iPhone games to support DLC and greater multiplayer
Host of new features unveiled in the device's new operating system, including peer-to-peer connections and in-app commerce
Apple has previewed the iPhone's latest operating system, which will allow the device to support in-game downloadable content and greater multiplayer functions.
The in-app commerce support will allow users to buy major content updates from within an application already installed on their phone, rather than having to buy a separate app for significant modifications.
In addition, the iPhone will now support peer-to-peer connections, allowing for greater multiplayer capabilities, and a new 'push' function, which lets applications deliver alerts to users. The alerts, similar to SMS, would allow multiplayer invitations and an option to start the app directly from the push message.
"The new iPhone OS 3.0 is a major software release packed with incredible new features and innovations for iPhone customers and developers alike. It will keep us years ahead of the competition," commented Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
The beta version of the new software and SDK is available for registered developers to download. iPhone customers will receive the update for free upon its release later this summer, while iPod touch users will have to purchase the update for USD 9.95.
Apple's share price hit USD 99.66, up 4.44 per cent from the previous close at USD 95.42.