Interview: George Henne of NSBasic
Earlier this month NS Basic announced the release of a new version of their BASIC IDE called NS Basic/App Studio that supports development for iOS devices. This program promises to significantly reduce the learning curve that is normally associated with developing applications for iPhone and iPad devices. NS Basic has a rich history of producing tools for hobbyists and professional developers targeting multiple mobile platforms including Newton, Palm OS, Windows CE, and now iOS and Android. As soon as we heard the news, we reached out to their founder and President, George Henne and asked him the following questions:
No In-App Purchase or Game Center for the Mac
Cupertino chimed in this week via an updated version of the iTunes Connect Developer Guide. Apple gave some new information on the policies for the developers who have their sights set on publishing on the new App Store for the Mac.
Cupertino let it be known that some features will not be supported for apps that will be distributed through the App Store. For instance there will be no demos, trials, or betas for any software as well as no use of promo codes. The most recent news comes to us from the good people over at 9 to 5 Mac who are saying that Apple is not allowing for in-app purchases or Game Center support either. There is also the possibility that Apple will be selling customer review ad spots (if you will) on the store front. That’s a shame if it is true!
Epic Games’ Infinity Blade: Now Available
Epic Games’ Infinity Blade: Now Available
Epic Games has dropped their first iOS application Infinity Blade this week. The game is a fully featured, gesture based role playing game that is based on the Unreal Engine #, the same engine that brings the groups highly acclaimed Unreal Tornament and Gears of War franchise. They have been working from the time they have demoed the product on perfecting the content and taking advantage of the iPhone’s, iPad’s, and iPod’s power.
Handheld Game Developers Switching to Smartphones
We don’t even think it is arguable anymore, RIM’s and Google’s Android and Blackberry dedicated users defend their OS’s ground, but when it comes to the facts, Apple really made the smartphone arena of the tech world what it is today, seriously. There are games on the iOS front that is even approaching console gaming! Funny thing is, Apple didn’t really set out to cause a ruckus in the gaming industry, having both Sony and Nintendo saying “You gotta be kidding me” after looking at the numbers. Seems like those two are going to be shaking their heads in amazement more often as a number of dedicated handheld developers are witnessing the life that competitors are making on the smartphone and the want a piece of the cake.
Apple In The Enterprise Update
Apple is seen this week making a strong push in the enterprise. Bank of America and Citigroup are both strongly considering ditching their current Blackberry standard in favor of the iPhone and is currently testing the iPhone to see if it meets their requirements. The announcement from these two banks showed Apple’s continuing takeover in the enterprise market, threatening the strongest business leg of Research in Motion’s Blackberry. Adding yet another possible takeover in the enterprise for Apple and the iOS platform would be big bank JP Morgan Chase & Co. as they are taking a keen interest in Apple’s iPad. They are currently testing the effectiveness in productivity quality and quantity in a pilot study by providing employees iPads to incorporate them into their work.
BBC Developing TV Subscription App Targeting US Users
The British Broadcasting Corporation, better known to the world by the acronym BBC, plans on debuting an application that will allow users to subscribe to content from the network. Initially targeting viewers in the US, the app is extended world wide and any user can subscribe. At this point in time, plans for the new software are still being developed, according to the Financial Times. The company already has an application that is used by it’s United Kingdom audience dubbed iPlayer made free to use as viewers in that region already pay fees to support the company’s programming. The company isn’t allowed to charge for content on it’s network, so they are currently creating plans to build software that will allow users to subscribe to see content from the network. The US market is where the company plans to venture first.
Airplay’s Next Development
AirPlay Stretching to Safari and Third-Party Apps in 2011
AirPlay is one of the major features that Apple has touted in the iOS 4.2 update for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It allows users to stream images, video, and audio to AirPort Express and Apple TV connected devices. The debut of the feature did come with some limitations as Safari and third-party applications can only stream audio content to other devices.
