Apple has recently released the developer beta version of its iOS 5 mobile operating system, now featuring a number of bug fixes and stability enhancements. Key among the new features are the iCloud Storage APIs, which will enable developers to create apps that store user data and wirelessly push any changes to all a user's computers and devices at the same time.
Apple has asked developers to wipe their devices between version installs in recent times, a move it has taken to address what it describes as "compatibility issues" between iterations — although this caution does not appear to apply to installs that are executed via iTunes.
According to Apple, "This version of iOS is intended only for installation on development devices registered with Apple's Developer Program. Attempting to install this version of iOS in an unauthorized manner could put your device in an unusable state, which could necessitate an out of warranty repair."
New in this version of the OS is Notification Center, a new service to display and manage app notifications without interrupting users. Notification Center in iOS 5 builds on the existing notification system, and provisioning of push notifications is now built right into Xcode making it even (in theory) easier to implement.
As well as updating iOS 5, Apple also issued updates to beta developer versions of XCode, iTunes, and Apple TV. First unveiled in June during Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, iOS 5 includes over 200 new user features and an updated SDK with over 1,500 new APIs and powerful new development tools.
Detailing the operating system's Twitter integration capabilities, Apple has said that it wants to provide a way for developers to enable users to Tweet directly from inside apps using the new Tweet sheet. "It provides all of the features available to built-in apps, including URL shortening, attaching current location, character count, and hosting photos on Twitter. If your app is a Twitter client, it's easy to tie into the single sign-on service using the Twitter APIs. It's even possible to migrate existing accounts to iOS," said Apple.
