WWDC news: Mac OS X DP4 released; public beta this summer; final version delayed; Explorer for Mac OS X shown; QuickTime update

The news from the WWDC is here. The biggest news is that Apple released Mac OS X DP4 (not the predicted beta release). This signals a delay in the schedule for the final release for Mac OS X. However, the good news is that Apple will release a public beta version of Mac OS X this summer. No new Apple hardware was announced (speculation had focused on multiprocessor Macs and a handheld device). But there may be more announcements tomorrow. Mac OS X DP4 released From a press release: "Apple released its fourth developer preview of Mac OS X to the 4,000 developers attending its annual Worldwide Developer Conference. It includes the final API specifications required by developers to complete upgrades of their applications to take full advantage of Mac OS X’s new capabilities. Mac OS X Developer Preview 4 also includes a version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 5 specifically for Mac OS X, and support for the Java 2 Platform." The updated Mac OS X web page states: "A public beta will be available this summer." This likely means that the release version will not surface until the January Macworld Expo (or later). This is at least a 3-4 month delay from Apple's previous predictions. The Mac OS X page also reveals what has been added to Mac OS X since DP3. For example: "Developer Preview 4 includes Stickies, Address Book, Sherlock, QuickTime Player, Mail, TextEdit and more. The Developer Preview 4 Finder also has a more Mac OS-9 like desktop, but keeps the gorgeous Aqua finish." Developers on board From a press release: "More than 200 developers have committed to delivering products for Mac OS X." Explorer for Mac OS X revealed Representatives from the Macintosh Business Unit demonstrated Microsoft Internet Explorer for Mac OS X at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference keynote today. Microsoft's Web site should also have details soon. More announcements: WebObjects; QuickTime See the Apple Hot News page or Press Info page for still other WWDC announcements, including info about the WebObjects License price dropped to $699 and a sneak preview of the next version of QuickTime (due out this summer).