Software development kit
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inPulse smartwatch turns programmable, and it can almost play Doom (video) (update)
Once upon a time the inPulse was a BlackBerry peripheral, but no more -- now, it's a fully programmable device-agnostic Bluetooth wrist computer. That's because its manufacturer Allerta released an SDK this week, which lets the 52Mhz ARM7 processor and 8Kb of RAM within display whatever you'd like on the 1.3-inch, 96 x 128 pixel screen. Like the time of day... or this tiny, practically unplayable 3D game. Yours for $149. Update: Sounds like reports of the demise of BlackBerry support for InPulse were greatly exaggerated! The new developer support for the device is very much as described above, but the company assures us that Blackberry connectivity is still a huge part of inPulse, and that the Blackberry Main App is currently available from the company.
Rumor: Microsoft prepping official SDK release for Windows Kinect 'in the coming months'
Microsoft may be preparing to release the software development kit for Kinect on PC sooner than anticipated, if sources speaking with WinRumors are accurate. "Sources familiar with the plans" told the Windows-centric site that an official SDK and Kinect drivers are being prepped for a beta release "in the coming months," potentially arriving with an upcoming XNA update dubbed the "Community Technical Preview." The report adds detail to statements made by Microsoft head Steve Ballmer earlier this month, when the CEO said Kinect on PC would be supported "in a formal way in the right time." Kinect SDK and driver support on the PC will reportedly allow third-party developers to enable Kinect functionality on PC-based applications, including games. Of course, hackers haven't waited for Microsoft, releasing a flood of Kinect-enabled PC and Mac hack videos over the past few months. Just think, though -- soon, you could be officially making a monument to yourself in Minecraft! The future is now!
Samsung releases Bada SDK for developers who want to ride the Wave
Samsung still hasn't managed to get the Wave or any other Bada handset to market yet, but it's doing the right thing by offering developers the software development kit first. Granted, with a planned June release Samsung isn't managing the same sort of massive lead-time that Microsoft has with its Windows Phone 7 SDK, but a few weeks of pressure-free coding are better than none. The first public SDK for Bada was just made available yesterday, and inside developers will find an Eclipse-based IDE, a phone emulator, and tutorials. You can get it all for yourself at the source link below, but make sure you get your reading glasses out before clicking through. You'll need to agree to not one, not two, but four separate sets of terms and conditions before you can get this 606MB download flowing, and a fifth before it'll install. Oh, and it's all C/C++ based, so if you've been living in the merry land of Java and C# lately you'd better brush up on pointer dereferencing and interface definitions. [Thanks, Sacha]
Windows Phone 7 Series emulator unlocked, shows a few surprises
Microsoft was kind enough to release the software development kit for Windows Phone 7 Series on Monday, and although there was some fun to be had by scrolling around and exploring, much of the cool stuff the company showed off at MIX last week is not included -- or is it? As it turns out it's in there; only a little help is needed to unlock 'em and then all those magical hubs start them spinning for your enjoyment, including a few things not seen before. Most notable? A comprehensive looking file explorer and even a task manager, something a bit curious given the OS's effective lack of multi-tasking. The unlock was discovered and initially distributed by engineer Dan Ardelean, but he has since recanted and pulled the required file. Naturally, though, it has been mirrored in numerous places, links to which can be found at the xda-developer forum if you'd like to try this yourself. Just keep in mind that this is a far from final version of the OS, so don't be too disappointed if it doesn't quite pop like it does when Anna or Luca use it. Update: A couple videos of the unlocked features have been upped by TechAU.tv, head over to check 'em out.. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Razer and Sixense distribute SDK and FPS shooter utility through Steam
Surely you remember those Sixense motion controls that we caught lounging around at Razer's CES booth, right? Yeah. Today at the Game Developers Conference, both outfits have teamed up in order to distribute the Ultra-Precise Motion Controller SDK and FPS utility library via Steam, which should give devs the ability to create new games and port existing titles for use with the aforementioned sticks. We're told that these new tools will require "require virtually no knowledge of the inner workings of the controller," enabling coders to craft titles that take full advantage of the six degrees of freedom. Will this turn the PC into the next Wii? We kind of doubt it, but at least someone's looking out for non-console gamers who have a secret obsession with Nintendo's Wiimote.
