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?"

Comments

What's the big deal, really?

[LittleStone]

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.