This release from Research In Motion (RIM) adds new APIs and application functionality which developers can leverage to create WebWorks applications that deliver a richer, more interactive end-user experience.
The BlackBerry WebWorks SDK is the toolset that supports developers who wish to 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 releases Version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS
The new APIs enables the following:
More Ways to Monetize
With support for the BlackBerry In App Payment API, developers can now include In App Payment Services as part of their applications. This enables them to sell digital goods directly from their BlackBerry PlayBook applications.
More Ways to Integrate
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:
- Camera API for taking pictures/video taping from within the WebWorks applications with the PlayBook’s powerful dual HD cameras
- Microphone API which developers can use to activate the capability to record audiowith the PlayBook’s microphone
- Identity API provides applications with the ability to retrieve information about the BlackBerry PlayBook PIN
- File IO API which gives developers the possibility to read, copy and write files onto the Tablet OS file system.
More Development Choices
In addition to JavaScript many Tablet OS WebWorks APIs can now be called using AJAX which allows for increased development flexibility for developers who prefer a RESTful or URI implementation.
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.
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.