Research In Motion has released version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS.
This new release adds new APIs and application functionality for developers to create WebWorks applications that deliver a richer, more interactive end user experience. Developers can learn more about how to get started and download the latest WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS.
The BlackBerry WebWorks SDK is the toolset that supports developers who build applications using standard web technologies for the BlackBerry WebWorks Platform. BlackBerry WebWorks is RIM’s open source, mobile web platform that enables developers to build standalone, integrated applications for BlackBerry devices, RIM officials said.
The new APIs include support for the BlackBerry In App Payment API so developers can include In App Payment Services as part of their applications. This enables them to sell digital goods directly from their BlackBerry PlayBook applications, RIM said.
Moreover, with the new release, developers can now further integrate their applications with the functionality of the Tablet OS for PlayBook and can create new BlackBerry experiences that leverage the PlayBook’s professional grade features. Among the new APIs that enable deeper integration are the Camera API for taking pictures and videotaping from within the WebWorks applications with the PlayBook’s powerful dual HD cameras; the Microphone API which developers can use to activate the capability to record audio with the PlayBook’s microphone; the Identity API, which provides applications with the ability to retrieve information about the BlackBerry PlayBook PIN; and the File IO API which gives developers the possibility to read, copy and write files onto the Tablet OS file system, RIM officials said.
Moreover, RIM said in addition to JavaScript, many Tablet OS WebWorks APIs can now be called using Asynchronous JavaScript and X M L (AJAX), which allows for increased development flexibility for developers who prefer a RESTful or Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) implementation.
In addition, RIM said the new File Properties API, Home Screen Category and App Securities Permissions also enable deeper app integration with the BlackBerry PlayBook and expand development choices.
Meanwhile, to help developers with a smooth transition to version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK, RIM has also updated the API Reference Guide and included an additional mechanism to call some of the WebWorks APIs.
The release of the new version of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK also provides an opportunity for developers to create new or update existing applications and submit them to the BlackBerry Developer Challenge 2011 – “Most Innovative BlackBerry WebWorks app on the BlackBerry PlayBook and BlackBerry 6” competition, which is open until August 26. More information about the challenge and prizing valued at $3 million is available at http://www.blackberry.com/developers/challenge.