Why Apple Denied the Google Latitude App

awyeah writes "A recently revealed Apple patent looks remarkably similar to the functionality of Google Latitude, which Apple relegated to WebApp status earlier this year. Obviously if Apple is working on their own version of Google Latitude (or owns the IP rights to this functionality), they'd be hesitant to put an app with the same functionality on their devices from another company."

Comments

Same as a computer

[calmofthestorm]

* Jailbreak
* Install apps
* If you ever need warranty service, reflash with original OS before sending in

This is actually a good thing.

[nilbog]

Just like that time when Microsoft said I had to use Internet Explorer. Everyone made a big deal about it back then, but it turns out that IE ended up being the best, most cutting edge browser in the end anyway!

Re:I Smell Patent War

[The Snowman]

I so badly want to see the FTC slap Apple with fines every day until they open the iPhone up to apps sold outside the app store without Apple vetting. That is the only action that sets a strong enough precedent that consumers are in charge of devices that they paid for and have a right to tinker.

That's probably not necessary. A few more of these sorts of stories get out and more people are just going to jump ship to Android.

Case in point, I didn't buy an iPhone for precisely this reason. I heard about the Project Gutenberg reader app getting blocked and I decided I didn't want any company telling me what software I can run on my phone, let alone one that has demonstrated such deeply flawed judgement.

I waited for an Android phone that I liked, and now I have a HTC Hero. It rules.

"In a world that doesn't, Droid does."

I will never own an iPhone. I have wanted an open platform ever since I first learned about the iPhone iApp iApproval iProcess. Fuck Apple. I am a software engineer: I will write my own software and run it if I please. Some phone running Android will be my next.

Communism is not incompatible with democracy

[Rix]

People have every right to implement "communist" policies if they so wish.