Qt enhances cross-platform application and UI development

OSLO, NORWAY: Qt, a cross-platform application and user interface (UI) development framework is now available under version Qt 5.3. With Qt, developers can develop cross-platform applications and reuse code to target all the major desktop, embedded and mobile platforms.

Qt 5.3 packs enables the simple and effortless development of applications and connected devices that run anywhere on any device, on any operating system making the end users' life easy.

To lower the barrier of entry for application development, the company is also introducing a monthly subscription plan for Qt Enterprise.

Qt 5.3 brings improved documentation and new coding examples delivering an improved user experience. In addition, the Qt for Windows runtime port has now reached the supported Beta state further strengthening Qt's cross-platform story of defragmenting multi-platform mobile development.

Qt for WinRT allows Qt developers reach number of devices including Windows 8 PCs and tablets, applications using the Modern UI, also for WinRT tablets on ARM chips such as the Microsoft Surface and Windows phone devices.

Qt 5.3 made improvements on desktop application development easing the migration path for existing users to Qt 5.

Qt positioning API provides GPS support for both Android and iOS, while the Qt Bluetooth API now provides direct support for Android. Qt mobile application customers will also benefit from the simple-to-use, cross-platform Qt API for in-app purchasing from Android Google Play and iOS app store.

Qt 5.3 introduces a first look at a new professional build tool under the Qt Enterprise offering, Qt Quick Compiler, which allows you to compile QML files into the application. The compiler ensures IP protection of the QML source and improves load time and performance by pre-parsing the QML files.

With compiled Qt Quick, application start up is up to 90 percent faster than before. Qt Quick Compiler delivers significant run-time performance improvements on platforms such as iOS.

Qt Enterprise 5.3 also introduces primary support from Digia for QNX Neutrino 6.6 with pre-built Qt Enterprise binaries that enable intuitive and attractive UIs for the QNX Car Automotive platforms and also the healthcare, industrial automation, and in-flight entertainment industries.

A 30-day free trial of Qt Enterprise for application development is now available for download.