Google wants developers to bring their IoT apps to cars

Google is making it easier for developers to bring their Internet of Things (IoT) apps to cars.

Developers can begin building their IoT apps for cars using driving-optimised templates from the ‘Android for Cars App Library’.

The Automotive OS emulator for Android Automotive OS and the DHU for Android Auto simplifies testing apps for this category.

Interested developers should check out the updated documentation, car quality guidelines, and design...

13 April 2023 | Android

Apple releases Xcode 14.3 with all the latest SDKs

Apple has released Xcode 14.3 to developers, which includes the latest SDKs for iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, tvOS 16.4, watchOS 9.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3.

Xcode enables developers to create apps for Apple platforms such as iOS, macOS, and watchOS. This update allows developers to create apps that are fully compatible with the latest operating systems from Apple.

Apple recently warned that developers will be required to use Xcode 14.1 or later to build and submit their apps...

31 March 2023 | App Stores

Microsoft intends to launch a mobile app store

Microsoft is planning to launch a mobile app store that will compete against the App Store and Play Store.

According to Microsoft’s Xbox head Phil Spencer, Microsoft will take advantage of an upcoming EU law that will break up the monopoly held by the two major smartphone platform holders.

"We want to be in a position to offer Xbox and content from both us and our third-party partners across any screen where somebody would want to play," Spencer told the...

21 March 2023 | Android

India demonstrates its security-focused ‘BharOS’

India has demonstrated its security-focused homegrown mobile operating system, BharOS.

Government officials teased a homegrown mobile OS earlier this month. Local media outlet Business Standard initially reported it would be called ‘IndOS’ and will be a collaboration between the government, academia, and startups.

"India is one of the largest mobile device markets in the globe. Our objective is to create a secure Indian mobile operating system that could also create...

25 January 2023 | App Stores

Apple to provide more details about why it delists apps

Apple plans to be more transparent about why it delists certain apps.

Developers must abide by Apple’s strict App Store rules or face the banhammer. Some of these removals are due to clear policy violations while others are wrapped in a shroud of mystery.

Last March, around one-third of shareholders at Apple’s annual meeting backed a resolution that called on the firm to be more transparent about the apps it removes.

The root of the concern is Apple’s...

12 January 2023 | App Stores

Further details emerge about Apple’s first AR/VR headset

Apple is set to launch its first AR/VR headset this year and we’re starting to get more details about what to expect.

We’ve known for some time that the mixed reality headset is set to pack M2 and H2 chips, adjustable lenses, two 4K displays, a 120-degree field-of-view, and feature more than 10 external and internal cameras to offer a seamless transition between VR and AR.

As expected with such hardware specs, the headset won’t be cheap. Expectations put the cost...

4 January 2023 | App Stores

Apple is working on supporting App Store alternatives

Apple is working on allowing App Store alternatives due to legislation that forces its hand.

The EU introduced the Digital Markets Act in November which requires “gatekeeper” companies to open their platforms to other companies and developers. Apple has until 6 March 2024 to comply with the act by supporting the sideloading of apps on iPhones and iPads.

Similar legislation is being considered in the US and other regions.

Google has managed to avoid facing...

14 December 2022 | App Stores

App Store now supports prices from $0.29 to $10,000

Apple has increased the range of supported App Store prices to between $0.29 and $10,000.

The policy change is due to a 2019 lawsuit against Apple filed by software developers that alleged the company abused its market position. As part of the settlement, Apple agreed to "expand the choice of price points for subscriptions, in-app purchases, and paid apps.”

The number of price points has expanded from under 100 to 900.

"Under the updated App Store pricing...

7 December 2022 | App Stores

Dr Jaime Gonzalo, Huawei: On tackling global challenges with HMS

Developer caught up with Dr Jaime Gonzalo, VP of Huawei Consumer Mobile Services for Europe, to learn more about the company’s latest ecosystem developments.

Huawei is no stranger to global challenges and discusses them openly. A major blow was dealt to the firm in 2019 when the US added Huawei to its ‘Entity List’ which bans American companies from trading with it.

Regardless of views on whether such moves are warranted or politically-motivated, it’s hard not to...

17 November 2022 | App Stores

Apple bans using NFTs to circumvent App Store fees

Apple has updated its rules to ban developers from using NFTs to circumvent App Store fees.

Regulators and developers are becoming increasingly critical of Apple for blocking third-party app stores and payment options. With no alternative, this leaves Apple to abuse its market position to take high cuts.

“The fundamental problem for us is the lack of choice,” Basecamp CEO Jason Fried once wrote in a letter. “And [Apple Fellow] Phil Schiller’s suggestion that we...

26 October 2022 | App Stores