14 DAY TRIAL // In addition to announcing the release of a new mobile operating system version, BlackBerry 6, Research In Motion also announced the application developers can now take advantage of a new Java SDK to support it. According to the company, the new BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 benefits from the new UI features of the OS, as well as from integration with BlackBerry smartphones, access to new services, and support for the new WebKit-based browser.
The new BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 was designed with a focus on providing app builders with the tools that would enable them to come up with visually appealing applications on the BlackBerry Application Platform. Through the new solution, developers should be able to integrate capabilities in a much easier manner, while benefiting from access to over 40 new APIs to deliver visually rich applications to end-users.
“The opportunity for developers to create applications that tie to core applications and features of the BlackBerry Application Platform has never been greater,” said David Yach, Chief Technology Officer, Software at Research In Motion. “Our veteran developers, as well as those who are new to the BlackBerry platform, are going to be thrilled with the new APIs as well as the sleek and powerful user interface.” The BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 has been published on RIM's developer website.
The new BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 comes with support for the new visual appearance of the BlackBerry 6 user interface, including pre-built UI elements like contextual menus, tables, lists, inertial scrolling, activity progress indicators, and more. At the same time, the HTML5 support included in the new BlackBerry 6 Browser enables the creation of new content for BlackBerry smartphones. A Wi-Fi Geolocation API included in the package offers enhancements for location-based services, complemented by reverse Geocoding and other new features.
“Developers can use new APIs to more deeply integrate their applications with various aspects of a BlackBerry smartphone’s core functionality. The Unified Search Framework API will allow developers to register their application and their content partners to be searchable, as well as provide a mechanism for in-app search. The Mapfield API has been redesigned to provide enhanced features including panning, zooming, my location and convenience toolbars. Developers can call the Mapfield API to customize the look of location data and can use multiple mapfields simultaneously on the same screen for added user benefits,” the handset vendor announced.
The BlackBerry Java Plug-in for Eclipse v1.1 is available for download from Softpedia too, via this link.