iPhone SDK and 2.0 Software Thoughts and a Surprise

Forgive me if I’m just a little bit pumped as I write this.  I’m still picking up bits and pieces of what happened earlier today at the Apple campus as they announced the SDK for the iPhone and some of the new features that will be coming with the new version 2.0 software.  Some exciting things, and some very exciting things.

I’m totally pumped that the iPhone is getting push email and MS Exchange support.  Down go the last barriers for adoption in big numbers by enterprise level customers.  I don’t have anything to do with Exchange (sorry, not a big wig at my place of business), but I’ve always missed the push email that I had with my Blackberry.  There’s no telling how much productivity I’ll lose when my iPhone starts buzzing every 5 minutes with another email.  Good times.

And, thank God, we finally have Apple supporting people that want to make third-party applications.  And they’re going to get support in a big way.  Apple is creating the App Store, which will be featured on every iPhone out there.  iPhone owners will be able to access the App Store from their phones and purchase third-party software.  Right there, on the phone.

And Apple is only going to take a 30% cut of the sale from the developers.  How awesome is that?  Wouldn’t you like to have the juggernaut that is Apple selling your stuff on every iPhone in the world?  That’s a very big niche market that you could easily dominate.  I’m tossing ideas around right now to see how I’m going to get in on the fun.

And let’s say you want to develop something for the iPhone.  All you need is an idea and $99 for the SDK.  Think of that, you could possibly start a business with $99.  Pretty low risk involved if you ask me.

And, if you want to get really big, Apple has decided to help you out even more.  They’ve partnered with KPCB to establish the iFund, a $100 venture capital fund that is going to specifically support and fund companies that are developing programs for the iPhone and iPod Touch.  Way to go guys, I think that’s quite possibly one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen anyone in big business do.  i know that Apple’s ultimate goal is just to sell more iPhones, but it’s good to see that they understand that they can’t do it alone and that there’s enough room in the marketplace for several people to make their businesses explode.  Very nice, gang.

Oh, yeah, the surprise.

In the spirit of today’s announcements and with the onslaught of interest in iPhone development that is sure to be coming, I’m launching a new podcast from 42 Media.  I’m working on the first show now, should be out in the next day or so.

Nothing there yet, but if you want your iPhone software development news, go ahead and bookmark iPhone Developer Radio.  The goal is for this show to be the leading provider of iPhone development news, interviews, tips, and be a showcase for new developers.  I wish all of you the best and when you’re ready, I’d love to have you on the show.  Tell all the world what you’re doing, we want to hear it.

Now if I can just get the SDK downloaded myself…