Palm just announced the release of a new software development kit that they're calling a PDK. It's not an SDK since the folks behind the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi have already released one of those. Instead, the new system stands for a "Plug-in Development Kit," and is designed to extend the functionality that webOS-powered devices can handle.
One of Palm's earlier selling points for webOS was the ease with which developers can put together apps on the platform, being based upon web technologies such as HTML and Javascript. Problem is, that didn't exactly make developing 3D games for their handsets easy. With the depth and variety of games turning out to be a major selling point for Apple's iPhone, that's not a good thing.
So what exactly is a PDK? In Palm's terms, the new mobile development platform allows programmers to run C and C++ code on their phones, practically extending the range of software that can be run on their handsets. That means having the power to produce more compelling games than what simple web technologies would have allowed.
For developers, that means getting an existing game or application onto either the Pre or the Pixi won't require a complete redesign, allowing you to reuse existing code. Sure, it's not as simple as recompiling the exact same library for new hardware, but it will entail both less cost and effort.
[Palm via Mobile Crunch]
Less than one month after their latest firmware upgrade, Palm rolled out another change for the Palm Pre. This time, it updates webOS to version 1.1.0, bringing with it a number of notable changes, including restoring the handset's ability to sync with iTunes.
You heard that right. Palm is officially going head-to-head with Apple on the iTunes issue, potentially triggering a tug-of-war with the iPhone's parent company on the syncing debacle. They make that all too clear on the official announcement, declaring, "That's right — you once again can have seamless access to your music, photos and videos from the current version of iTunes (8.2.1)." How this all plays out, of course, will be something to watch closely.
Apart from "fixing" the iTunes compatibility, version 1.1.0 brings with it a number of feature changes, including:
- enhanced support for Exchange ActiveSync (EAS)
- IP-based mail server support
- self-signed certificates support
- NFL Mobile Live
- faster performance for Photos application
- improved clock that now appears in the notification area
- emoticons support (for messages) and improved handling of IM accounts
- various browser enhancements, including using Palm's system font
- some minor usability improvements
Aside from the official change log above (as released by Palm), Pre Central also found a number of undocumented updates.
Palm Updates webOS To Version 1.1.0, Restores iTunes Syncingunratednoel2009-07-28 14:08:35
NewsPalm Updates webOS To Version 1.1.0, Restores iTunes Syncing
Apple's recently-released iTunes 8.2.1 update, which the company says “addresses an issue with verifying Apple devices,” actually does something a little more specific than that. In particular, it draws up a list of hardware units that are allowed to sync with iTunes, barring those that are merely masquerading as Apple devices.
The prime target of the update, of course, is the Palm Pre, which has used the fact that it syncs seamlessly with iTunes (identifying itself as an iPod) as one of its selling points. While the Pre did manage that capably, pulling down songs, videos and podcasts like a natively-supported gadget, Apple wasn't so keen on the idea. In fact, the iPod-makers already dropped a hint about its plans for "unsupported third-party digital media players" with a knowledge base article last month.
With iTunes 8.2.1, Apple made good on its threat, dropping the ability to sync with the erstwhile iPhone 3GS competitor. Palm confirmed this with Down Jones, even going so far as to suggest that Pre users not upgrade to the latest iTunes update. Of course, that's as terrible a solution as you can think up, considering all future updates will likely come with the same facility anyway.
All is not lost, of course, for Pre users, who have a number of syncing options available at their disposal, albeit none of which are as convenient as iTunes. Users can copy files to the Pre, after all, much like a USB drive, although that's undoubtedly a more laborious process. There are also various third-party apps that can do the job, including The Missing Sync and DoubleTwist. If anything, I'll bet we'll see a few more pop up in the next couple of weeks, trying to bridge the gap the latest move by Apple creates.
iTunes 8.2.1 Update Removes Syncing With Palm Preunratednoel2009-07-16 10:59:41
NewsiTunes 8.2.1 Update Removes Syncing With Palm Pre
Still pissed off at Palm's stringent standards for who gets to play with their Mojo SDK for webOS? Screw waiting for the formal release and get on the action now with the current beta SDK for the Pre, which has spread over the torrent and direct download sites over the weekend.
The curious cats at Pre Insiders even gave a mini-tutorial on how to install it. According to them, you'll need the Sun VirtualBox version 2.2.4, a Java SE JDK version 6.0 and Safari 4.0, apart from the Mojo SDK version 0.3.4. Head on to the rest of the tutorial (link at the bottom) for the rest of the instructions, as well as navigation guidelines for the development kit.
There's still no word on whether Palm is fine with the leak. I'd wager good money they aren't congratulating themselves about it, though. Needless to say, those interested should get grab a copy before it's gone (which, it never really is, considering the wildfire spread of content unleashed into the wild).
Of course, there's zero chance anything you make will get on Palm's App Catalog. For the most part, you can consider it an early review copy to get better acquainted with the platform before the company offers a public release. There's also no support, so if you brick your Pre using the unofficial build, you're likely on your own.
Torrent Download: Mininova
How To Install The Palm Pre SDK: Pre Insiders
Palm's Mojo SDK For Pre Gets Leaked Over The Weekendunratednoel2009-06-29 11:50:14
NewsPalm's Mojo SDK For Pre Gets Leaked Over The Weekend
Palm Pre may well prove to be the next destination for developers looking to snag a piece of the mobile consumer pie, but it's certainly off to a slow start in terms of inventory. According to mobile analytics company Medialets, only 30 apps are currently available from the platform as of June 17th, 11 days after its launch last June 6. Oddly enough, over 650,000 copies of the 30 apps have been downloaded to date, hinting that the Pre's consumer base may be really hungry for a few more.
Why aren't there more apps in the store? For one, the SDK isn't public yet, with Palm opting to give access to the platform to only a few select developers. According to recent news, it isn't getting a full launch anytime soon either, with the end of summer the likely target date. According to a Palm spokesperson, the 30 apps in the catalog are only "preview apps from select developers," which hints that the SDK they're using may not yet be in its final form.
If you own a Palm Pre now, that pretty much sucks. You basically have a smartphone that can't do many smart things - you know, like make farting sounds and stuff - until a few months from now. In a bit of good news, though, development for webOS is said to be considerably easier than most any other mobile platform today.
“The Pre requires simpler technology for apps and we found the development process to be fairly smooth,” according to CTO Ted Wugofski from Handmark, one of the select companies invited to develop applications for the SDK. Simpler development typically means more complex apps with less resource strain - something Pre owners will be happy to look forward to. For what it's worth, this sounds like a potential goldmine for Palm, provided they can grow the user base enough to attract more developers to invest their resources.
Photo Credit: Medialets
Palm Pre's App Catalog Only Has 30 Apps, But Sells 650,000 Copies Of Them unratednoel2009-06-21 07:54:48
NewsPalm Pre's App Catalog Only Has 30 Apps, But Sells 650,000 Copies Of Them
