Platform provider Rhomobile introduced version 2.1 of its Rhodes open source mobile application development framework, promising a series of user interface enhancements for enterprise and industrial app developers including barcode reading and signature capture as well as iPhone 4 enhancements like improved support for running in multitasked environments. Rhomobile launched Rhodes 1.0 in March 2009, touting a framework to rapidly build HTML-based native apps spanning all major smartphone operating systems–apps created via Rhodes work with synchronized local data and leverage device capabilities such as GPS, PIM contacts and camera.

Rhomobile also announced an extension of its RhoSync 2.0 scalable mobile sync server to Objective C developers. “We will be providing support for JavaScript clients as well soon, which will allow RhoSync to be used from any app on any smartphone whether or not that app was written with Rhodes (using JavaScript support in the browser components),” writes Rhomobile CEO Adam Blum on the firm’s blog.

For more on Rhodes 2.1:
- read this Rhomobile Blog entry

By Jason Ankeny

Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) has reportedly acquired DataViz, developers of the popular Documents to Go productivity application–the deal is said to be valued at $50 million in cash. Crackberry.com first noted the deal, citing confirmation from multiple sources and adding that multiple DataViz execs have now updated their LinkedIn profiles to reflect their new status as RIM employees. Documents to Go enables users to remotely edit, create and view Word and Excel files via smartphones including BlackBerry, iOS, Android and Windows Mobile devices. Crackberry.com adds that DataViz scrapped plans for a long-in-the-works webOS version of the application last week, fueling speculation that all of its non-BlackBerry solutions may be discontinued in the months ahead.

The DataViz deal heralds the second significant RIM acquisition in a matter of weeks: Late last month, the device maker scooped up mobile software platform provider Cellmania, a move designed to bolster its BlackBerry App World storefront. Cellmania confirmed the deal on its website, stating “Our team has joined RIM’s global organization and will continue to bring our expertise in application storefront development to the BlackBerry platform.” Cellmania adds it will continue to support its current client base–its integrated mFinder solution promises mobile operators an end-to-end delivery and ecosystem platform encompassing digital rights management, subscription billing and content management. Cellmania also provides over 200,000 content items optimized for more than 200 handset models.

For more on the RIM/DataViz deal:
- read this Crackberry.com article

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By Jason Ankeny

Hot on the heels of last week’s Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) media event touting the Sept. 8 release of the iOS 4.1 software update, the computing giant seeded the iOS SDK 4.1 Gold Master to registered developers, promising the introduction of new services as well as a host of bug fixes. iOS 4.1 is highlighted by the launch of Apple’s long-awaited Game Center service, enabling developers to more effectively incorporate multiplayer gaming tools into their applications–available as both a set of APIs and as a stand-alone iPhone application, Game Center also features social media tools, making it easier for consumers to discover new titles as well as live opponents. According to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, iOS devices now outsell mobile gaming units from traditional videogame giants like Sony and Nintendo.

Also new in iOS 4.1: High Dynamic Range photo capabilities, which Jobs said can combine several different photos, taken quickly together, to produce clearer images. He said the platform also will enable users to upload HD video over WiFi, rather than requiring users to plug their device into a computer. iOS 4.1 additionally fixes bugs impacting the iPhone 4’s proximity sensor, Bluetooth capabilities and the performance of the iPhone 3G–users have complained that iOS 4 slowed iPhone 3G devices. Jobs said Apple will unveil iOS 4.2 in November, touting iPad additions like multitasking and folders.

Jobs said Apple has now shipped 120 million iOS devices and activates 230,000 new devices every day, adding the latter figure doesn’t include upgrades–a not-so-subtle jab at rival Google, which recently said it activates 200,000 new Android devices a day. (“The Android activation numbers do not include upgrades and are, in fact, only a portion of the Android devices in the market since we only include devices that have Google services,” Google told Fortune in response to Jobs’ comment.) Apple’s App Store now offers consumers their choice of more than 250,000 applications–downloads from the digital storefront total 6.5 billion.

For more on the iOS 4.1 SDK:
- check out the iOS Dev Center

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By Jason Ankeny

AT&T (NYSE:T) will partner with MTV Networks Digital to expand the multimedia giant’s Posted cross-platform initiative, which promises to connect consumers to their families, friends and favorite pop musicians. AT&T and MTV will introduce an “online phone unit” modeled after Motorola’s Android-powered Backflip smartphone and its MotoBLUR user interface, which manages and integrates communications tools spanning from email to social networking–at launch, the phone unit will connect fans with Posted artists including LeAnn Rimes, Adam Lambert and All Time Low, supplying toll-free numbers where consumers can ask the stars questions via voicemail. The interactive phone unit will also supply free calls to friends and family.

The Posted effort offers music fans social media updates, videos, news, and photos spotlighting featured artists across the MTV, VH1 and CMT network spectrum. Featured Posted acts include John Legend, the Roots, Jewel and Sara Bareilles.

For more on Posted:
- read this release

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By Jason Ankeny

Palm unveiled the first release of its webOS 2.0 SDK, available for download here to all registered members of the device maker’s Early Access developer program. Chief among the enhancements in webOS 2.0: APIs for Palm Synergy, which automatically brings together user information like linked contacts, layered calendars and combined messaging into one single, integrated view. Developers can now merge their applications with the Contacts, Calendar and Messaging services, with other webOS data types on tap. The revamp also features Stacks, described by Palm Developer Community manager Chuq Von Rospach as an evolution of the multitasking card-shuffling metaphor introduced in webOS 1.0–the new operating system groups related cards in stacks, effectively reducing clutter and simplifying toggling between tasks.

In addition, webOS 2.0 boasts Just Type, a renamed and revamped Universal Search tool making it easier for users to update their social network status, set reminders and complete other in-app tasks. Also new: Exhibition, which introduces a special full-screen mode optimized for passive enjoyment and utility when devices are docked. “A handful of compelling Exhibition options will be built into webOS 2.0, but we’re counting on you and your fellow developers to make Exhibition truly great,” Von Rospach writes. “You can add Exhibition support to an existing app, or build something new just for Exhibition.”

webOS 2.0 additionally builds in the Node.js runtime environment, offering developers the flexibility to build services in JavaScript. The OS also adds a host of HTML5 features and enhancements. “These are just the highlights,” Von Rospach notes. “We’ve added a lot of features that will give your apps more power and flexibility than ever.” Palm is scheduled to release webOS 2.0 sometime during the remainder of 2010.

For more on the webOS 2.0 SDK:
- read this Palm Developer Center Blog entry

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By Jason Ankeny