Technology Briefs

Cell Phone Apps Popularity Creating Developer Revenue

Recent interest in cell phone apps has increased dramatically with new device independent platforms such as Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android. Software development kits, or SDKs as they are commonly called, have made it easier for novice and hobby developers to build these applications. Apple’s new App Store takes care of marketing, sales and legal issues for selling apps, making it possible for handheld developers to financially benefit from their work.

Windows 7 Finalized

The code for Windows 7 was finalized on July 23. This engineering milestone paves the way for Microsoft’s newest operating system to begin shipping out with new PCs in October. Microsoft made its final changes to the program on July 13, leaving 10 days to test the new operating system. Much of Windows 7 remains virtually unchanged since its early preview version was released last October.

There are plans for several different versions of Windows to become available for purchase including: a low-end starter edition, several home and professional versions, and an ultimate version.

Microsoft Changes Position on EU Browser Ballot

Microsoft has decided to let EU users of its Windows operating system have their choice of browser. Instead of insisting on the company’s own browser—Internet Explorer (IE)—Microsoft will allow EU users to install competitors’s Web browsers if they choose. Consumers who purchase a new PC will be given the option to install another browser via ballot screen.

The proposal also includes the option to install a competing Web browser as the default and disable IE entirely. The commission is exploring the effectiveness of the proposal based on consumer interest.