14 DAY TRIAL // RIM seems set to make sure that the owners of BlackBerry handsets do benefit from a wide range of choices when it comes to the software that can be installed on their devices, and the company has just released a new tool aimed at offering developers the possibility to come up with new applications, namely the BlackBerry Java SDK v7.1.
The tool is available in a beta flavor at the moment, and is compatible only with machines running under Microsoft's Windows Platform, but it expected to benefit from Mac support as well in the near future.
Today, BlackBerry app developers can download the new BlackBerry Java SDK v7.1 beta for BlackBerry Java Plug-in for Eclipse and the BlackBerry Java Development Environment for Windows.
The new SDK preps applications for the release of BlackBerry 7.1 OS, which should arrive on new devices in the near future, as well as on those running under BlackBerry 7 OS as a software update.
The primary API features of this release are:
- NFC Peer-to-Peer API, allowing applications to share files and other data through NFC technology initiated communication with Bluetooth handover. - FM radio API, which is designed to give applications the ability to manipulate FM tuner settings on BlackBerry smartphones with supporting hardware. - Profiles API, which brings more Super App features to applications, allowing them to query current profile settings and adjust their own application behaviour accordingly; or, conversely, intelligently change the current profile to match the user’s current activities.
The new BlackBerry Java SDK v7.1 comes along with a simulator for the BlackBerry Bold 9900. However, developers can also download an updated standalone version of the BlackBerry Bold 9900 simulator, which packs a more stable environment for browser-based development.
Developers leveraging net.rim.device.api.browser.field2.BrowserField are those expected to benefit the most from this. Some more info on the matter can be found in the BlackBerry Beta Zone.
The new BlackBerry Java SDK v7.1 beta is available for download from Softpedia via this link.