Apple enhances iPhone with v3.0 software

Californian kit vendor Apple has shown off its shiny new iPhone OS version 3.0 this week, releasing a beta version of the software to registered developers.

Under the hood of the forthcoming release are over 1,000 new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), giving developers better tools to access the features of the iconic device. These include 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 wifi hot spots. The OS 3.0 beta release will also include a Voice Memo app and expanded search capability for all key iPhone apps, as well as Spotlight search.

The iPhone OS 3.0 beta software and SDK are available this week for all iPhone Developer Program members to use for development and testing of their apps for iPhone and iPod touch.