Valve releases Left 4 Dead 2 PC SDK just in time for the holidays
Left 4 Dead 2 on PC has just received a massive update, with both authoring tools for custom campaigns and a support package for those who just want to play custom games coming down the internet's chimney. That second part might not be so exciting if it weren't for the glorious detail that it "allows running ANY map [their emphasis], including custom maps made for the original Left 4 Dead." All your old favorites like the Mushroom Kingdom (with zombies) and Lego (with zombies) -- totally playable in Left 4 Dead 2. The only thing that the Left 4 Dead 2 Team asked for in return was "to get to play your custom maps" in their game, so let's all do them a favor and get right on that. We're personally hoping to see a Back to the Future 2 (with zombies) mod by the weekend. %Gallery-64704% [Thanks, Cj]
Microsoft Surface SDK opens doors to all
Having made the dev kit for the Surface available to select partners in June (a tiny bit late), Microsoft has now officially let the software loose for all and sundry to explore, experiment, and hopefully innovate with. Whereas Surface Developer units have been required till now to successfully design and test an app, the SDK should allow thrifty designers to produce content for the massive multitouch coffee table without necessarily owning one themselves. For the sweetest (so far) example of what can be achieved with the Surface's capabilities, click this link right here. [Thanks, Phillis]
Palm makes Mojo SDK beta and docs publicly available, officially opens developer floodgates
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Palm_goes_public_with_Pre_webOS_SDK_and_docs'; Success! For all you developers hankering to get in on the webOS and Pre action (or at least see the action), your wishes have come true. Today Palm announced on its corporate blog that it would be making the Mojo SDK beta and accompanying documentation available to anyone who is interested... effective immediately. Furthermore, the company says it will begin taking submissions for new applications in the fall -- so if you're planning on getting something in, it's time to start cranking. For those of you haven't already torrented the previously available leak of the kit (or just want some real docs), this news should be music to your ears... er, eyes. Well what are you waiting for? Get downloading!Read - Palm blog postRead - Palm's developer site
Microsoft set to launch Surface SDK this month
In a fashion not dissimilar from one tiny multitouch device (save the outcry), Microsoft's large multitouch device -- the Surface -- will be getting its very own SDK at Microsoft's Professional Developer Conference this month. The package, which the folks in Redmond have apparently been promising since April, will introduce developers to "vision-based object recognition" and something called ScatterView, and a session at the PDC will detail how the kit "aligns with the multitouch developer roadmap for Windows 7." All exciting stuff, but if we don't see a giant, multitouch version of FreeCell soon, we might just stop paying attention.
ASUS releases Eee SDK, open source continues to be open
Word on the street is that ASUS has joined the fray and released an SDK for its Eee line. According to the folks over at Eee Site, the Xandros-based software package is available for download as a 1.2GB disk image. Of course, since the mini-laptop's Linux-based OS is... well, Linux, it doesn't really seem like an SDK would be necessary. Could it be that the company is just jumping on the development bandwagon, which has gone from obscure hacker-geek territory to front page Apple news? Perhaps, but it's still nice to see developers getting some attention for once. Hit the read link to get your downloads -- and apps -- started.[Via Eee Site]
iPhone SDK gets real, available today
You knew it was going to happen eventually, right? According to Apple, devs are going to be able to grab the much-anticipated iPhone / iPod touch SDK today, thus ushering in this exciting new era of third-party development for those devices. Developers will have access to the same "Cocoa Touch" framework and all other APIs used by Apple for iPhone software development. Features include hardware-accelerated 3D graphics, location-enabled apps and full access to all the media capabilities of the iPhone. The 3-axis accelerometer is also up for grabs. Just like normal Mac applications, developers can use Xcode (Mac only) for their project -- a coding environment bundled with every copy of OS X. In addition to traditional Xcode tools there's a new feature called iPhone Simulator which acts as a full-on iPhone emulator for testing out apps without destroying your device. If you're feel like living on the edge, however, Apple claims it's just as easy to shoot an app on over to the iPhone for live testing. All developers can get in on this action now, but to test apps on the iPhone beta 2.0 software they'll need to be "selected" by Apple. If they need a little extra motivation, Apple is launching a $100 million "iFund" to help support development on the platform.
iPhone gets ActiveSync support for Exchange
As was hinted at some days ago, the Cupertino crew decided that the iPhone was finally ready for prime time in belt clips around the nation. Well, great news friends, Enterprise to Apple means Microsoft Exchange and ActiveSync support. We can expect features like Push mail and Contacts, Global Address List, Cisco IPsec VPN, authentication via certificate, and even remote wipe. Also on the table is Salesforce.com's Sales Force Automation CRM Application (SFA) and they've even thrown in support for maps. When can we get our greedy little hands on this you ask? As soon as the next iPhone firmware update rolls out, that's when.
iPhone software development to be locked down by Apple?
It was only a matter of time till the serious iPhone SDK rumors started flying, and with Apple's Town Hall event next Thursday, it's possible some of what we're hearing is right on. If that's the case, prepare to be letdown in a major way. According to iLounge, Apple will be severely restricting access on software for the iPhone and iPod touch, only allowing apps to be downloaded through iTunes, hand-picking which applications will make it to the store, and cutting off developer's access to accessories which interface with the dock connector. Of course, this is just about what we expected from Steve, since he's already lauded Nokia for its S60 verification scheme. Additionally, the report claims that the SDK we see next week will be an incomplete beta, with the full version rolling out in June to coincide with the WWDC. Thinking of any good reasons to keep jailbreaking your phone? Yeah, us too.[Thanks, Omega]Update: Here comes the counter-rumor, which has it that only paid-apps are get hand selected by Apple, while free apps would supposedly be open for download. Not clear whether that means free apps simply wouldn't be offered in iTunes, but it's all just hearsay until Apple tells us what's up later this week.
