With the recent release of the Samsung bada SDK, it’s clear that new OS flooding the mobile terrain are competing for developer attention. According to the Palm Developer Center blog, the company is allowing access to webOS version 2.0 for those developers who are a part of their Early Access program.
Loaded with enticing new attributes, webOS 2.0 will be released for handset owners towards the end of the year. The Universal Search feature has been rechristened to Just Type, wherein users will be able to use the Quick Actions function in order to update their social status, add items to a shopping list or set reminders. The Node.js runtime environment is integrated into the OS 2.0, thus enabling developers to build services using JavaScript too.
This new beta software will bring along a new mode called Exhibition. When a phone running this OS is locked and placed in the Palm Touchstone charging dock, it shifts to full screen mode, thus enriching the smartphone experience. There will be certain options built into the OS for this mode, though developers can create new apps supported by this mode or simply create something entirely new for Exhibition.
With Synergy, developers will be equipped to create Synergy connectors for Calendar, Contacts, Messaging as well as other webOS data types in future. Making use of the latest Synergy APIs developers can permit end users to access chat or IM through the webOS Messaging app. Stacks divides related cards into groups, cuts down on clutter and makes it easy for users to shift from one task to another.
Until now the webOS PDK which is still in beta, was used to produce applications and games with C/C++. However with the latest version of webOS coming out soon, this feature will finally step out of its beta stage. Additionally, it attaches fresh new HTML5 features and enhancements for developers to work on. This is just a brief highlight of all that the company claims to deliver with their forthcoming OS.
Palm has proffered early availability to the OS with this beta release so that developers can start building applications for webOS 2.0 without unnecessary delay.