Apple has previewed its iPhone OS 3.0 software and announced the availability of a beta software release to registered developers.
According to the company, the iPhone OS 3.0 beta release includes an updated software development kit with over 1,000 new application programming interfaces (APIs) including In-App purchases; Peer-to-Peer connections; an app interface for accessories; access to the iPod music library; a new Maps API and push notifications.
Apple also announced over 100 new features that will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer including cut, copy and paste; MMS; landscape view for mail, text and notes; stereo Bluetooth; syncing notes to the Mac and PC; shake to shuffle; parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store; and automatic login at Wi-Fi hot spots.
The iPhone OS 3.0 beta release will also include a new Voice Memo app and expanded search capability for all key iPhone apps, as well as Spotlight search across the iPhone or iPod touch.
Philip Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide product marketing at Apple, said: The new iPhone OS 3.0 is a major software release packed with incredible new features and innovations for iPhone customers and developers alike. It will keep us years ahead of the competition.
