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iPhone SDK Rules Block Skype, Firefox, Java ...
An anonymous reader writes "Apple's iPhone software development kit is already drawing complaints due to the strict terms of service. Voice over IP apps like Skype that attempt to use the cellular data connection will be blocked. Competing web browsers Firefox and Opera are forbidden. Even Sun is now backpedaling on its recent announcement of a java port, noting that there are some legal issues. Critics are already comparing Apple's methods to Comcast's anti-net neutrality filtering, and Microsoft's Netscape-killing antitrust tactics. Could Apple face government regulators?"
Apple didnt "slam the door" on anything. Sun shot its mouth off on "how dare Apple tell us we cant run our own apps on their phone," and then realized that they had no case, that the idea in it of it's self of a OS running a app thats running a app is stupid when the SDK is available to all and easy to program and port apps to without using java which is all but a dead language.
"Slashdot, where telling the truth is overrated but lying is insightful."
But Microsoft is a convicted monopoly. Anyone seen my Kool-Aid?
If you haven't made a developer cry, you've wasted a day.
Yes, the SDK has serious restrictions. But how can you compare this to microsoft? The whole point with regulating microsoft was the fact that microsoft has a monopoloy. I don't think anyone is going to argue that Apple has a monopoly in the mobile phone market. That's rediculous. If you don't like the iPhone or the iPhone SDK -- go elsewhere. There is plenty of competition. I personally will accept these drawbacks and keep using my iphone.
This is quite possibly the most moronic comment I've ever seen posted on Slashdot. Do a little research into the Microsoft anti-trust affair before you go shooting your mouth off.
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Apple didn't release a SDK, and people were not happy. Now Apple released a SDK, people are still not happy.
Without Firefox, without Java, without VoIP on cell network, there are still tons of things you can program on to iPhone/iPod Touch. It's a business, pure and simple. I can imagine somewhere in the contract with AT&T it specifically rule out VoIP on cell network, and anyway to get around that.
Besides, Firefox is bloated (look how slow microb run on Nokia 770). And you want to use Azureus on iPhone/iPod? I don't see any big deal they have some restrictions. If you don't like them, don't develop applications for them. Or you can just go the old jailbreaking route.
A sig is redundant.
When the iPhone was originally introduced I was excited and planned on buying one. That didn't pan out (price) and now I sit here grateful that I held off. With the AT&T lock in, bricked phones, and various other controversies, and now this SDKgate are any iPhone owners not feeling at least a little bit of buyers remorse?
On what basis could Apple be regulated? There are a multitude of alternatives available. The idea is ridiculous - nobody has to use Apple if they don't like it.
So you'll be okay when Apple adds to the OSX licensing that you can only use apps approved by them and bought from their app store? So, Safari is the only web browser you can use. Not just the preferred one that's included in the OS, but the only one they legally will allow on a machine running OSX. This is worse than anything MS ever did with respect to IE.
So in what way is the iphone 'considerably more open'.
:P
Because it's cool to own one.
Developing an app for a phone that runs symbian won't get you laid, I'm sorry to say.
B.b.b.but ... what about the Apple droids going on about how amazing it was for Apple to get AT&T to agree to "such a cheap" unlimited data connection, so they could now use it all they wanted? And tethering, what's the deal with that? I'm confused.
...to open the interface completely to third party apps ....
Does that mean it would also be completely open to malware, just like Windows computers?
Is the iPhone not primarily a phone which Apple wants to be sure it continues to work reliably as a phone? Is the iPhone a pocketable general purpose PC? Apple may think of it first and foremost as an appliance that its customers want to be reliable.
If the iPhone were completely open to any and all software, it would become less reliable as a phone and Apple would get the blame. Therefore, they will have to impose some rules. Not everybody will like those rules. Those discontents may hire lawyers to have them changed in the courts. Can the law be used to force Apple to cater to, not necessarily the needs of the customer, but the needs of others who want to make a buck from Apple's new toy?
Apple has justified fear that shoddy or malicious software will make their product less than what people are generally used to in their products. This would not only affect their phone business but also their Mac computers. Many I know have gotten Macs because of the virtually non-existent hassle with malware that plagues the majority Windows systems.
Apple may have to trample on a few would be hangers-on toes to ensure quality.
All theory is gray