SDK

GDC talk: Legal pitfalls for iPhone app developers

SAN FRANCISCO--To most consumers, Apple's App Store may seem like sunshine and rainbows. But to a developer, getting an application on it presents a number of legal challenges.

No, it's not Apple's historically notorious approval process. Instead, as attorney and Joystiq contributor Mark Methenitis explained to a group of developers during a talk at the Game Developer's Conference here Wednesday, it's the contracts developers have to sign that can get them into some serious trouble if they're not careful.

Apple's contracts, which include the iPhone developer program license agreement, the registered iPhone developer … Read more

Apple releases iPhone OS SDK 3.2 beta 4 for iPad

Earlier today, Apple released another update to the iPhone SDK for the iPad, bringing the current version of that SDK to 3.2, beta 4. The update follows one released several weeks ago.

We have not yet heard about any new features in beta 4, but these details will likely surface soon. (In the meantime, take a look at what beta 3 had to offer.)

This OS release appears to be updating approximately every two weeks, a pattern similar to that of the iPhone OS 3.0 launch in 2009. If the pattern continues, you can expect a firmware update … Read more

Apple releases, then pulls, then rereleases iPhone OS SDK 3.2 beta 3 for iPad (Updated)

Updated February 24, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. PST: Updated to reflect that Beta 3 is available again for download.

Apple briefly released and then pulled, without explanation, an update for the iPhone SDK for the iPad, which would have brought the current version of that SDK to 3.2 beta 3.

The short-lived update followed the second iPhone OS and SDK 3.2 beta for the Apple iPad, released several weeks ago.

Prior to the SDK being pulled, 9to5Mac managed to gain access and published some screenshots showing an expanded Settings app, evidence of YouTube playing video in … Read more

iPhone SDK terms relaxed to allow lotteries (Poll)

Updated February 25, 2010 at 8:06 a.m. PST: Update and correction to reflect that the app is now free and the prize is up to $1,000 daily.

According to a report by RegHardware, Apple is now allowing developers to add contests, lotteries, or sweepstakes to iPhone and iPod Touch apps, thanks to a new SDK rule, if those contests follow some strict guidelines:

Developers must be the sole sponsor of a promotion. The app promotion must comply with all local laws. Developers must clearly state that Apple has no sponsorship or responsibility for the in-app promotion.

This … Read more

Apple releases iPhone OS SDK 3.2 beta 2 for iPad

Apple has released an update for the iPhone SDK for the iPad, bringing the current version of that SDK to 3.2 beta 2.

Like previous versions of the SDK, beta 2 includes Xcode and is only available in a version compatible with Snow Leopard for iPad developers.

The SDK supports the larger 1,024x768-pixel screen resolution of the iPad and its new interface features. It follows the iPhone OS and SDK 3.2 beta released for the Apple iPad in January. So far, we haven't heard of any major differences between the two.

Apple releases iPhone OS SDK 3.1.3

Apple has released an update for the iPhone SDK, bringing the current version of the SDK to 3.1.3.

The new SDK 3.1.3 includes Xcode, which is available in versions that are compatible with Leopard and Snow Leopard for iPhone and iPod Touch developers.

The SDK update, according to information we received from a developer, is required if you plan on developing apps for devices running iPhone OS 3.1.3. According to Apple, the corresponding iPhone OS 3.1.3 update contains important bug fixes and security patches.

If you are interested in developing for the … Read more

Buzz Out Loud Podcast 1154: How much is that moon trip in Microsoft points?

Yes of course we rehash the Apple iPad. We find out how to pronounce it properly in Boston. And we determine that it is the fundamental problem with democracy. But there is other news, including a class-action suit against Microsoft over its points system on Xbox and Zune. And President Obama wants to kill the moon program for now.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 1154

Apple’s iPad: What you need to know http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20000020-37.html

Apple lifts VoIP over cellular restrictions in new iPhone … Read more

iPhone OS and SDK 3.2 beta released for Apple iPad

Unfortunately for iPhone owners, it appears that features included in the new Apple iPad OS won't be compatible with Apple's phone.

According to Engadget, Apple's updated human interface guidelines describe new User Interface(UI) elements, split view and popovers as "iPad-only" features. Though this shouldn't come as a surprise since those UI elements were built for larger displays, it may mean that developers are going to have a tough time making some apps work on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

Even more interesting is the fact that the new SDK shows support for … Read more

Developer takes App Store plea to video

Joel Comm, creator of the famous iFart application, is using a new platform to state his case for a new App Store review process. Comm is the first developer that we know of to create a video appeal aimed directly at Steve Jobs. (See video below.)

The new application, a "cha-ching" button that makes a cash register sound when pushed, was rejected because, according to Apple's rejection letter, it provides limited functionality. Comm takes issue with the rejection, claiming that there are numerous similar apps already approved by Apple, including Wooo! Button (iTunes link), Hallelujah! Button (iTunes link), … Read more