14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has updated its dev center with a new beta of iPhone OS 4.0, as well as a new build of the iPhone SDK for those coding applications that meet the requirements of this firmware version. The software is free to download for all Apple registered developers who are required to review the iPhone SDK 4 beta release notes before installing and developing with this beta software.
The release comes with clues that AT&T will finally enable data tethering, electronista reports, citing a Gizmodo piece. The news is particularly welcome for those eager to share an Internet connection between their phone and computer. The option enables a "set up tethering" preference for American users. According to Gizmodo’s findings, when the menu is tapped, the software asks users to either call AT&T or to visit the carrier's website to turn the feature on. This suggests AT&T will charge for the feature an extra fee, as most carriers usually do. Other changes include the following, according to the two sources:
- a new default home screen layout that puts the calculator, clock and other minor apps into a Utilities folder; - several new wallpapers that focus on reducing visual clutter; - Google Maps is now more responsive than it has been in the past; - previous beta bugs (such as brief pauses) seem to have been addressed.
On April 8, Apple unveiled plans to release the biggest iPhone software update yet - iPhone OS 4.0. Apple CEO Steve Jobs revealed at a press event that OS 4.0 would include over 100 new user features for iPhone and iPod touch owners, and for developers, a new software development kit (SDK), which offers over 1,500 new APIs to create apps. iPhone OS 4.0 is supported on iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and third-generation iPod touches, and will make its public debut this summer (probably soon after WWDC 2010). An iPad version of the software would arrive in fall, Apple said.