Apple Smacks Down iCommune

flipsidejones writes "Looks like Apple has killed iCommune. iCommune, as mentioned previously, allows users to share music libraries across a network from within iTunes. It seems the license for the iTunes plugin API does not allow for software-based plugins (only hardware: MP3 players, etc). Apple issued a 'Notice of Breach and Termination of License' to iCommune, who have since pulled the download. Something tells me that they won't be putting it back up anytime soon. Every time I forget about Mac OS X being proprietary, Apple does something to remind me." Well, in fairness, this could happen even if Mac OS X itself weren't proprietary, as iTunes still could be. For that matter, iCommune still is, too. Hm, none of that makes me feel any better ...

Comments

Apple is protecting itself from lawsuits

[hellfire]

Apple creates software that allows you to mix CDs called iTunes. Then someone creates an extension which somehow allows you to share music over a network.

Someone nudges Apple and says "Hey, are you supporting a file sharing network with that iTunes stuff and that software plugin?"

"No!" Says Apple, "and if someone is using it like that its against our license, we'll go squash them. Sorry mister big RIAA rep."

Apple may have a lot of cash but there is no value to be had for any major company to be supporting a file swapping network. This is CYA.

If you want to attack people, attack the RIAA and get them to allow this kind of thing. Don't blame Apple for trying to avoid lawsuits.