Palm today last week released a software development kit (SDK) for its new webOS mobile operating system, ushering in a critical phase as the company looks to right itself on the strength of its new Pre smartphone.

However, the news comes on the heels of efforts by Apple to block the Pre's ability to sync with iTunes, a feature previously touted by Palm (NASDAQ: PALM) executives.

It's unclear whether the net effect of the week's developments will hurt the company. But for the time being, Palm is counting on its new Mojo SDK -- downloadable from its new developer portal, Palm webOSdev -- to woo developers to the webOS platform that powers the Pre.

While the Pre generally received positive reviews, industry watchers have criticized Palm for not launching the smartphone with more applications and for not providing access to the SDK earlier in the release cycle. The premise is that the software will sell the hardware, and Palm's very existence relies on sales of the new Pre.

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