iPhone Game Development - Chris Craft [142]
In-app e-mail. The Message UI framework (MessageUI.framework) is a new framework that provides support for composing and queuing e-mail messages in the user's outbox.
Streaming video. There is now support for the playback of live video that is stored on the Web. Streamed content can be played back on an iPhone OS–based device using the MPMoviePlayerController class.
Safari features. Safari supports the audio and video HTML elements, which allow you to embed audio and video content into your Web applications. Safari also supports geolocation JavaScript classes, which work with the onboard location services to retrieve the current location of the device.
Shared keychain items. It is now possible for you to share keychain items among multiple applications you create. Sharing items makes it easier for applications in the same suite to interoperate more smoothly. For example, you could use this feature to share user passwords or other elements that might otherwise require you to prompt the user from each application separately.
Accessibility support. Accessibility support makes it easier for people with visual, auditory, or physical disabilities to use iPhone OS–based devices.
Compass support. The Core Location framework now includes support for obtaining heading information from iPhone OS–based devices with a built-in magnetometer. Heading information obtained from such devices can be used to implement a real-time compass or other navigation-related programs.
OpenGL ES 2.0. Applications can now take advantage of the OpenGL ES 2.0 specification on iPhone OS–based devices with appropriate graphics hardware.
Simulator vs. device
The Simulator can do much of what a real device can do, but to completely know how an application will work in the field, you much test it on true devices. Many things such as battery life, performance, and hardware-related APIs are only valid on actual devices.
Simulator limitations include the following:
Accelerometer supports only shakes and rotation.
Camera is not supported.
Location/GPS is hardcoded to one location.
Multi-Touch events are not supported.
OpenGL ES is not supported.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) is not supported.
Time zone cannot be set on Simulator.
If your application is built around any of these features, you will only be able to fully test your applications on true devices. Again, the Simulator works great for quick and dirty testing, but always run your application on a real device for final testing.
Worldwide Developers Conference
The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) provides developers with in-depth technical information and hands-on learning about the powerful technologies in iPhone OS and Mac OS X from the Apple engineers who created them. The WWDC is a great opportunity for developers to learn more about the iPhone SDK directly from the source. The conference typically lasts five days and has over a thousand Apple engineers who give presentations and are available to answer your questions. The conference always sells out well in advance.
WWDC highlights include the following:
iPhone OS and Mac OS X developer-focused content
Technical sessions
Hands-on labs
Special events, such as Stump the Experts and the Apple Design Awards
5,000 other developers on site
Tip
Find out more about the Worldwide Developers Conference at http://developer.apple.com/wwdc/.
Apple Developer Connection (ADC) memberships
You have to join the iPhone Developer Program if you want to be able to create applications that can be installed on real devices from the App Store. But you can also get an Apple Developer Connection (ADC) membership. Membership levels are Premier ($3,499), Select ($499), Student ($99), and Online (free) for a one-year membership. Figure 10.13 shows the ADC membership page.
FIGURE 10.13
Apple Developer Connection membership page
ADC memberships offer many more benefits, including:
One ticket to the Apple Worldwide Developers