Sun announced that they are developing a Java Virtual Machine for Apple’s iPhone with the newly released Software Development Kit (SDK). The specific version of Java will be based on the Java Micro Edition (ME) and will open the iPhone which will be compatible with several other Java apps. Sun’s statement also included that the application will be released “some time after June.”

This means that we should look forward to Java games developed by the following companies… Gameloft, Omnigroup, Freeverse, SixApart, reQall, EA, and Epocrates.

Once again the new update may cost us iPod Touch lovers another $20 for the update coming in June, here’s what they said…

Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software Beta Includes SDK & Built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple(R) today previewed its iPhone(TM) 2.0 software, scheduled for release this June, and announced the immediate availability of a beta release of the software to selected developers and enterprise customers. The iPhone 2.0 beta release includes both the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) as well as new enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide secure, over-the-air push email, contacts and calendars as well as remote wipe, and the addition of Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to private corporate networks.

“We’re excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community with potentially thousands of native applications for iPhone and iPod touch,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPhone’s enterprise features combined with its revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface and advanced software architecture provide the best user experience and the most advanced software platform ever for a mobile device.” Read the rest of this entry »

Finally, after so many months, IMing is coming to the iPhone with AOL iChat native for iPhone. It’ll support invisible mode, you’ll be able to make your own buddy icons using your stored photos, and you’ll swipe to switch between conversations.

This looks to be a lot better then the AIM App for you iPhone and Touch fans who have Apollo on their Jailbroken hardware.

Today Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone software development kit (SDK) at a special event held on its Cupertino campus.

iPhone 2.0 Software & The App Store

The iPhone 2.0 software release will contain the App Store, a new application that lets users browse, search, purchase and wirelessly download third party applications directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch.

Developers set the price for their applications—including free—and retain 70 percent of all sales revenues. Users can download free applications at no charge to either the user or developer, or purchase applications with one click.

Enterprise customers will be able to create a secure, private page on the App Store accessible only by their employees. Apple will cover all credit card, web hosting, infrastructure and DRM costs associated with offering applications on the App Store.

Third party iPhone and iPod touch applications must be approved by Apple and will be available exclusively through the App Store.

In addition to these new iPhone network and security features, the beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.

What it all means…

All in all, it looks like Apple nailed it today. It’s turning the iPhone into a new platform, with a very low barrier to entry for developers, a bag a money to jump start things and a massive audience of buyers.

This means that there’s going to be an explosion of iPhone application development. It means that there will soon be thousands of cool apps to download to the iPhone. It means that we’ll see new blogging, podcasting and social media apps.

This could end up being the biggest tech event of the year.

Here’s the iGo 3D GPS navigation running on iPhone…

The shoe and iPod makers said they’re actively working with major gym equipment manufacturers such as Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac and Technogym to make their cardio equipment Nike + iPod compatible so members can easily track workouts on gym equipment.

Come this summer, Nike + iPod Sport Kit users will be able to simply plug their iPod nano into compatible equipment at the start of their workout to automatically record their progress. Users can then connect their iPod with their computer to upload the workout to NikePlus.com.

“The iPod is an essential part of millions of people’s workouts and now users can easily set goals and track their progress with Nike + iPod,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing for iPod. “We’re excited to be working with Nike and leading equipment manufacturers to bring the Nike + iPod experience to the gym.”

Among the participating gyms are 24 Hour Fitness nationwide and Virgin Active Health Clubs internationally, where members will see workout data from their Nike + iPod sport kits converted to “CardioMiles” following each work out, so that they can easily set goals and participate in challenges with runners and with users of other cardio equipment.