Apple's Biggest Bash Outside of Macworlds Starts Today
Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, will kick off WWDC 2001 at 10am PT with what's being billed by Apple as a "fireside chat". Since it's unlikely that the San Jose Convention Center has a fireplace, it is probably a euphemism for an informal discussion. Of course, Steve Jobs never does stiff formal speeches. There is always a measure of informality and interaction with the audience whenever he keynotes events but the "fireside chat" moniker promises a new level of interaction. It will be almost as interesting to see the format as to hear the content.
Mac OS X is the principal topic and attendees will find out all the inside scoop on Mac OS X. But there are other emphases as well. For example, there are a large number of Java-specific sessions. In addition, Borland, maker of the award-winning Java development solution, JBuilder, will include a copy of "JBuilder 5 Professional for Mac OS X Preview Release" in the conference bags provided to all WWDC attendees at check-in.
Metrowerks is providing early access to new CodeWarrior tools for Mac OS X. The Early Access tools support the Mach-O object file format, providing developers with access to the full set of native Mac OS X APIs, and will allow developers to create Java 2 applications on Mac OS X for the first time. The tools, which will be included in an upcoming version of CodeWarrior for Mac OS due out this fall, will be given out to WWDC attendees at no cost. With improved debugging capabilities for Mach-O and the Preferred Execution Format (PEF), the tools provide Mac OS developers with increased performance and reliability.
New session descriptions were added this week to the WWDC 2001 schedule:
There's really something, and a lot of it, for everyone. For example, there are 15 sessions on games and two additional feedback forums on games.
Hardware developers can test their peripherals at the WWDC 2001 "Plugfest". The "Plugfest" is an opportunity to test USB and FireWire devices and to socialize with fellow developers. This event will be held at 7pm at Apple Building 4 in the "piano bar" on Thursday night of WWDC. Bus transportation will be provided to and from the San Jose Convention Center. If you'd like to participate, Apple asks that you RSVP to usb@apple.com and firewire@apple.com with the names of attendees. Even developers without peripherals are welcome to join in.
There is still time to register so just walk up to the San Jose Convention Center and do it!
Stay tuned for new and exciting announcements. We will cover them as they happen.
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