Last week, Palm released the Mojo Software Development Kit (SDK) for WebOS Application development. The new SDK uses web standards like JavaScript, CSS and HTML for application development. However like we wrote in January when Palm announced Pre and WebOS, web standards can be used for applet development not true application development.
When Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, it allowed only web apps on the device that used HTML and CSS. There were about few thousand web apps available on Apple’s website, but those apps were slow and limited in functionality. The iPhone application development jump-started after Apple released true SDK in 2008. Application (applet) development using web standards is easier but it offers limited hardware access resulting in limited functionality.
Web standard (Palm’s SDK) can’t access graphics hardware via OpenGL and access to other hardware features like accelerometer is limited, as was observed by Craig Hunter. Accelerometer data sample rate is limited to 4Hz on Pre’s SDK, whereas most games or applications need at least 20Hz for smooth inputs. This would hinder in development of games and applications that would offer unique features related to hardware of the device.
Another problem with web standards based SDK is that it would limit development of accessories for the device. iPhone’s SDK offers various APIs for accessories that can add new features or functions to the device. For example, Tom Tom’s upcoming car kit will offer enhanced GPS performance, clear voice instructions and hands free calling on the iPhone.
If it was 2007 Palm’s SDK would have been great, but it is 2009 and Palm has to compete with iPhone 3.0 SDK, which offers sophisticated iPhone applications and not web apps.
[Via TechzTalk]
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