iPhone OS 3.0 Pushes Gaming to the Next Level

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When Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone in Macworld 2007 it was primarily promoted as a widescreen iPod with touch controls, revolutionary mobile phone and breakthrough internet communications device. Over the past two years a lot has changed and it would not be wrong to say that Apple has not only reinvented the Phone but has also changed the entire mobile gaming industry.

The introduction of App Store has caused a revolution in the way software for phones should be made available and developed. iPhone/iPod touch apps and games have been successful due to iPhone’s revolutionary UI, interplay of hardware-software and the growing creative development community.

iPhone OS 3.0 will be released on June 17 which brings a lot of feature enhancements and speed bumps, but it will also push iPhone gaming to the next level with Push Notification, In app Purchase and Peer to Peer Connectivity.

iphone-push-notificationPush notification

There are a number of ways to send a push notification. Send a message with text that lets the user launch your app. Trigger audible alerts with your own custom sounds. Add a numbered badge to your app icon when it’s important to let the user know how many things are waiting for them.

iPhone OS 3.0 will enable developers to add a new feature to their apps/games with which they will be able to engage and unite users all over the world with a simple sound or text alert. Push Notification will bring new meaning to online games enabling users to connect instantly anywhere and anytime. Today Tap Tap Revenge 2 was updated with push notification service which allows you to challenge your friends to beat your high score. It will be interesting to see how iPhone game developers further make use of this service to enhance mobile gaming. ngmoco:) has already demonstrated how LiveFire (multiplayer first-person shooter) will utilize push notification service allowing you to ask your friends to help you out in game missions which will certainly add great replay value and unique gaming experience.

iphone-in-app-purchaseIn App Purchase

In app purchase gives you the flexibility to support a variety of business models. You can offer your customers additional services and content within your paid app.

In App Purchase will add the ability to offer more game levels, features and facilitate continued development for a single game title. This will keep users glued to their favorite game with more and more replay value. Thus, eliminating one of the reasons some games don’t score too well in reviews.

peer-to-peer-connectivity-iphonePeer to Peer Connectivity

Some games are just not the same when you’re playing against the computer—word games, chess and other strategy games are so much better when you’re playing against another person. You can now create games that are easy to set up and play between two devices, whether it’s an iPhone or an iPod touch

With more than 40 million iPhone OS devices sold and the number continually growing it is quite possible for your friends or the person sitting next to you having an iPhone/iPod touch. Peer to Peer Connectivity will add the ability to truly enjoy word or strategy games by connecting with other players without a Wi-fi or cellular connection. This feature will allow sharing game state over a standard IP-based communication channel through Bluetooth with automatic discovery handled by Bonjour.

Some games utilizing these features to watch out for: Sims 3, LiveFire, Touch Pets Dogs and Star Defense.

What do you think about the future of iPhone gaming? Leave us a comment.

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4 Comments on “iPhone OS 3.0 Pushes Gaming to the Next Level”

  1. Justin Heintz

    I think these new features are really awesome. The other day I got a e-mail from Apple to test Tap Tap Revenge's push notification system and it works extremely well. Within 2 seconds you get the notification.

  2. Justin Heintz

    I think these new features are really awesome. The other day I got a e-mail from Apple to test Tap Tap Revenge's push notification system and it works extremely well. Within 2 seconds you get the notification.

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