New Android SDK gallery
Here it is folks, the latest and greatest that Google has to offer -- the new Android SDK. As you can see, they've made some major cosmetic changes, as well as added some functionality. Why tell you about when we can show you, though? Take a look at the gallery below and see it all for yourself.%Gallery-15984%
Google releases new Android SDK
In case you're not clued into the developer's loop when it comes to all things Android, you might not be aware that there's a brand-spanking-new version of the SDK out right now, replete with new apps, a new skin, and tightened-up functionality. In fact, it's almost like a whole new OS. Keep your eyes on us, as we're whipping up an in-depth gallery so you can get a taste of what's to come from the Google camp. Take a look at our extensive gallery of pics right here.[Via Hello Android]
LiMo Foundation plans SDK for mid 2008
With all the hubbub over Android at Mobile World Congress this year (and in the world, in general), it only makes sense that other Linux-based contenders would step into the light. The LiMo Foundation -- a consortium of some pretty major players -- has announced plans for an official SDK in the second half of the year which will cover native, Java, and WebKit development. The software, dubbed the R1 LiMo Platform, will pull together existing APIs and development tools into a more cohesive whole, with ACCESS taking the lead on the native side, Aplix heading up Java development, and Motorola fleshing out the WebKit tools. There are 18 LiMo-powered handsets on display at Mobile World Congress this year, with seven vendors using the platform -- including Samsung and LG -- and the group says it's just added nine new companies to the team. The creation of a cohesive platform should bolster the consortium's position in the market. Says CCS Insight's Ben Wood, "To have a credible platform, a more detailed operating system framework is likely to be required."Read - LiMo Foundation Announces SDK StrategyRead - LG, Samsung bet on new mobile Linux platform
iPhone's 1.1.3 update gets ready for native applications
The well known and respected iPhone hacker Nate True has discovered some very, very interesting information concerning Apple's latest update, 1.1.3. According to Mr. True, the boys and girls in Cupertino have all but prepped the device's OS for native applications, altering the functionality of SpringBoard to display additional apps, changing the ownership of applications to a unified "mobile" user, and moving the location of preferences to the accompanying non-root directory. Additionally, SpringBoard now boasts widget support via a class called SBWidgetApplication. All of these technical and seemingly minor details will apparently make it easier for developers to create new applications for the phone, though Nate says they'll also break existing native apps in the process. All we ask is that developers get those NES and SNES emulators ported quickly and safely to the new system.
All the Android coverage you want is at Engadget right now
If you're not keeping up on the news, you may want to know that Google released its Android early look SDK to the waiting public today. Not only that, but we've got videos and pics of the prototype phones in action, doing all kinds of nasty OS activities, like browsing, Google-mapping, and most importantly: playing Quake. Confused? Excited? Freestyle-breakdance your way over to Engadget, where you'll find the breaking news and videos of Android at work, as well as a charming visual tour of the UI that we've put together for you.Read -- Google's Android OS early look SDK now availableRead -- A visual tour of Android's UI
iPhone to get software development kit at WWDC?
The iPhone's critics have focused on a handful of issues that could serve to to derail its would-be path to retail dominance; of those, the lack of a removable battery, 3G radio, and support for third-party apps are frequently cited as the top three (presented in no particular order). We may be waiting for round two to get either of the first two niggles resolved -- but contrary to initial reports, it seems that independent devs may end up getting a crack at the first model after all as Jobs had suggested at D. The New York Times is citing "a person briefed on Apple's plans" as saying that WWDC will see the introduction of a software development kit that allows folks to convert small Mac apps to run on the iPhone, seemingly making good on Apple's claim that the handset runs OS X. So who's ready to take the plunge if -- and only if -- this announcement pans out?
BackRow SDK unleashed for Apple TV
As if the Apple TV hasn't been hacked up enough in its infancy, Alan Quatermain is keeping the fun rolling with the unleashing of his BackRow software development kit. The completed SDK includes headers for the BackRow framework, iPhotoAccess framework, and QuartzComposer frameworks, which are reportedly all that's necessary in order to build and run your appliance plug-ins and the BackRow Test application. Additionally, you'll find a project template for Xcode, which "creates the Info.plist with the required elements, Appliance and ApplianceController classes, and links in the appropriate frameworks (Foundation and BackRow) for you." Of course, the possibilities are far too numerous to cover in this space, so do yourself a favor and hit the read link if you've managed to hold back your trigger finger 'til now for a detailed account at what the SDK entails.[Via iLounge]
