach has proven to be beneficial to Mac users in many cases, but the paternalistic protectionism can go too far. Closed systems tend not to prosper in the long run, maybe Apple should do as Ronnie Regan advised and tear down the wall. Sure, some junk programs may sneak into the App store, but the occasional piece of crap app will function as manure that helps everything else to grow and flourish.