Apple Announces Enhanced Newton Toolkit, Reduced Prices
CUPERTINO, Calif. — July 11, 1995 — Underscoring its commitment to provide Newton software developers with powerful, productive tools and an open platform on which to develop, Apple Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) today announced the availability of Newton Toolkit (NTK) version 1.5 and Newton Book Maker version 1.1. NTK 1.5, available for Mac OS-based computers, features a new NewtonScript compiler and profiler, which enable software developers to create much higher performance applications for the Newton platform. NTK 1.5 provides a range of user interface improvements designed to make NTK even simpler, more intuitive, and easier to use than previous versions. NTK 1.5 also features greater support for developing software localized for multiple markets worldwide.
Newton Toolkit, shipping since August 1993, is a productive, high-level object-oriented development system that has enabled developers to create more applications for the Newton platform than for any other PDA platform to date. NTK combines rapid prototyping and interface building, a library of extensible components, and an interactive development model, enabling developers to see the results of their work in seconds. These features make it possible for developers to bring products to market much more quickly than on other PDA platforms.
"With this new version, we're putting greater power and control into developers' hands, allowing them to do more to differentiate and significantly increase performance of their applications," said Sandy Benett, Director of Software Engineering in Apple's Newton Systems Group. "These enhancements, which are based on feedback from our developers, build on our already strong software development foundation and support our overall strategy of providing developers with greater choice and development opportunity."
Newton Toolkit 1.5 Features
The new NewtonScript compiler and code profiler enable developers to create much higher performance Newton applications. The code profiler lets developers quickly determine which routines in their application will benefit from being compiled directly to ARM machine code by the NewtonScript compiler. This results in the fastest possible performance when an application is delivered to customers.
"Whether we're developing a prototype 10 minutes before a meeting or putting the finishing touches on a yearlong project, the Newton Toolkit gives us the power to do more in less time than ever before," said Todd Courtois, Architect for AllPen Software, Inc., a custom PDA software developer. "This new version of NTK lets us build smaller, faster applications in less time, and allows us to tailor our deliverables to our customer's needs."
Newton Book Maker Features
Newton Book Maker 1.1, now sold separately from the Newton Toolkit, is a tool for application developers that allows for the creation of electronic books, travel guides, reference manuals, and corporate documentation for PDA devices based on Apple's Newton technology. The Book Maker tool automatically creates sophisticated and easy-to-navigate applications from electronic documents.
This feature allows people without any programming expertise to create interactive Newton books quickly and easily. Newton programmers can use Newton Toolkit objects and the NewtonScript language to fully extend and customize Book Maker applications. Newton Book Maker 1.1 features several minor enhancements and bug fixes.
Pricing and Availability
With Newton Toolkit 1.5, Apple is establishing a new pricing structure designed to make Newton tools accessible to an even wider developer audience than before. Newton Toolkit 1.5 is priced at US$299, and Newton Book Maker 1.1 is US$199. Newton Toolkit 1.5 Update is available to customers who already own the Newton Toolkit for US$99 and includes updated versions of both Newton Toolkit and Newton Book Maker.
All three products are available immediately by calling APDA, Apple's source for developer tools, at: 1-800-282-2732 (U.S.), 1-800-637-0029 (Canada), or 716-871-6555 (international).
Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries.
Apple's home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.apple.com/
Customer Information Contact: If you are considering the purchase of an Apple product and would like to have product information faxed to you, please call 1-800-462-4396 in the U.S. or 415-598-4329 in Canada. If you do not have a fax machine or would like to locate an Apple authorized reseller near you, please call 1-800-538-9696. Customers outside the U.S. should contact their local Apple representatives for information.
NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, Newton and APDA are registered trademarks; Mac OS and NewtonScript are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
CONTACT:
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